Together, we do what matters.

Total Up $986,635 from 2006

MORRISVILLE - At today’s Triangle United Way Board of Directors meeting, 2007 Campaign Chairman J.R. Shearin unveiled the results of the organization’s annual fundraising drive. Thanks to caring and generous residents, employees and corporate partners in Durham, Orange and Wake counties, the campaign raised a projected total of $19 million overall and $11.4 million targeted to the Community Care Fund. The overall campaign raised 5.5 percent more than in 2006 and netted $1 million new dollars in total giving. Giving to the Community Care Fund exceeded goal by $200,000 and resulted in a 5.5 percent increase from 2006.

"I think J.R. Shearin led an incredible effort," said Triangle United Way President and CEO Craig Chancellor. "His leadership and commitment to building a better community provided the inspiration for this outstanding campaign. His willingness to go out and visit member agencies with an already packed schedule is a true testament to his dedication.”

"This is a great day for our community," said Shearin, Managing Partner at Deloitte. "This extraordinary result is a true example of the power of a caring community focused on making a difference. I had a great campaign team who did an outstanding job. I am thankful to the hundreds of volunteers, agency partners, and Triangle United Way staff who worked tirelessly during the past 12 months organizing nearly 800 fundraising drives with special events, raffles, and impact bus tours to help write happy endings for those in need.”

Before unveiling the number, Shearin talked about some of the faces he has seen and stories he has heard along his trek to raise millions for the community. He visited 60 of the 81 United Way member agencies during his tenure as campaign chair and plans to see the rest in the new year. Shearin used the stories and faces to motivate his campaign team by reminding them constantly what their efforts meant to the community.

“For anyone who hasn’t given to the campaign, I encourage you to donate online at www.unitedwaytriangle.org,” said Shearin. “Our success depends on all past donors continuing their support before we close the campaign early next year and every little bit can make a difference.”

Funds raised during the annual Triangle United Way drive that are targeted to the general Community Care Fund support 177 different local health and human service programs. Next month, volunteers will announce specific agencies and local programs that will receive funding in 2008. For a complete listing of all programs receiving funding from the Triangle United Way or to make a contribution, visit www.unitedwaytriangle.org.

Shearin had a phenomenal campaign team which included: David Strong – Triangle Cabinet Vice Chair, Ambassador Chair (Rex Healthcare), Jasmine Smith – African-American Leadership Initiative Co-Chair (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina), Queron Smith – African-American Leadership Initiative Co-Chair (Mechanics and Farmers Bank), Ralph Capps – Agency Chair (Boys & Girls Club of Wake County), Linda Matich Lang – CFC Chair (VA Medical Center-Durham), Graham Wilson – Marketing Chair (PRStreet, Inc.), John Stallings – New Business Chair (SunTrust Bank, Inc.), Christopher Woodfin – Orange County Chair (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina), Michael Ruffin – Public Administration Chair (Durham County Government), Mark A. Ascolese – Tocqueville Chair (Ascolese Enterprises, Inc.) Bill Mecklenburg-Emerging Leader Chair (The Redwoods Group), Doug Vinsel – Wake County Chair (Duke Raleigh Hospital), and Dr. Inderdeep Chatrath – Women’s Leadership Council Chair (Duke University).

Triangle United Way improves lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. Through partnerships, long-term planning and wise investment of donor gifts in critical needs, Triangle United Way supports the community’s health and human service safety net. Triangle United Way serves Chatham, Durham, Orange and Wake counties by connecting callers to health and human service programs through United Way 2-1-1, a free, bilingual, 24-hour-a-day telephone information and referral service. To learn more about Triangle United Way visit our website: www.unitedwaytriangle.org..