Day of Caring Coming Soon – Projects Still Available!!

If you’ve been thinking about signing up for the LARGEST day of volunteerism in Southwest Missouri, now is your chance!  A few vital projects are still available at many of the area’s agencies.  Check the list or contact Nicki Bascom at nbascom@uwozarks.com.  Be part of something BIG!  $189,000 of labor will be donated for United Way Day of Caring!

Details for United Way Day of Caring
When & Where: Thursday, August 14, 2008 7-8 a.m. Breakfast at The Arc of the Ozarks, 1501 E. Pythian
Breakfast provided by Dillon’s, Village Inn & Ozarks Coca Cola
Get your team photo taken at the Pythian Castle and get charged up for the day!

United Way Campaign Kick-off Builds Excitement for Impacting Community

United Way Campaign Kick-off Builds Excitement for Impacting Community
United Way of the Ozarks invites the entire community to step up to the plate as they Kick-off the Campaign at Hammons Field Thursday, August 28.  Admission is $15, which includes a Bullpen Patio Picnic at 5:30 p.m. and a ticket to the game at 7:10 p.m.  During the Kick-off, United Way will celebrate the successful conclusion of the Pacesetter Campaign, as well as announce the campaign theme and goal.  The Kick-off is sponsored by Associated Electric Cooperative; Commerce Bank; Cox Health; Great Southern Bank; and Shughart, Thomson & Kilroy.

A $50,000 gift from Cargill Meat Solutions jump-started the United Way Pacesetter Campaign at a lively pace.  The United Way Pacesetter Campaign is designed to set a standard for the community-wide campaign, running approximately one month prior to the official Kick-off.  Typically, it brings in gifts equaling over $600,000 – or nearly 20% of the goal!

Cargill presents check to UW

 

 

 

 

“The campaign is about a lot of people giving.  It’s about being part of something bigger than you and giving of yourself,” said John Wilson, president of US Bank and United Way Campaign Chairman.  “This is our first Kick-off at the Cardinals Stadium, which adds elements of fun and excitement.  We have 250 folks joining us for the Kick-off in support of United Way and its important role in providing health and human services to our friends, neighbors and perhaps even family members right here in southwest Missouri.”

To reserve tickets and show your support, contact Trudy Pischer at 417.863.7700.

United Way of the Ozarks traces its origins to 1930 when a group of committed people built upon the familiar spirit of giving by many for one goal.  United Way’s mission then and now remains the same:  To increase the understanding of human needs and mobilize resources to meet those needs.  Today the United Way’s board and 2000+ volunteers help people by raising money and resources and allocating those funds to programs of the United Way’s family of health and human service agencies in Southwest Missouri.  United Way also provides grants to regional nonprofit organizations and sponsors community coalitions to improve the quality of life for people throughout the Ozarks. 

 

Link to the Day of Caring Interview on KSFX – June 23, 2008

Visit http://ozarksfirst.com/media_player.php?media_id=48601# to see the KSFX interview from June 23, 2008. 

Or visit http://www.uwozarks.com/day_of_caring.asp to find out how you can get involved!

United Way 2-1-1 Connects Flood Victims with Needed Resources

Missouri 2-1-1 Offers Assistance to Flood Victims and Volunteers

Springfield, MO (June 16, 2008) — In Missouri those who need assistance with the recent flooding can dial 2-1-1 from a land line 24 hours a day, seven days a week to find resources for help. Those calling from a cell phone can call 800-427-4626. For those interested in volunteering or donating resources such as water please call 2-1-1 or 800-427-4626.
Visit: www.211missouri.org for links to flood safety tips.

About Missouri 2-1-1

2-1-1 is a fast, free and confidential way to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 2-1-1 call centers operate under national standards and are staffed by trained specialists who quickly assess the callers’ needs and refer them to the help they seek. Information is available on a broad range of services, including food banks, affordable housing, health resources, child care, after-school programs, elderly care, financial literacy, and job training programs.

About United Way of the Ozarks

United Way of the Ozarks provides funding to its member agencies which offer a variety of human services to improve the lives of people in the community.  United Way also provides grants to regional non-profit organizations and sponsors community coalitions to improve the quality of life throughout the Ozarks.  Visit www.uwozarks.com for more information.

 

Keep Checking Us Out!

Keep checking us out – We are adding new pics all the time and trying to keep everyone updated on all things United Way! 

Know Your Mamas was a great success last week with over 190 participants!  Nearly 25 agencies were present for registrants to mingle with to find out about volunteer opportunities…this was also a great time for the agencies to say thank you to these motivated women who have spent the last five years working hard in our community. 

Ann Stallard inspired everyone to be a mama – a woman who makes a positive impact in the lives of others.  Afterward, many women commented on how they didn’t believe they were doing enough to help out, and their desire to get involved.  Thus, our goal was accomplished.

Thank you once again to the wonderful group of volunteers that planned and promoted this event.  You truly made a difference.  More pics of the even will be added soon.

“Know Your Mamas: Female Leaders in Philanthropy (FLIP) Celebrates Five Years of Making a Difference”

Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin…the list goes on and on.  Men who helped to set the foundation for our country and helped to make it a better place.  But the list for women?  It’s shocking how few are in our top of mind awareness.  With Women’s Studies programs being dropped at many institutions across the country, it’s likely that this history could get lost forever.

Inspired by our keynote speaker, Ann Stallard, “Know Your Mamas” is a symposium to reach out to women, celebrate the good work of FLIP (Female Leaders in Philanthropy), honor  historical “Mamas” and motivate women to action in their community.  Women have a rich history in making an impact and breaking the mold…and we need to continue this tradition.  More importantly, YOU need to be part of it!

Thursday, June 5, 2008
Doubletree Hotel – formerly Hawthorn Park Hotel – at Kearney & Glenstone
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
$15 registration, includes lunch

There are so many reasons to get involved with “Know Your Mamas.” 

• Meet all sorts of interesting women from a variety of walks of life!
• Hear Ann Stallard, President of the United Way of America’s Women’s Council speak.
• Gain inspiration from what women have done to make the world better!
• Learn about lots of worthy agencies in your area that need you!
• Get out of the office for a few hours.

Contact Nicki Bascom at nbascom@uwozarks.com for more information or to register.  We all need to get to “Know Your Mamas.”

United Way Day of Caring List Available THURSDAY!

By popular demand, we will be posting the United Way Day of Caring project list on Thursday, May 15!  There’s been a tremendous amount of buzz about participation this year, and we are looking forward to a fabulous day of painting, landscaping, cleaning, teaching, mentoring, building and helping so many people. 

So look out, here comes the list at www.uwozarks.com/day_of_caring.asp.  Contact me at nbascom@uwozarks with any questions!

Internship Available

Want a great way to help out your community and gain some wonderful work experience?  Apply for an internship at United Way of the Ozarks! It’s a fast-paced working environment where your tasks and responsibilities will keep you interested and occupied. 

Some tasks may include:

• Blogging
• Updating social networking sites – like Myspace & Facebook
• Writing the e-newsletter
• Brainstorming on the design of brochures and materials
• Working closely with volunteers on the United Way Day of Caring
• Assisting with special event design
• Various other office tasks

If you are interested, contact Nicki Bascom at nbascom@uwozarks.com or 417.863.7700.

Listen to KWTO 560 AM from 3-4 p.m. TODAY!

Trudy Pischer, Vice President of United Way of the Ozarks, will be on KWTO 560 AM today from 3-4 p.m.  She will be joining Raylene Appleby, PJC Insurance, and Dr. Nancy O’Reilly.  They will be sharing about the work of Female Leaders in Philanthropy (FLIP) which is United Way’s Women’s Inititative. 

Listen and learn about FLIP, “Know Your Mamas: FLIP Celebrates Five Years of Making a Difference” and Suit Yourself! 

Day of Caring Project List Coming SOON!

WOW!  What an overwhelming response we’ve had to an early registration for United Way Day of Caring!  It’s fantastic!  All agencies are due to have their projects in by May 1 and then the project list will be made public at United Way.

Agencies, please continue to submit your projects…and volunteers, start forming your teams and decide what kind of work you will want to do.  It’s a great team-building day for your office and a wonderful way to see what services are offered by our member agencies.  You will be truly touched, and your help is invaluable. 

Contact Nicki Bascom at nbascom@uwozarks.com or 417.863.7700 with any questions!