Los Angeles Area Philanthropists Are the 'Superheroes of Caring' at United Way of Greater Los Angeles Celebration of Caring Event and Awards

$55 Million Campaign Goal Achieved for 2005/2006

LOS ANGELES, June 28 -- United Way of Greater Los Angeles hosted its 2006 Celebration of Caring Event and Awards at the California Science Center in celebration of the "Superheroes of Caring," key individuals and organizations from the public and private sector who have set the standard for giving in the Greater Los Angeles area, and have helped United Way of Greater Los Angeles meet its 2005/2006 campaign goal of $55 million.

Actor Dean Cain performed the duties of Master of Ceremonies, providing for a lively and entertaining evening. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa opened the evening with an inspiring speech that reinforced the importance of the honorees and philanthropists to the success of United Way's programs within the community. Among the companies honored Bank of America, Boeing, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, United Parcel Service (UPS), and Wells Fargo and were on hand to receive awards.

"This truly was another landmark year for United Way as we continued to deliver on the promise of a quality education for L.A.'s youth, economic opportunity for the poor, and health and safety for those who need it most," said Elise Buik, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Los Angeles. "The individuals, companies and organizations here this evening are the true superheroes of our community. Their generosity has helped create pathways out of poverty for thousands of families and improve the quality of life for everyone in Greater Los Angeles."

Awards in nine categories to 22 recipients were presented by Elise Buik, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Los Angeles, Dave Furhman, CEO, Willis Risk and Insurance Services, Greg Stubblefield, President, California and Hawaii, and Enterprise Rent-A-Car. A full list of award recipients is included here:

  Non-Profit of the Year
   -- Award-recipient:
   -- Toberman Settlement House, Inc.

Criteria: This organization demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment to United Way and Bridging the Gap Fund, innovative approaches to addressing challenges and excellence in serving the needs of the community.

  Best New Campaign
  -- Award-recipient:
  -- Willis Risk & Insurance Services

Criteria: Best performance by a company that has never run a United Way campaign before and has raised more than $20,000.

  Leadership Award
  -- Award-recipient:
  -- Enterprise Rent-A-Car

Criteria: The campaign with the greatest number of Los Angeles County donors giving $1,000 or more.

  United Way Workplace Ambassador of the Year
  -- Award-recipient:
  -- The Aerospace Corporation

Criteria: Employee campaign coordinator who has implemented an outstanding campaign by incorporating best practices and has championed the company's participation in United Way activities year round.

  Miguel Contreras Labor Award
  -- Award-recipient:
  -- Teamsters Western Region

Criteria: Labor group that has best promoted and supported United Way's Bridging the Gap Fund.

  Public Sector Campaign Achievement Award
  -- Award recipient:
  -- Greater Los Angeles Federal Employees' Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
  Criteria: Largest campaign by a public sector organization.

  Employee Giving Award (Companies with less than 500 employees)
  -- Award-recipients:
  -- Bobrick (San Fernando Valley)
  -- City of Lancaster (AV)
  -- City of Santa Clarita (San Clarita Valley)
  -- Panda (San Gabriel Valley)
  -- Valero (South Bay)

Criteria: This award recognizes the largest number of employees investing in United Way for companies with less than 500 employees. A winner has been selected from each of five regions, San Fernando Valley, Antelope Valley, Santa Clarita Valley, San Gabriel Valley, and South Bay.

  Corporate Pillar
  -- Award-recipients:
  -- Bank of America
  -- The Boeing Company
  -- Los Angeles Times
  -- Wells Fargo
  Criteria: Corporate Gifts of $500,000 or more to the Bridging the Gap Fund

  Spirit of Los Angeles Award
  -- Award-recipients:
  -- AT&T
  -- Bank of America
  -- Combined Federal Campaign
  -- Edison International
  -- Enterprise Rent-A-Car
  -- LA County Employees
  -- Northrop Grumman
  -- UPS
  -- Wells Fargo

Criteria: Campaigns raising $1,000,000 or more in Los Angeles County, or campaigns with the greatest number of employee gifts to the Bridging the Gap Fund, totaling over $500,000, not including Cal Gold and Million Dollar Roundtable gifts

Photos of the event are available at: http://www.unitedwayla.org/pages/news/062706_cclose.htm

About United Way of Greater Los Angeles

United Way of Greater Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that helps nearly 3 million people each year in L.A. County. By examining community trends with volunteers and donors, United Way has shaped a vision for moving the working poor out of poverty and improving the quality of life for all of Los Angeles. By investing in programs that promote education, economic empowerment and emergency care for basic needs, United Way and its donors are Bridging the Gap in our community. For more information, visit www.unitedwayla.org.