MSNBC Report: Economy Hitting the Elderly Especially Hard

As each of you move forward in planning your company's 2008 United Way Campaign, are you having any of the following unsettling thoughts?

"I don't know how I am going to get my company's employees to give in a year when the economy is as bad as it is."

"My staff are paid low wages and I can't imagine asking them to make a United Way contribution now."

"My staff already feels they donate enough and I feel uncomfortable asking them to increase their giving when gas and food costs are so high."

If you have had similar thoughts cross your mind you are not alone. We all feel the strains on our wallets each time we make a trip to the gas station or the grocery store, yet there are many people right here in the Valley that can't afford gas at all; many of our relatives, friends or neighbors who sometimes have to make a choice as to what to pay for - their prescription medications, food, or their electricity bills.

Click here to read MSNBC's report on "Economy Hitting the Elderly Especially Hard." Then use similar messages when approaching your employees to give this year.

It is a known fact that when the economic faces difficulties and strains, more people than ever use the services and programs that United Way provides and yet less people give. Your role as your company's campaign coordinator is absolutely critical to making sure necessary services are available for people when they need it most.

Carrabba's 2008 A Success!

On Tuesday, July 15th, campaign coordinators from organizations around the Lehigh Valley converged on Carrabba's Italian Grill in Allentown to celebrate the successes in the 2007 campaign. This year's event also included the awarding of the annual Morning Call Silver Tray - an award given to a campaign coordinator or a campaign team that demonstrates outstanding ability during the United Way Campaign season.

The Morning Call Silver Tray was presented to the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley for its outstanding achievements during the 2007 campaign. The efforts were chaired by Rhonda Xiques and a team of 8 other employees. Kicking off their campaign with a breakfast and utilizing a variety of other fundraising activities including a building-wide luncheon, an auction, a building bake sale, and a Halloween party, employees once again exceeded their 100% participation goal!

Through the committee’s hard work and the leadership of executive director, John Hughes, American Red Cross defines the term “leading by example” through their support of the Lehigh Valley’s United Way Campaign.

Carrabba's Italian Grill is an annual thank-you event held in the summer and graciously hosted by Gregg Johnson, proprietor. A dinner-only establishment, Carrabba's opens its luncheon exclusively to United Way campaign coordinators. Please support both the Allentown and Easton Carrabba's locations every chance you get!

To sign up for special events and offers from the Amici Club at Carrabba's Italian Grill, please click here.