Donors Support Charities that Demonstrate Results

According to Holden Karnofsky, program officer at GiveWell, a grant maker that publicizes its evaluations of charities, "[GiveWell] decided against giving money to certain groups because they did not provide enough evidence for an assessment."

Your United Way understands Mr. Karnofsky's words all too well, which is why it made its official change to a "Community Impact" model in December of 2007.

Over the three-year investment plan, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley will measure programs for their effectiveness in improving the lives of children, teens, older adults, and families in the Lehigh Valley.

Click here to read the full article from The Chronicle of Philanthropy.

The Morning Call Silver Tray Award Winner Announced!

The Morning Call Silver Tray is presented annually to a Campaign Coordinator or campaign team that exhibits outstanding ability in the performance of assigned duties and promotes continued and deeper understanding of United Way and its community investments and initiatives.

The 2007 Morning Call Silver Tray award winner is the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, chaired by Rhonda Xiques.

Every year, the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley goes above and beyond the typical campaign duties with their enthusiasm and energy. A strong advocate of helping those when they need it most, John Hughes, the Red Cross' executive director, is a critical component in the success of their campaign. So, how do they do it? The committee employs a few campaign strategies that are known to make a difference: the Red Cross hosts a bake sale for the entire building, gain 100% participation from the employees, and even go as far as to solicit their volunteers!

This year's award will be presented to the American Red Cross at United Way's annual Carrabba's event scheduled for July 15, 2008. Please join us as we thank them for making the Lehigh Valley a better place!

Invitations will be mailed within the next few weeks.