Campaign Kickoff is a Slam Dunk
 United Way of Greater Houston kicked off the 2009-10 campaign with a message of hope, inspiration and community spirit. More than 1,400 campaign leaders, volunteers and agency representatives joined United Way at the Toyota Center on September 10 for a "Reach Out Rally" celebrating the start of United Way's annual community campaign. "This year, we're calling our kickoff 'Reach Out Rally,' and I think that really says a lot about what United Way is doing in our community," Anna M. Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston, told guests. "We are reaching out to help our neighbors, to lift them up, to lighten their load, to give them hope. And it is the can-do spirit of this city that, even in these challenging times, makes it possible for us to do that work." Tom Ryan, 2009-10 community campaign chair and president and CEO of Service Corporation International, helped guests understand the growing needs in our community and how United Way is uniquely positioned to do something about it. Ryan stressed the importance of keeping United Way—our community's social safety net—strong. "All of us here today have the privilege and the responsibility of being United Way's voice in the community," Ryan said. "This team will be there to answer the call, strengthen struggling families, comfort lonely seniors, and to keep our community moving forward." He added that Houstonians have a great tradition of giving generously in the toughest of times, making him confident that this year's $75 million goal is achievable. "Houston is a place where neighbors care about neighbors—and through United Way they know they can make the greatest impact." Tad Brown, CEO of the Houston Rockets, applauded the partnership between United Way and the Rockets and talked about why giving back to the community is a top priority for the team. Masters of ceremonies, Giff Nielsen, former sports director for KHOU-TV Channel 11, and longtime Houston Rockets announcer Bill Worrell got the crowd fired up about United Way with the help of the Houston Rockets Power Dancers, the Rockets Launch Crew and Clutch. During the event finale, attendees rose to their feet and joined the Abundant Life Cathedral Choir and The Salvation Army Harbor Light Choir in a moving rendition of "We'll Be There." The performance was captured on video and will soon be available for viewing on the United Way Web site and on YouTube. This event was made possible by United Way's 2009-10 Caring Champions – Spectra Energy, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil, Deloitte and Service Corporation International. These incredible companies are sponsoring United Way's major events to ensure that the dollars pledged to United Way through the annual campaign go directly toward improving one of every two lives in our community. Their remarkable support is above and beyond their strong workplace campaigns. Thanks to our Caring Champions and to all of you who do something about it—the United Way. The United Way team is inspired to make this another winning campaign for our community! View a photo gallery of United Way's "Reach Out Rally" |
