Nashville community, board members, corporate partners join forces with United Way to impact community
Nashville, TENN. (December 17, 2013) – There is a strong focus on giving during this time of year; not only to people in our own lives, but to people in need around us. With only weeks until United Way’s 2013 campaign closes, there are a variety of opportunities for the community to unite and make an impact this holiday season. United Way encourages those who are passionate about improving others’ lives to participate in the Community Change Challenge, which will potentially contribute to the goal of raising an additional $200,000 towards helping those who need it most. Funds raised will support crucial programs in United Way’s three main focus areas of Education, Financial Stability and Health.
The challenge was put out to United Way investors in the community in early December, stating that donating just $5 a week to United Way over a year can make a dramatic impact on a family or individual in need. These dollars strengthen various United Way programs designed to move people from dependence to independence; investments may help someone pay utility bills after losing a job, help a child learn to read, or help a hard working family get their taxes done for free.
“Giving to the Community Change Challenge is a wonderful way for someone to impact someone’s life this year,” said Jim Schmitz, Middle Tennessee Area President of Regions Bank and member of the United Way of Metropolitan Nashville Board of Trustees. “During this time of year especially, it is important for people to spread the giving spirit by helping someone in need. You never know how much that $5 a week will change someone’s life for the better.”
Featured Image: Jim Schmitz, Middle Tennessee Area President of Regions Bank
Along with these efforts, Bridgestone Tire, one of United Way’s strong corporate partners, has donated Wii gaming systems to United Way of Metropolitan Nashville. Because of this generous donation and strong partnership, anyone who donates $50 or more to the Community Change Challenge by donating on United Way’s website will be entered to win a Wii. The gaming systems also will be dispersed to all 18 United Way Family Resource Centers and 12 United Way Read to Succeed sites.
The Community Change Challenge campaign culminates on December 17th, with an effort to reach United Way donors personally with calls from members of the United Way Board of Trustees. These strong community advocates will participate in a phone bank with the goal of reaching out to 300 people, encouraging them to participate in the Community Change Challenge. The United Way Board of Trustees is comprised of 44 distinguished members of the Nashville business community.