United Way to distribute $15.4 million in 2008-2009

Published June 26th, 2008

By Dale M. King
CITY EDITOR

United Way of Palm Beach County wrapped up a lot of business at a meeting last week, installing new officers and announcing that a total of $15,475,889 would be distributed during the 2008-2009 fiscal year.

“Thanks to our generous community, these dollars will make an impact, and assist human service programs that are seeing an increased demand for the services they provide,” said Scott Badesch, president and CEO of UW.

At the event, United Way leadership emphasized the organization’s low administrative cost, which is 13.5 percent.

He said the dollars represent a combination of funds received from grants, foundations, individuals and corporate workplace campaigns, including leadership gifts from United Way of Palm Beach County’s Tocqueville Society members – those who give a minimum of $10,000.

In May, United Way announced the first round of funding which was $4.2 million to local programs from the organization’s Community Care Fund. That fund contains undesignated money that donors entrust to United Way to invest in programs that provide solutions to the critical needs of the community.

Thursday’s announcement was of an additional $11.2 million that will help address critical needs through special initiatives and donor designations. The programs and initiatives that will receive funding were identified to fit within the goals of United Way of Palm Beach County’s Impact Areas, and address emerging community needs – including the increased demand for food and shelter assistance caused by economic conditions.

“For every dollar donated to United Way, 87 cents goes back into the community,” said Sergio Mariaca, board chairman, United Way of Palm Beach County. “You must admit that is a good return on investment for our donors, especially in this economy.”

Thursday’s announcement was made during United Way of Palm Beach County’s Annual Community Impact Breakfast which highlights the partnerships the organization has with local human service agencies in providing programs to the community, as well as some of the year’s accomplishments through each of United Way’s Impact Areas.

Some of the accomplishments highlighted included:

11,400 residents with household incomes of $40,000 or less used the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

United Way’s partnership with the Palm Beach County Community Food Alliance provides 533,000 pounds of fresh produce to 76 local agencies that are food pantries or are major feeding sites.

400 students with disabilities and their parents attended the free, annual S.T.A.R.S. Conference and got the resources needed to help achieve a successful transition from high school to community life.

In response to the local housing crisis, United Way was a key partner in an event that provided homeowners with workable solutions and resources that could help them keep their home and avoid foreclosure. More than 350 residents attended the event.

At the breakfast, United Way also recognized the people, businesses and partnerships who have helped United Way.

The Chairman’s Award went to six “unsung heroes” -- AnEta Sewell of South Florida Water Management District, Seth Bernstein of Boys Town South Florida, Evelyn Figueroa Parkes of Evelyn F. Parkes, Mark Pickering of Medicaid Area 9, Steve Stinson of Florida Circuit Civil and Florida County Civil Mediator, and Bridget Berry of Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

United Way staff member Debby Diamond was also a recipient.

The Countess de Hoernle Humanitarian Award went to the employees of United Way’s 52 partner agencies.

The Tocqueville Leadership award was given to Sherry and Lewis Hay, III.

For information on United Way of Palm Beach County, call (561) 375-6600 or visit www.unitedwaypbc.org.

Dale M. King can be reached at 561-549-0832 or at dking@bocanews.com.