Community's generosity celebrated at 2011 Campaign Awards Celebration

See the list of this year's award-winning corporate supporters.

Ricki Shapiro, Communications Coordinator at GE Global Research, and Chris Horne, Community Relations Manger for GE Energy, at the 2011 Campaign Celebration.

COLONIE, NY – United Way of the Greater Capital Region celebrated the community’s generosity at its annual Community Campaign Celebration on May 5.

Before a crowd of 360 at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Master of Ceremonies Charles Carletta announced that this year’s United Way Campaign raised $7.9 million for the community. This includes $5 million raised through the traditional community campaign, $2.76 million raised by local federal and state employees and $170,000 in grants.

Carletta, a member of United Way's Board of Directors and Chief Counsel and Secretary for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, assisted 2010 Campaign Co-Chairs Jerel Golub, President and Chief Operation Officer of Golub / Price Chopper Corporation, and Margaret Messer, Director of Mobilization for the New York State Public Employees Federation, in presenting awards to companies that made significant community investments through the 2010-11 United Way Campaign.

Katherine Pelham, CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region, said this year’s award-winners bear testimony to the power of giving. "You have changed lives and you have created opportunities for a better life for tens of thousands of residents across the Greater Capital Region," she said.

Event Emcee Charles Carletta, from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, interviews Vickie O'Donnell from United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region.

United Way leaders also reported that last year, more than 1,300 volunteers dedicated a total of 37,000 hours to United Way. Based on local wages, this translates to more than $748,000 in donated time, Carletta said. "So when we say that United Way multiplies the impact of your contributions, we mean it." 

Proceeds from the Campaign Breakfast will support United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region. 2-1-1 is the free number to call for information on local human services including food, housing, child care, employment, financial matters, legal issues, volunteering and more. United Way operates 2-1-1 in partnership with Family and Children's Service of the Capital Region.

Carletta explained that 2-1-1 connects people-in-need with vital resources - so short-term needs don't become long-term problems that affect individuals, their families and the community.

Testimonials of 2-1-1 impact were shared by 2-1-1- Information and Referral Specialist Vickie O'Donnell. "There are really people in need who don't know where to look. United Way 2-1-1 is a resource to get them connected," she said. "It's tremendously rewarding to be able to help people and immediately hear their relief at getting referrals."

2010 Campaign Co-Chairs Margaret Messer and Jerel Golub.

The Campaign Celebration also included results from the CA$H Coalition and its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for the 2010 tax season. It was reported that this year's efforts resulted in a record-breaking 13,000 tax returns prepared by volunteers at no cost to income-eligible individuals and families. The result was more than $18 million in tax credits and savings returned to local hard working families.

"That's a 12 percent increase from last year and a new record for the CA$H Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program," Carletta reported. "These are dollars that help local families put food on the table, keep a roof over their head, and save for major goals such as education, a car or home ownership. These dollars are also made available for reinvestment in the local economy." 

United Way of the Greater Capital Region brings people and resources together to achieve measurable and sustainable improvements in the quality of life for our community. 

Photos by Joanheffler.com. More photos from this event on United Way of the Greater Capital Region's  page.