News and Events

2008 Campaign Results Meets Goal of $1,720,000

The United Way is pleased to report a final campaign total of $1,720,000 for the 2008-2009 Campaign to improve lives in Douglas County. This amount is an increase over the original estimated campaign result of $1,700,000 that was announced in January.

“The United Way greatly appreciates the generosity of the community in helping us realize our original goal,” said Judy Wright, 2008 Campaign Chair. “Once again, Douglas County residents have recognized the needs in our community, and stepped forward to support the agencies who are serving our friends, neighbors and family members.”

United Way contributions are invested in agencies in Douglas County that are improving lives with programs ranging from disaster response to after-school care, to shelter programs and in-home care, and much more. United Way brings resources together to expand the impact of one gift. Individual, group or corporate donations are accepted at any time, and no gift is too small.

To show its appreciation for area businesses that demonstrated outstanding campaign results, the United Way presented Corporate Honor Roll Awards and Awards of Excellence. (Click here to see 2008 Campaign Awards List ).

To be a part of strengthening Douglas County human services, or for more information, call 843-6626, or email uwcamp@unitedwaydgco.org.

2008 Wallace Galluzzi Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Awards

The Roger Hill Volunteer Center is pleased to announce the adult and youth winners of the Wallace Galluzzi Outstanding Volunteer award. The winners were announced February 26 in a ceremony as part of the Annual Meeting of the United Way of Douglas County, 4:30-6:00 p.m. at the Spring Hill Suites, Naismith Room. 22 adults and 3 youth volunteers were nominated for their exemplary volunteer leadership and selfless service to not-for-profit and faith organizations in Douglas County. The winners and honorees follow:

ADULT WINNER: PETE PETERSON
L.I.N.K.
Pete has served with LINK for over eight years, taking on any role that needs to be fulfilled. He supervises the kitchen, cooks, serves, washes dishes, and mops floors, and helps the elderly and people with disabilities with their meals. IN short, he does anything and everything needed to keep LINK running smoothly. He provides a comfortable and safe environment for LINK guests and spends part of his time each day interacting with the guests who are in need of a friendly conversation of a helping hand. Pete also spends any free time volunteering at a plethora of agencies throughout the community including The Lawrence Art Center, The Lied Center, Lawrence Community Theatre, Salvation Army, Friends of the Library, KPR Food Drive, St. John’s Rummage House, United Way, and Habitat for Humanity. Pete is a vital member of the community, and an irreplaceable leader at LINK.

YOUTH WINNER: SARAH STERN
YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS
Sarah has been an active member of the Youth Volunteer Corps for four years, assisting with birthday celebrations for the homeless, and participating in Days of Caring. She has also volunteered with the Lawrence Interdenominational Food Kitchen, Jubilee Café, and the Douglas County AIDS Project. Sarah came weekly to Sábados Culturales, a summer arts and culture program for Latino children. An artist and photographer in her own right, she did art projects with the kids and documented the workshops. Sarah also leads the Key Club at Free State High School and is very active in students groups. She always makes new members feel comfortable and excited about getting involved with YVC, and makes others around her feel at ease. Sarah always has a bright and positive disposition, and serves as a natural leader with the Youth Volunteer Corps.

WALLACE GALLUZZI LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD: HANK BOOTH
UNITED WAY OF DOUGLAS COUNTY
Radio personality and Chamber of Commerce staff member, Hank Booth is a paramount figure in the Lawrence community. He provides hundreds of minutes of airtime for United Way people to talk on KLWN and gets the message out to the community. He has volunteered as a sports voice for local athletic events, served as a moderator for community discussions, and is a member of Rotary and many other organizations. He is the type of volunteer that organizations like the United Way need: when asked to attend a planning meeting, help coordinate events, or moderate a discussion, he always says yes. Hank has modeled volunteerism for the entire community for over many years, and makes being engaged in the community sounds fantastic!

To view photos of all the nominees please click here.

2009 Non-Profit Learning Opportunities

Douglas County Community Foundation and the United Way of Douglas County are partnering over the upcoming year to provide eight FREE Capacity Building Workshops for Non-profit Leaders. The link below will display a brochure with all of the information you need. These workshops are open to staff and board members of any non-profit organization. Agencies need not be affiliated with United Way or the Community Foundation.

Because space is limited, we are requesting RSVPs be made. Thanks especially to K-State Extension for providing a great meeting space! Once we reach the capacity of the Dreher Family 4-H Building we will not accept any more reservations, so plan on reserving early!