Thank You Chairman’s Club and Young Leaders
Nearly 700 United Way Chairman’s Club members and Young Leaders gathered under the “City Lights” on May 5 for a thank-you reception in their honor. West Ave, one of Houston’s newest mixed-use developments, provided a vibrant urban backdrop for the celebration. Anna M. Babin, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston, welcomed guests and thanked them for everything they do to keep United Way—and our community—strong. “This has been another challenging year,” Babin told guests. “The economy remains shaky and unemployment is up. Many families in our community, some for the first time, continue to struggle with basic needs, like access to medical care, help with utilities, buying groceries – a 10% increase over last year – and simply finding shelter for the night. But your giving spirit has kept our social safety net strong for so many in our community.” Bob Pease, president and CEO of Motiva Enterprises LLC and chair of the 2009-10 Chairman’s Club, announced the results of the Chairman’s Club and Young Leaders campaigns. This year, Chairman’s Club members (giving $1,000 to $4,999 annually) contributed more than $15.2 million to the annual campaign. More than 2,100 people made a conscious decision to become new Chairman’s Club members this year for a total of more than 10,400 members. Young Leaders are donors, age 45 and under, who make personal contributions of $1,000 or more annually. United Way Young Leaders contributed over $4.5 million to United Way, a 2 percent increase over 2008-09 results. More than 720 new members joined the Young Leaders program for a total of more than 2,500 members. Pease thanked Young Leaders Council Chair Greg McEldowney, senior associate with Haynes and Boone, and the entire Young Leaders Council for leading the effort this year. The Young Leaders Council works year-round to help plan and implement new strategies to increase membership and develop educational and networking opportunities for Young Leaders. “The Chairman’s Club and the Young Leaders are both incredibly important to United Way and we are humbled by your unwavering support,” Pease said. “Each of us has a spark of life inside us, and we must set off that spark in one another. Your gift is that spark in our community.” Following the program, guests were treated to cool music, delicious food and more. Attendees enjoyed a breathtaking view of the city from the West Ave. rooftop, snapped fun pictures in the photobooth and made their mark on United Way’s graffiti wall. United Way of Greater Houston commends the Chairman’s Club and Young Leaders for their incredible generosity and support. Special thanks go to Shell Oil Company and Motiva Enterprises, LLC for sponsoring this event. View a photo gallery of this event. For more information about the Chairman’s Club, contact Yvonne Thornburg at 713-685-2872. For more information about Young Leaders, contact Holly Rice at 713-685-2829. |
