United Way of Tompkins County Kicks-Off Community Campaign

United Way of Tompkins County (UWTC) Campaign Co-Chairs Tom LiVigne, Director, Cornell Real Estate and Andy Sciarabba, Community Leader, officially kicked off the 2009/10 Community Campaign on September 17th at Stewart Park. They announced during the Stephen E. Garner Day of Caring that this year's goal is $2,075,000.

 Because of the successful 2008 Corporate Cornerstone Program, for the second year, 100% of gifts made to support UWTC's Community Care Fund, 43 Member Organizations, two Targeted Impact Areas of Care: Hunger & Food Security and the Urgent Rx Prescription Program, any UWTC special initiatives, or another United Way, will go directly to support those programs and services. The generous Corporate Cornerstone gifts are covering all of UWTC's administrative and operating costs.

Richie Moran, retired Cornell Men's Lacrosse Coach, and special Ambassador for the UWTC Campaign, also shared some motivational comments with the audience.

Kimberlee Swartz, Cornell University, UWTC Chair of the Board and 2005 Campaign Chair, had the opportunity to thank the community for their support during the 12:00 noon program. Swartz shared the importance of volunteering and giving back to one's community. She spoke about UWTC's efforts to Advance the Common Good and the three building blocks that UWTC is focused on: Education, Income, and Health. This year's campaign slogan is: In these times, more than ever...LIVE UNITED.

Vicki Taylor, Downtown Ithaca Alliance, and UWTC Board Member and Chair, Fund Distribution & Evaluation, announced two grant opportunities that coincide annually with the Stephen E. Garner Day of Caring. Grant funds totaling $55,385 are available to support current work in the targeted impact area of Hunger and Food Security and efforts to promote continuous improvement in community conditions through the T. Merrell Shipherd Fund. The results of the grant-awarded programs combined with the strength of our local community as demonstrated on the Day of Caring, will achieve greater community impact.