Press Releases
United Way of Denton County Announces 2011 Campaign Total
January 15, 2012
United Way of Denton County announced today 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.”
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF DENTON COUNTY
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous 501(c)3 non-profit (community-based) organization with a governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our community impact projects and partner agencies, it is our goal to help children and youth realize their potential, families achieve financial stability and build healthy communities. For more information, please visit www.unitedwaydenton.org or call 940-566-5851.
United Way of Denton County Opens VITA Location in LIttle Elm
Friday, December 2, 2011
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Denton County announced today expansion of their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program into Little Elm in 2011.
“VITA is an outstanding program and we are excited to be expanding into Little Elm, a community that is important to United Way of Denton County which has experienced significant growth over the last decade,” says Gary Henderson, President and CEO of United Way of Denton County. “Bringing the VITA program to Little Elm is a direct result of our partnership with the Town of Little Elm, Little Elm ISD and Communities In Schools of North Texas.”
The VITA program is focused on helping qualifying individuals and families receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by properly preparing and filing their Federal tax return. Since its inception in 2007, United Way of Denton County VITA program volunteers have prepared approximately 1,000 tax returns, generating more than $1.1 million in tax refunds for Denton County residents. For information about serving as a United Way of Denton County VITA volunteer, contact Traci Williamson at (940) 566-5851 or visit www.unitedwaydenton.org.
About United Way of Denton County
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community-based) organization with a local governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the collaborative work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential. For more information, please call (940) 566-5851 go to www.unitedwaydenton.org.
United Way of Denton County Fundraising Campaign Exceeds $1Million Mark
Friday, November 4, 2011
DENTON TX –
United Way of Denton County announced today that with two months left in the fundraising season, they have exceeded the first milestone of their 2011 fundraising campaign by surpassing the one-million-dollar mark.United Way of Denton County Campaign Chair, Rob Seay acknowledged that while this milestone is exciting, there is still work to be done.
“Our collective success as a community is dependent on the dedication and generosity of each of its members to generate as many resources as possible for our 22 partner agencies to continue to serve those among us in need,” said Seay. “We believe we can achieve great things when we work together; we’ve done it before,” continued Seay. “It’s never too late to join in the effort.”
UWDC knew it would be extremely difficult to meet the financial needs of this community in the current economy, however, instead of lowering their aim at the outset, they chose to pursue the most support possible for the local community. At the kick-off luncheon in September, newly-appointed President and CEO Gary Henderson told the crowd:
“When you carry the ball across the goal line, you tend to stop running. And we can’t stop running. As a fundraising organization, as a community united, we cannot stop running. Because the need doesn’t stop. New children enter school every year without the basic tools and skills they will need to succeed. A new class of students graduate each year into a workforce that cannot provide the financial stability a new household requires. And, sadly, a new group of people will be diagnosed with life-altering illnesses this year, many of whom will not be in a financial situation to treat them. United Way of Denton County and our partner agencies have the tools and dedication to solve these problems. What we need now, more than ever is the funding to put these solutions into action.
It is the mission of United Way of Denton County to mobilize community resources that create lasting change and improve lives. For this reason, we are not placing any limits on our fundraising this year. We will keep running, as hard and as fast as we can, through the very last moment of this campaign. We will exhaust every resource, and put 100% of our time, energy, focus and passion into raising awareness, raising the banner, and raising funds to bring life-changing and often life-saving help to our neighbors, and by extension, creating a better Denton County for us all.”
United Way of Denton County has seen growth in donations in certain areas, and has added several new partners to this year’s campaign. However, giving hasn’t returned to 2008 levels and the organization expects to receive fewer dollars in donations this year, despite receiving donations from a wider variety of people. In 2009, United Way of Denton County raised just over $1.9 million, resulting in fewer available resources for their 22 partner agencies which include:
Adult Day Stay, Ann’s Haven VNA, The ARC of Denton County , Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Texas, Boy Scouts of America—Longhorn Council, Children’s Advocacy Center - Denton County, Child Study Center, Communities In Schools of North Texas, Court Appointed Special Advocates of Denton County (CASA), Denton Christian Preschool, Denton City County Day School, Denton County Friends of the Family, Fred Moore Day Nursery School, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, Health Services of North Texas, HOPE, Inc., Interfaith Ministries, Pilot Point Goodfellows, Reading and Radio Resources, Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) , Southwestern Diabetic Foundation, and Special Programs for Aging Needs (SPAN) .
According to the October 15th edition of the Non-Profit Times, 30 percent of all non-profits surveyed reported a decline in giving and 25 percent reported stagnant giving. These results indicate that non-profit organizations still face a difficult fundraising climate. At this milestone, United Way of Denton County would like to specifically recognize the following companies who have completed their 2011 United Way of Denton County fundraising efforts as of November 1st:
AccessBank Texas |
Adams Exterminating Co. |
Atmos Energy Corporation |
BBVA Compass Bank |
Beth Marie's Old Fashioned Ice Cream |
Bill Utter Ford |
Café Du Luxe |
Cartwright's Ranch House |
Casa Galaviz |
Chestnut Tree Garden Tea Room |
City of Denton |
City of Sanger |
Classic Chrysler Jeep Dodge Mazda |
Communities In Schools of North Texas |
DATCU Credit Union |
Day Stay for Adults |
Denton Central Appraisal District |
Denton Chamber of Commerce |
Denton City County Day School |
Denton County Friends of the Family |
Denton County MHMR |
Denton Publishing Company/ A.H. Belo |
Denton Regional Medical Center |
Denton State Supported Living Center |
Devon Energy |
Double Daves Pizzaworks |
El Guapo's |
First State Bank |
First United Bank |
Fred Moore Day Nursery School |
Frenchy's Lawn & Tree Service |
Grunden Financial Advisory, Inc. |
Hankins, Eastup, Deaton, Tonn & Seay |
Hannah's Off the Square |
Health Services of North Texas |
Hicks Lightning Protection |
Huffines Kia Subaru Denton |
Independent Bank |
Interfaith Ministries of Denton |
Irwin Realty Group LLC |
J.T. Clothiers |
James Wood Autopark |
JCPenney |
Jim McNatt Auto |
John E. Baines, P.C. |
Jostens Inc. |
Josten's Student Center |
JP Morgan Chase |
Jupiter House |
Kirk Securities Corporation |
Lone Star Ag Credit |
Martin Eagle Oil Company |
Meridian Bank of Texas |
Merki & Associates, P.C. |
Morrison Milling Company |
North Central Texas College |
NORTHSTAR Bank of Texas |
Nuconsteel |
Orr Nissan |
Peterbilt Motors Company |
PointBank |
Prairie House |
Purpose Metals |
Robinson Financial Group |
Rooster's Roadhouse |
Russell Realtors, Barbara |
Sawko & Burroughs, P.C. |
SPAN (Service Program For Aging Needs) |
Springer & Lyle |
Target |
Texas Department of Criminal Justice |
Texas Department of Insurance |
Texas Woman's University |
TexasHealth Presbyterian Hospital Denton |
The Greenhouse Restaurant & Bar |
Title Resources |
United Parcel Service |
United Way of Denton County |
University of North Texas |
UNT Athletics |
Verus Real Estate Brokerage, LLC |
Vigne Wine Shop & Delicatessen |
Wal-Mart & Sam's Club Stores |
Wal-Mart Distribution Center |
Wells Fargo Bank |
Wendy's |
Wood, Thacker and Weatherly |
At the end of December, we also look forward to recognizing the companies who are working right now to complete their 2011 United Way of Denton County fundraising efforts. And we would like to thank the thousands of individual donors, advocates and volunteers across Denton County who work together to make your community a better place to go to school, to work, and to live full, healthy, lives.
The 2011 Campaign Season ends December 31, 2011. If you would like more information on how you can join us to improve the lives of your neighbors in Denton County, please contact Gary Henderson at gary@unitedwaydenton.org or by phone at 940.566.5851.
About United Way of Denton County
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community-based) organization with a local governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the collaborative work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential. For more information, please call (940) 566-5851 go to www.unitedwaydenton.org.
Meridian Bank of Texas shares sponsorship spotlight with United Way of Denton County
Friday, September 23, 2011
The Denton Chamber of Commerce held its quarterly luncheon meeting today with the help of this meeting’s sponsor, Meridian Bank of Texas. During his comments, Meridian Bank’s Denton City President, Paul Chandler recognized the breaking of one tradition by breaking another.
“You may have noticed that the tables today are without Meridian Bank notepads or stress balls or pens,” said Chandler, explaining that as the sponsor of today’s event, Meridian Bank has decided to re-direct the money they would have spent on such items into donation directly to United Way of Denton County.
“If you were at the United Way Kick-Off luncheon last Friday, you already know that we don’t have a goal this year,” said Chandler before reading excerpts from an editorial run in The Denton Record-Chronicle’s September 18th edition.
“Let’s support the work of the United Way, but let us not do so simply to cross some mythical finish line or fill in some fake thermometer on an office wall,” read Chandler. “Let us give because times are hard, the need is great, and good people are in trouble.”
Chandler then directed those in attendance to the envelopes at each place setting and challenged them to make a donation along with Meridian Bank “because it is the right thing to do.”
Bank employees collected nearly $300 for United Way of Denton County in cash and checks as a result of this challenge and Meridian Bank of Texas is scheduled to deliver a check next week for the amount saved in promotional items at today’s Chamber luncheon.
“They are really leading by example,” said Pricilla Sanders, a member of United Way of Denton County’s Board of Directors who attended today’s event as an individual member of the Denton Chamber of Commerce. “It was such a good thing they did here today.”
“We are of course grateful for their generosity,” said Gary Henderson, President and CEO of United Way of Denton County. “This was such a smart and gracious way to get people involved - and it comes after Meridian Bank of Texas completed a very successful Pacesetter campaign just a week ago!”
About Meridian Bank of Texas/ Paul Chandler
Meridian Bank Texas is owned by the Marquette Financial Companies, a privately-held financial services company with a portfolio of operating companies focused upon providing financial services to businesses and their owners. Marquette has a long history of providing financial and volunteer support to the communities in which they operate. Meridian Bank Texas shares that philosophy and is committed to actively supporting community involvement in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, focusing in such areas as affordable housing, community economic development projects, financial education for youth and adults, and other basic human/social services. Decisions are made locally with employees who live in the community, committed to the betterment of those communities we call home.
Paul Chandler is the SVP-Denton City President of Meridian Bank of Texas. A Denton banking executive for 35 years, Paul most recently was President of Compass Bank (formerly TexasBank). Previously, was SVP-Commercial Lending at Wells Fargo (formerly First State Bank of Texas). Paul is a graduate of Denton High School and the University of North Texas. He also serves on the boards of the Denton Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Denton County, TWU Foundation, SPAN, Denton Regional Medical Foundation and Denton Christian Preschool.
About United Way of Denton County
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community-based) organization with a local governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the collaborative work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential. For more information, please call (940) 566-5851 go to www.unitedwaydenton.org.
United Way of Denton County Campaign Kick-Off luncheon
welcomes Texas State Representative Myra Crownover
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Texas State Senator Jane Nelson – District 12 (R, Flower Mound) was originally scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the United Way of Denton County annual fundraising campaign kick-off luncheon at UNT’s Gateway Center this Friday, September 16, 2011. However, Ms. Nelson received the news this week that her third grandchild will be born on the same day, making her unavailable. The United Way of Denton County congratulates Senator Nelson and wishes her and her family all the joy that is a part of welcoming a new member to the family.
Texas State Representative Myra Crownover – District 64 (R-Lake Dallas) will now deliver our campaign kickoff keynote address at the luncheon. Representative Crownover is a longtime supporter of the United Way of Denton County and its critical work in the areas of Education, Income and Health.
Myra Crownover is currently serving her sixth full term as the Representative from House District 64. The district is located solely within Denton County and includes the cities of Denton, Corinth, Shady Shores, Lake Dallas, Hickory Creek, The Colony, Little Elm, Lakewood Village and Oak Point. District 64 also includes the University of North Texas, Texas Woman's University and North Central Texas College.
In 2011, Representative Crownover was appointed to the Appropriations Committee and Vice-Chair of the Energy Resources Committee. Additionally, she served as the Vice-Chair of the House Republican Caucus. At the end of the 2011 Session Representative Crownover was asked by the Speaker of the House to serve on the Conference Committee on the Budget. Only five members of the House and five members of the Senate are appointed to this committee and the appointment is recognition for her expertise and years of hard work on the Texas budget.
Representative Crownover has been recognized several times over for her pro-conservative, pro-business stance on issues affecting both the Denton area as well as the State of Texas. She has been twice-selected as a "Champion for Free Enterprise” by the Texas Association of Business, their highest honor for an elected official. In 2009, she was presented with the 2009 Taxpayer Champion Award by Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and named "Guardian of the Rainy Day Fund" by the Republican Caucus.
A former public school teacher, Representative Crownover is currently involved in the banking and energy industries. She was raised in Colorado City, Texas, where she graduated from Colorado High School. She earned her Bachelor's degree in education from Southern Methodist University and her Master's degree from Texas A&M University.
In 1970, Myra married Ronny Crownover, DVM. They celebrated their 30th anniversary before his death in March 2000. Representative Crownover has four children and four grandchildren.
Other elected officials scheduled to attend the UWDC Kick-Off Luncheon include Mayor of Denton, Mark Burroughs; Mayor Pro Tem of Denton, Pete Kamp; Denton City Council Member Dalton Gregory; Denton City Council Member Kevin Roden; Denton City Council Member James King; Mayor of Trophy Club, Connie White; Manager, Town of Little Elm, Ivan Langford; and Manager, Town of Argyle, Lyle Dresher.
The Kick-Off Luncheon traditionally features an awards presentation for Pacesetter companies who have completed their employee campaigns early as well as motivation and support from UWDC board members for companies who will start their campaign the following week. This is also when the organization makes their formal announcement of the year’s overall campaign goal. This year, however, will be slightly different.
“We talked a lot about what our goal should be this year,” said United Way of Denton County President & CEO Gary Henderson.
“It is our mission to mobilize community resources that create lasting change and improve lives. The ongoing economic climate and the cuts to funding from state and local sources for many of our non-profit partners recently have created a new and challenging situation for our community. For this reason, we do not want to put any limits on our fundraising this year. We want to keep running, as hard and as fast as we can, through the very last moment of this campaign. We want to exhaust every resource, and put 100% of our time, energy, focus and passion into raising awareness, raising the bar, and raising desperately needed funds to bring life-changing and often life-saving solutions to our neighbors, and by extension, creating a better Denton County for us all.”
United Way of Denton County is currently in the process of analyzing the data collected and focus group discussions during their most recent assets-based needs assessment survey and expects to outline specific needs within the focus areas of Education, Income and Health based on this process before the end of this year.
For more information about the 2011 United Way of Denton County Campaign Kick-Off Luncheon, contact Shannon Goleman at 940.566.5851, Ext. 101. Tickets are available at $25 per seat, or $250 to for a table of eight.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF DENTON COUNTY
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community-based) organization with a local governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the collaborative work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential. For more information, please call (940) 566-5851 go to www.unitedwaydenton.org.
Frenchy’s Lawn and Tree Service to donate a day’s earnings to benefit United Way of Denton County
Thursday, August 11, 2011
DENTON, TX –
The first ever Frenchy's Lawn and Tree/United Way of Denton County Mow-a-thon will be held Thursday, August 18, 2011. On that day, 100% of all proceeds from new customers will go to United Way of Denton County. Frenchy’s will accept checks made out directly to United Way of Denton County for the cost of the services as well as any tax-deductable donation customers wish to make.
“I’ve been a big supporter of United Way of Denton County for years and years and I just thought this was a good way to give back by doing something we specialize in,” said Frenchy. “We are hoping to fill a day – to keep all 16 of our guys busy. We will start early in the morning and work until dark if we have to to get as many customers in as possible.”
To schedule an appointment, please contact Lance in the Frenchy's office at 940-387-3164. For more information about Frenchy’s please visit the company’s facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/#!/FrenchysLawns
To learn more about United Way of Denton County, please visit their website, www.unitedwaydenton.org, or facebook page, at http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/United-Way-of-Denton-County/16741884758
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF DENTON COUNTY
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community-based) organization with a governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.
Gary Henderson Announced as President and CEO
Friday, May 27th, 2011
Denton, Texas -- Denton -- After a thorough search and review of the more than 70 candidates who applied for the position of CEO of the United Way of Denton County, the Executive Committee received and favorably endorsed the recommendation of the Search Committee that Gary Henderson be hired to the position. In a meeting last Thursday, May 19, the present members of the Board of Directors unanimously voted to offer Henderson the job. Board Chair Caleb O’Rear contacted Henderson Friday to extend the official offer, which Henderson accepted.
“His proven leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of Communities In Schools of North Texas, coupled with his previous and celebrated career in private industry positions him well. I speak for the staff, the Board of Directors and the numerous supporters of the United Way in saying that Gary has our confidence and full support in leading this vibrant organization,” said O’Rear.
Henderson entered the non-profit sector in 2003 when he became the CEO of Communities in Schools of North Texas following a 17-year career at Price Waterhouse as a Senior Manager and at Bank of America as a Senior Vice President. Henderson holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Computer Methods from the California State University at Long Beach and brings more than 25 years of experience to his new position. He is active in his community through the Texas Association of Partners In Education, the Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee, the Lewisville ISD Adult and Community Education Advisory Board, and the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce, where he was voted Citizen of the Year for 2010. Gary and his wife Pam and their two children have called Denton County home for more than 20 years.
“During eight years of leading Communities In Schools of North Texas we more than doubled the number of at-risk students served and funding to support our programs by building strategic partnerships. As President and CEO of the United Way of Denton County I look forward to being an active member of the community, working with our business and community leaders and the United Way of Denton County board of directors to generate the resources required to serve the needs of the community,” said Henderson. “Clearly, the next six months are critically important - to the United Way of Denton County, the non-profit organizations we support and most importantly the children and adults of Denton County who need our support more now than ever. I am excited about joining the United Way family and working together to tackle the challenges we must overcome to reach the next level.”
United Way of Denton County has been without a CEO since August of 2010, when Lilia Bynum took a medical leave, ultimately turning in her resignation in January 2011. In the interim, the organization’s Chief Financial Officer, Vicki Smith has been acting CEO in addition to her regular responsibilities.
“I’m excited that Gary is coming on board,” said Smith. “It has been a long season and it has been hectic, but because of the constant support from our Board of Directors and community, we have finally ended up in a really good place.”
Henderson is slated to begin his tenure with UWDC within the next month and seems more than ready to take the wheel. According to his bio, he has a bias for growth, a passion for helping people in need and a deep desire to leverage the skills and experience gained during his service in the public sector to impact lives throughout the community through non-profit opportunities.
“The CEO vacancy presented an opportunity for the United Way to seek the leadership of a dynamic and innovative leader – a leader who could not only embrace the philanthropic and mission-support of our current partners, but someone who could foster the creation and development of the new relationships required to succeed in these challenging times,” said O’Rear. “We feel strongly that Gary fits this profile.”
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community based) organization with a governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.
Letters Carriers Aim to Collect More Than 20,000 Pounds of Food in Annual Drive
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Denton, Texas -- Hundreds of people throughout Denton County do their part each year to “Stamp Out Hunger” in Denton as part of the largest one-day food drive in the nation. On Saturday, May 14, as part of the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive, postal workers will collect donated non-perishable food and household items left near the mailboxes of Denton residents.
Last year, volunteers collected and distributed almost 21,000 pounds of donated food during the 18th annual event benefiting the Denton Community Food Center. This year, The NALC and United Way of Denton County have challenged themselves to beat last year’s numbers.
“This year we hope the efforts from our community will allow the Denton Community Food Center to serve more people than ever before, we need your strength and energy to make this year’s food drive a success for Denton and for those who rely on it the most. Volunteers help make reaching these goals possible.”
The center purchases some of its food from the Tarrant Area Food Bank at a deep discount, so for every one dollar donated, the center can buy four pounds of food.
“[Last year’s] drive was definitely a success, especially given the state of the local economy,” said Tom Newell, Board Chair for the Denton Community Food Center. The money we collect makes up four or five thousand pounds of food for the drive.”
Dozens of community volunteers work in shifts at the Denton Community Food Center unloading the mail trucks and sorting food. Groups of volunteers from Sally Beauty Supply, DATCU Credit Union, Grace Pointe Church, American Red Cross Denton Chapter, Denton Kiwanis and more donate their time each year, demonstrating their commitment to LIVE UNITED ®.
“Our food drive volunteers show an incredible amount of support and really bring out all their strength and energy to make a difference to our community and the many people needing emergency assistance,” said Brooke Moore, Senior Community Impact Officer at United Way of Denton County.
Summertime is a challenge for the Denton Community Food Center, said Newell, so the food collected during this drive is especially important.
“About 45 percent of our yearly donations come in between mid-November and mid-December,” said Newell. “We’re on everyone’s mind during the holidays and subsequently, summer is our hardest time.”
Emergency food assistance is an ongoing, and even growing, need in this community, added Newell. Despite collecting nearly 21,000 pounds of food in one day, it will only last about a month.
Denton residents who wish to make a donation, should leave new, non-perishable food in paper or plastic bags near their mail boxes to be picked up on the morning of Saturday, May 14th. If you are interested in engaging in this collaborative project please contact Brooke Moore at the United Way of Denton County at 940-566-5851 x111 or brooke@unitedwaydenton.org for volunteer times and needs. Those who would like to make a donation directly to the Denton Community Food Center, can mail a check to P.O. Box 2121, Denton, Texas 76202 or call 940-382-0807 for more information.
Volunteers help make reaching these goals possible. This year we hope the efforts from our community will allow the Denton Community Food Center to serve more people than ever before, we need your strength and energy to make this year’s food drive a success for Denton and for those who rely on it the most. Volunteers help make reaching these goals possible.
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community based) organization with a governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.
Sally Beauty Holdings Production Team wins Telly Awards for United Way Campaign Video
Friday, April 15, 2011
The video production team from Sally Beauty Holdings is among the winners of the 31st annual Telly Awards, announced this week to those who entered pieces. With an average of 14,000 annual entries from all states and abroad, the Telly Awards is one of the most competitive honors given to this genre. First awarded in 1980, the Telly Awards is the premier award honoring outstanding local, regional, and cable TV commercials and programs, the finest video and film productions, and web commercials, videos and films. Winners represent the best work of the most respected advertising agencies, production companies, television stations, cable operators, and corporate video departments in the world.
Both the Telly Awards and the People's Telly Awards (begun last year and voted on via YouTube) are open to entries from categories ranging from local news segments and commercials to online videos and outdoor/ environmental PSAs.
The Sally Beauty Holdings Media Production Team, including Brian Hardin, Co-Producer and Writer, Chad Jones, Videographer and Jeff Dixon, Editor, won two Bronze Tellys for their work on the United Way of Denton County’s 2010-2011 Campaign Video. The team was honored in both the Charitable/Not-for-profit and Fundraising categories.
The same production team is currently producing the 2011-2012 United Way of Denton County Campaign Video, along with the UWDC Staff. They plan to enter this year’s video for consideration during the next round of awards.
A judging panel of over 500 accomplished industry professionals, each a past Winner of a Silver Telly and a member of The Silver Telly Council, judged the competition, upholding the historical standard of excellence that Telly represents. The Silver Council evaluates entries to recognize distinction in creative work. Entries do not compete against each other, rather entries are judged against a high standard of merit, with no set number of awards given out each year. Less than 10% of entries are chosen as Winners of a Silver Telly, the highest honor (there is no gold.) Other outstanding work is awarded a Bronze Telly. For more information about the Telly Awards, please go to www.tellyawards.com.
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community based) organization with a governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.
United Way of Denton County Elects New Executive Board
Friday, April 1, 2011
During their March 24th Board of Directors meeting, United Way of Denton County thanked their 2010-2011 Executive Board, led by Chair Todd Price, for their dedication and service during the financially trying year and elected the new slate of leaders for the 2011-2012 fiscal year, which began April 1st. The new cabinet will operate under the leadership of the new Board Chair, Caleb F. O'Rear, Chief Executive Officer of Denton Regional Medical Center.
O’Rear grew up in Denton and received his BA from the University of Texas in Austin and his Masters of Science in Health Care Administration from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. He began working for Denton Regional Medical Center 13 years ago as Director of Marketing, then as Associate Administrator, and became Chief Operating Officer in January 2005 and Chief Executive Officer in 2007. O’Rear serves on Boards for Denton Chamber of Commerce and Children’s Advocacy Center of Denton County in addition to his United Way involvement.
“It is an exciting time to be a part of the United Way. The introduction of our new CEO will present our organization with new ideas and ways of thinking. And while our community has been somewhat insulated from a difficult economy, it is important that we remain focused on being good stewards of the contributions made by the members of our community,” said O’Rear.
The Executive Board of United Way of Denton County serves as the working body of the Board of Directors between general meetings, oversees the operations of the organization, reviews and makes recommendations to the Board from internal committees, serves as the Ethics Committee, and drafts policies for the Board.
The 2011-2012 UWDC Executive Board includes: Board Chair-Elect Dale Kimble, Community Investment Chair Brandon McCleskey, Campaign Chair Rob Seay, Campaign Chair-Elect Sheri Dragoo, Marketing & Communications Chair Dawn Cobb, Partnership Development Committee Dr. Bettye Myers and Lyle Dresher, Treasurer Mark Merki, and Secretary Sherri McDade.
Immediate Past Board Chair Todd Price will serve as an advisor to the Board Chair and to the Executive Committee during the 2011-2012 year.
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community based) organization with a governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.
United Way of Denton County Announces New Hire Shannon Goleman
Friday, March18, 2011
United Way of Denton County announced the hiring of Shannon Goleman as Director of Marketing and Communications. Ms. Goleman holds a degree in Communications with an emphasis in Public Relations from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, OK. She brings nearly two decades of experience to this position, mostly in the areas of print and electronic media, promotions and event coordination. She has worked and volunteered in the private sector as well as for non-profit organizations since high school.
Ms. Goleman will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing and public relations initiatives which raise community awareness regarding the function and mission of UWDC as well as creating materials by which staff, board members and volunteers may educate the public on UWDC’s three-pronged foundation of education, income and health.
“We are very excited to have Shannon on our team,” said Vicki Smith, CFO and interim CEO of United Way of Denton County. “She is an experienced writer, is well-versed in all forms of social media and is very comfortable working with volunteers. Her personal and professional relationships with individuals and institutions in our community are a tremendous asset to us.”
“United Way of Denton County is such an impressive and progressive organization,” said Goleman. “I have been donating directly to its partner agencies for years, but this position is an opportunity for me to really roll up my sleeves and help on a broader scope. It’s kind of amazing when something you have a passion for can be the catalyst for such a positive community impact. I’m really excited to see what we can accomplish together.”
Ms. Goleman lives with her husband Bobby and their Yorkshire Terrier Alleigh in Carrollton. She is a frequent guest columnist for the Denton Record-Chronicle’s Arts & Entertainment blog, Local Spin. In her spare time, Ms. Goleman enjoys live music and arts events, reading, cooking and traveling.
United Way of Denton is a local and autonomous501(c)3 not-for-profit (community based) organization with a governing board of directors working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.
Denton Mayor Declares October “United Way of Denton County Month”
Denton, Texas (October 7, 2010): Denton Mayor Mark Burroughs and City Manager George Campbell declared October “United Way of Denton County Month” at this week’s regular city council meeting .
United Way representatives were also presented with a ceremonial check in recognition of the $63,0831.91 City of Denton employees have pledged to contribute toward the United Way campaign through a combination of special fundraisers and payroll deductions.
“We’re a municipal government, and so as employees, have a vested interest in the community we serve in. This is a way for us to make a positive impact,” said Kevin Gunn, Director of Technology Services for the City of Denton, who served as one of the city’s employee campaign coordinators. “The three focus areas of education, income and health line up well with a municipal government’s areas of concern. A healthy, educated, financially secure community is something we’re striving for, too, and is something that resonates with the city and its employees. Even in these hard financial times, I’m very proud that we’re able to give back to the community.”
The proclamation issued by Mayor Burroughs states that the “citizens of Denton County receive great benefits from the many programs provided by United Way of Denton County’s financial, education and health service agencies.”
The proclamation further encourages all citizens to support United Way of Denton County either financially or through volunteering.
United Way of Denton County is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.
Wells Fargo Invests $30,000 in United Way of Denton County
Denton, Texas (September 28, 2010): Wells Fargo officials presented a generous corporate contribution to members of the United Way of Denton County board of directors last week in support of United Way’s work in the areas of education, income and health.
Meleia Waschka, District Manager of the Wells Fargo location on Locust Street, presented the $30,000 contribution to United Way, citing Wells Fargo’s mission to build strong and vibrant communities, improve the quality of life and make a positive difference.
United Way of Denton County seeks to advance the common good by focusing on the building blocks for a better life: education, income and health. Of those three focus areas, Wells Fargo officials noted United Way’s ongoing work in the income focus area, through programs and services designed to help families gain financial independence.
About one-third of families do not earn enough money to meet their basic needs. With the help of United Way and companies like Wells Fargo, many of these families will have a chance at reaching financial independence. United Way has set a goal of helping 1.9 million working families get on the road to economic independence by 2018.
Last year, Wells Fargo earned the distinction of becoming the largest employee campaign throughout United Way system. Wells Fargo employees gave more than $60 million to United Ways across the nation in 2009. The company is not only known for its generous financial contributions, but also for their volunteer commitments. Last year, Wells Fargo employees volunteered over one million hours at United Way.
United Way of Denton County is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Through the work of our partner agencies, it is our goal to: help families have financial stability, build healthy communities and help children and youth achieve their potential.