United Way launches 'Show Up United' campaign

Seeks community support for critical health, financial stability & education initiatives

Guest Editorial by the United Way of Buffalo & Erie County

United Way of Buffalo & Erie County launched its annual major community giving campaign – “Show Up United” – on Tuesday. A brief press conference was held by United Way President and CEO Michael Weiner and Chief Operating Officer Trina Burruss, in partnership with this year’s campaign co-chairs: retired MOOG Human Resource Manager Dr. Thomasina Stenhouse, and Ingram Micro Buffalo Campus Leader Jamie Ferullo. Together, they announced details about the campaign, the ways the community can give, and unveiled a giant billboard-sized thermometer that will live on the front lawn and track community giving during the campaign.

United Way is wholistically dedicated and trusted by the community, to positively impact three core pillars: health, financial stability and education, especially for the most vulnerable in Western New York. The hardships brought on by COVID-19 and racial inequity have further widened the divide in these areas, with the total impact of the pandemic yet to be realized. It’s evident by the recent challenges that the need for support is greater now than ever before – which is why the nonprofit is asking the community to “Show Up United” this giving season.

Community donations are essential to United Way’s efforts and account for the vast majority of the more than $14 million investment in critical preventative and supportive programs and services each year. No matter what path you choose to give, “Showing Up United” means that you are part of building the kind of long-term solutions that strengthen our community and improve the quality of life for those most in need both today and in the future.

√ Helping moms get to prenatal appointments and secure safe housing for themselves and their babies.

√ Helping kids stay on track and achieve developmentally appropriate language, literacy, math and social-emotional milestones – setting them up for future success in school and life.

√ Helping people – your neighbors – build financial well-being by providing access to financial coaching, establishing bank accounts, repair credit, and even buy a home for their family.

Ways to Give

√ Start or participate in workplace giving: The United Way workplace campaign unites employees in all offices or branches of a company and gives them an opportunity to donate, volunteer and speak out for causes that matter to them.

√ Donate online at www.uwbec.org.

√ At Wegmans: The register-scanning campaign begins Saturday, Oct. 23, and runs through Nov. 24. Customers can make a donation at the cash register (including self-checkout.) This is a quick and easy way to “Show Up United.”

√ Tops Totes for Change: Tops has designed a Live United reusable bag and will donate $1 from any bag purchased at the check-out.

√ Make a legacy gift: Your gift to the endowment fund will ensure that United Way can maximize the dollars available to support our mission for generations to come.

Community Support To-Date

√ More than 600 companies are running or getting ready to run workplace giving campaigns – everything from small businesses to schools, major manufacturers, banks, law firms, health insurers to government employees. 

√ Each year, over 30,000 donors contribute to the United Way campaign. Pre-public launch, this year’s campaign has already raised more than $1.2 million from over 1,300 donors.

√ 398 people have already made commitments of $500 or more, representing $600,000 for the campaign.

Since 1917, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County has worked to enhance the health, financial stability and education of every person in our community. Through community collaboration, giving and service, our mission is to bring people, organizations and resources together to create systemic community change.