Globe Newspapers

A Reliable
Voice in the
Community

Volume 6
Issue 31
Oct. 14 - 20, 2009

Home

Breaking News

Let’s talk about workplace giving

By Mel and Pearl Shaw

Mel and Pearl Shaw Today we participated in a United Way presentation at Natixis Global Associates in downtown Oakland. We were speaking as volunteer board members for Lincoln Child Center. Our responsibility was to share with employees some information about the center so they could consider choosing to give to the organization via the United Way.

The event was organized by Aisha Bowser, an employee at Natixis who also serves as a board member of La Clinica de la Raza. Curt Overway, president of Natixis, attended and encouraged employees to participate in the United Way campaign. Their goal as a company is to donate $9,000 to the United Way through employee contributions.

Introducing the work of the United Way was Clayton Lloyd, senior vice president with Wells Fargo who is currently serving as a loaned executive with the United Way of the Bay Area. Presenting with us about their organizations was Laurel Pendleton of La Clinica de la Raza and Susie McGlynn of the American Cancer Society. We each shared information about the services provided by the organizations we are a part of. Most importantly the United Way representatives talked about the need across the Bay Area and about how those of us who are employed can help make a difference in the lives of so many who are finding themselves in new and difficult circumstances

United Way All employees were encouraged to give, donate and/or advocate on behalf of their community — our community — the Bay Area.

Each year the United Way coordinates workplace-giving campaigns across the country. You may have been invited to participate through your workplace. Or you may have wondered why your company hasn’t asked you to get involved. In either case, you can contact Rocky Beach, director of development, at (415) 808-4249 to find out how to get involved.

Workplace giving is a simple and easy way to make an impact in your community. You complete the United Way form and select how much money you would like to give each paycheck, each month or as a one-time gift. You get to choose which organization you would like your money to support. There are many choices. And, if you don’t see an organization listed that you have a passion for, you can write in its name and the United Way will make sure your funds are directed to support its work.

It’s easy, simple and ensures that each month you are helping to make an impact on our community.

Mel and Pearl Shaw are the principals of Saad & Shaw – Comprehensive Fund Development Services and the authors of “How to Solicit a Gift: Turning Prospects into Donors,” available at www.saadandshaw.com or by calling (510) 834-4310. Saad & Shaw provides clients with a unique brand of fundraising that combines marketing with fundraising fundamentals. Clients include hospitals, colleges and nonprofit organizations.