2011 Campaign Update

January 2012

United Way of Denton County announced on January 15, 2012 that their 2011 campaign raised $1,820,214 in donations and pledges.  Rob Seay, CPA with Hankins, Eastup, Deaton, Tonn and Seay, PC, served as United Way of Denton County 2011 Campaign Chair.

“It is impressive that in these challenging economic times, 7,200 individuals across more than 160 businesses and organizations provided help to our community through United Way of Denton County.  On behalf of our campaign cabinet volunteers, board of directors and staff, I want to express our deep appreciation to every donor for such generous support,” said Seay.

Gary Henderson, President and CEO of United Way of Denton County, commented on the scope and generosity of the people who support United Way of Denton County.

“Over the past seven months, attending countless workplace campaigns, I was impressed by the diversity and compassion of the individuals who support United Way of Denton County.  It demonstrates to me the strength of this great community,” said Henderson.  “United Way of Denton County donors come from every walk of life yet are unified in their belief that they can create a better Denton County for us all.  Their generosity and selflessness is inspiring.”

Resources generated by United Way of Denton County are put to work through community impact projects and local non-profit organizations which address key community issues in the areas of education, income and health.  To determine the most urgent needs, United Way of Denton County launched their Community Needs Assessment Project under the leadership of Janet Mulroy and Bill Patterson in July 2011.  The project, which is scheduled to complete in February, will provide critical information to community volunteers on the allocations committee as they recommend deployment of funds to local non-profit partners in 2012.  In addition to granting funds to local non-profit partners, United Way of Denton County operates community impact efforts such as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Adult ESL classes, Project Blueprint (non-profit board member training) and an Information and Referral helpline.

Incoming Campaign Chair, Dr. Sheri Dragoo, Associate Professor at Texas Woman's University, is optimistic about the 2012 campaign which has already begun. 

“I am excited to see what more we can accomplish by starting in January and running campaigns for a full year.  We are continuously working to create new and develop existing partnerships that I believe will build on the successes of this year.” 

December 2011

Peterbilt Motors Company announces the contribution of $381,215 to United Way of Denton County’s 2011 fundraising campaign. Peterbilt employees raised $246,215, and Peterbilt’s parent company PACCAR contributed an additional $135,000 in support of Peterbilt’s efforts. The donation was presented to United Way of Denton County Chief Executive Officer, Gary Henderson at Peterbilt’s Truck Plant in Denton, TX.

“Peterbilt is committed to giving back to the community; and with this donation, we support United Way of Denton County’s efforts to enhance lives throughout Denton County,” said Bill Jackson, Peterbilt general manager and PACCAR vice president. “Thanks to the generous contributions of our employees, United Way of Denton County can continue to create long–lasting positive changes for our community.”

In addition to Peterbilt employees volunteering personal contributions to the campaign, a team of employees coordinated a variety of activities to bring awareness to United Way of Denton County’s efforts and to help raise additional funds. The Peterbilt team participated in activities including a chili cook-off, several bake sales, a paper airplane contest, coin collection buckets, bingo and a karaoke sing-off.

Peterbilt is the largest single contributor to United Way of Denton County, and has raised nearly 4 million dollars over the past 10 years.

“It is truly an honor for all of us at United Way of Denton County to be in partnership with Peterbilt and their generous employees.   As an organization that is committed to changing lives, we understand the vast and complex needs that span the diverse communities that comprise Denton County,” said Gary Henderson, President and CEO of United Way of Denton County. 

“When our 2011 giving campaign launched earlier this year, we pledged to relentlessly advocate each day for our neighbors in need.  It is fitting that as we near the end of our campaign, this company would be the one to put us ahead of last year.”