January 15, 2010

On the evening of January 12, 2010, a mjaor 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit Haiti. It is the most powerful quake to hit the impoverished country in more than 200 years. The termor struck 10 miles southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince, and was quickly followed by two strong aftershocks of 5.9 and 5.5 magnitude. Reports describe the destruction to affect as much as 70 percent of the buildings, with debris filling the roads making emergency response difficult.

You can help people affected by donating to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund. By giving to the fund, you will help ensure long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and infrastructure devastated by disaster and to address educational, financial, and health-related challenges.

Many other places are banding together to help Haiti. Click on the links below to learn how to help through the other reputable charities below:

American Red Cross

Catholic Relief Services

Doctors Without Borders

Oxfam America

Partners in Health

UNICEF

September 15, 2009

Batter up! The United Way of Greater Fall River is holding its annual Kick-Off event at the North Park Little League field to celebrate their new campaign year. The Live United Wiffle Ball Tournament will be taking place on Wednesday, September 16, from 3 – 6 pm and is open to the public for free. Local agencies and businesses, such as CDRec, the Boys and Girls Club, Citizens Union-Savings Bank and Bank Five, will be competing for a chance to win first place. The United Way AllStars, comprised of United Way Board Members, will also take a few swings with WSAR’s “Happy Hec” Gauthier as one of the guest celebrity pitchers.

The Boys & Girls Club have also announced that they will be having former Red Sox pitcher Brian Rose on their team, so come show your support of the local community by cheering in the stands.

Food and refreshments will be donated by Domino’s Pizza on South Main Street, which is managed by Seth Hockert-Lotz.

The United Way raises roughly $1.5 million each year to help fund its 31 local health and human service agencies and programs. To donate to the United Way’s annual campaign, make checks payable to the United Way of Greater Fall River, P.O. Box 2550, Fall River, MA 02722. For more information, please call 508-678-8361 or visit www.uwgfr.org.

September 15, 2009

Citizens-Union Savings Bank will be hosting a craft fair on October 10 and 11 at Bishop Connely High School in Fall River, MA. Come see the talented vendors and buy a craft or two that catches your eye! All proceeds benefit the United Way of Greater Fall River.

March 2009

The United Way of Greater Fall River hosted its 62nd Annual Business Meeting and Awards Reception on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at White’s of Westport in Westport, MA. The business meeting commenced at 5:00 pm. followed by the Awards Reception at 6:00 P.M. Unlike previous years, the United Way felt it necessary to replace the usual Awards Dinner with an Awards Reception to reflect the current economy.

The business meeting was open to all United Way supporters. The agenda included reports from various committee chairpersons and a quick review of where the United Way of Greater Fall River stands financially. In addition, special recognition was given to retiring directors who have served the organization and community over the years. Among this year’s retirees were Father Richard Gendreau, Atty. Marita Durkin Gray, Thomas Lyons of BankFive, Brian Murphy of HUB International, and Atty. Jennifer Theroux.

The Awards Reception began at 6:00 PM. The reception featured special awards to honor outstanding companies and organizations for their support during last year’s campaign. Citizens-Union Savings Bank was awarded the Number One Giving Company Award and Community Development Recreation received the Agency of the Year Award. There were also awards given to individuals who have made a lasting impression on United Way and the community it strives to help.This year’s recipients included Barbara Tripp of Citizens-Union Savings Bank and Charlene Jarest of Lafrance Hospitality for 2008 Campaign Coordinators, Jacqueline Einstein of Bank of America for Campaign Chair, and Mary Lou Mancini for Chairman of the Board.

To view images from that night, please click here.

January 2009

Fall River – Fifth grader Elaina Pevide of James Tansey Elementary School was announced winner of the first Live United poster contest held by the United Way of Greater Fall River. Live United is the new national campaign slogan for United Ways across the country. Over 660 local students from Fall River and Somerset were asked to create a poster that depicted what it means to live united by learning how to give, advocate, and volunteer within the community. After a vote by the United Way’s Special Events Committee and staff, Elaina was chosen as first place winner for her drawing of the world and children from all backgrounds joining hands around it. The United Way logo is displayed proudly in a heart at the top center.

“We are pleased that so many students in our community are learning what it is to LIVE UNITED, and we are grateful for the effort of the teachers to help generate over 660 entries in the first year of our poster contest,” said Bob Horne, Executive Director of the United Way.

As the grand prize winner, Elaina received a Live United T-shirt and matching journal in a knapsack, as well as a free magic show to be performed by Magician Matt Roberts for her entire school in March. Her winning poster will also be featured in future United Way publications. A second place prize was awarded to fourth grader Samantha Maher of the Carlton M. Viveiros Elementary School and third place was awarded to a student at the Frank M. Silvia Elementary School.

To view all 3 posters, please click here.

December 2008

The United Way of Greater Fall River hosted its Annual Holiday Campaign Breakfast  on Tuesday, December 16, at Venus de Milo in Swansea. Over 150 members of the community gathered to hear updates on this year’s campaign.
Mary Lou Mancini of Gabriel Care, Inc., and United Way Board Chair, thanked donors and community members for their time and support, but urged them to continue their efforts.
“We still need your help and your commitment to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” said Mancini. “It would be helpful if everyone could make a key call or two. With three weeks left of this year, we still have time to get the job done.”
Jackie Einstein of Bank of America, and Chair of this year’s Annual Campaign, shared highlights and challenges faced during the campaign, which has been extended to January 31, 2009.
“As we anticipated, the 2008 campaign has been a challenge for us,” said Einstein. “We are working very hard to reach last year’s number, but we need the commitment of everyone in the room to make it happen.”
Einstein highlighted early successes in the campaign, including increased giving from People, Inc., Somerset Schools, Fall River Florist Supply, Fall River Housing Authority, HealthFirst and Bristol Tape..  She also expressed a special thanks to the Rodgers Family Foundation and the Charlton Charitable Trusts for their generous leadership gifts.
The United Way recognized and celebrated the commitment of some of its long-term volunteers. Those honored for 2008 included James Kay of Stafford Insurance, Michelle Marcos. of St. Anne’s Credit Union, Joyce Raposa Of King Philip Pre-School, and Del Ferus of Samaritans, Inc..
Bob Horne, Executive Director of the United Way, also recognized four volunteers for their help with this year’s campaign. These individuals volunteered to be part of the Loaned Executive program, where local firms allow the United Way to “borrow” an employee for two weeks during the campaign. The Loaned Executives for 2008 included Michael Correia of BankFive, David Correia of Bank of Fall River, Nancy Fernandes of Citizens-Union Savings Bank, and Elizabeth Carreiro of St. Anne’s Credit Union.
Children from W.O.R.D., Inc. closed the morning’s program by entertaining the crowd with delightful holiday songs, from the traditional “Jingle Bells” to the bilingual “Feliz Navidad.”
For more information on the United Way or its campaign, please call 508-678-8361 or visit the rest of our website.

December 2008

During these hard, financial times, we know that you might not be having the wonderful holiday you imagined. However, do keep in mind that there are others less fortuante than you and that they need your help.

In lieu of United Way's LIVE UNITED campaign, we are reminding you to GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER. Many of our agencies, as well as the United Way of Greater Fall River, are holding food drives. Contact us or simply drop off a canned food or two at our offices. We have a box right outside our door so you can also donate anonymously. Your help is greatly appreciated. Also, we will have boxes for donation drop offs at all of our events, including our upcoming breakfast at Venus de Milo. We thank you for your continued support and want you to know that every little bit helps make lasting changes in our community.

June 2008

On May 30, the Ninth Street Day Nursery participated with United Way of Greater Fall River and National Grid for our annual Day of Caring. The school's flag pole was re-installed, walls painted, the garage repaired, and the attic was cleaned. Ninth Street, which is approaching its 100th anniversary as a day care, was pleased with all the help offered by the generous volunteers of National Grid.

To view pictures from our new Photobucket album, please click here.

May 2008

FALL RIVER – The United Way of Greater Fall River, Inc. is accepting applications for a total of $84,721 in Community Impact and “Investing in Families” funding, announced Lisa Lundy-Kusinitz, Chairperson of the Community Impact Grant Committee.

Community Impact Grants are distributed to agencies that are implementing new, innovative programs to meet emerging needs in the Greater Fall River community. To be eligible for Community Impact funds, an organization must be a nonprofit, 501 (c) (3) organization providing health and human service programs. Before applying, agencies should note that Community Impact funds are restricted to new programs or projects and will be funded on a one year only basis.

This year, the United Way’s Board of Directors has authorized a total of $39,721 for Community Impact Grant funding. $8,000 is earmarked for programs focusing on children and the elderly from the Margaret L. Jackson Fund, and $7,600 is set aside for programs that strengthen families from the Judge Beatrice H. and Rosemary Mullaney Fund. Also, $9,000 is available for health and/or education funding from the Charlton Fund; $11,600 for health-related programs from the newly established Pierce Foundation Fund; $1,100 for health services from the Bower Fund; and $2,200 for programs serving the Westport community from the Lafrance Fund. All six funds were established through the United Way’s Endowment Fund.

Additionally, the United Way is accepting applications for up to $45,000 in one time funding for services in the community specifically addressing family issues related to health and education. These “Investing in Families” grants may be for new or existing programs/services, providing support for a broad base of the needs of families in Greater Fall River. 6 or more grants, totaling $45,000, will be awarded. Funding for these grants is available through the generosity of the Charlton Charitable Trusts from the United Way’s 2007 Annual Campaign. Additional details regarding these grants can be obtained by contacting the United Way office.

The funding cycle for both programs begins August 15, 2008, with quarterly payments through June 2009.

All applications for this special grant funding must be submitted by Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 12:00 p.m.

Applications can be obtained at the United Way office located at 80 North Main Street. If any organization has questions regarding the application process, please contact Bob Horne, Executive Director, at the United Way of Greater Fall River (508) 678-8361.