Hundreds of business, not for profit and community leaders joined
Heritage United Way on the evening of March 3, 2010 at the Center
of NH/Radisson Hotel in Manchester to celebrate a year of successful
partnerships and to announce the organization’s largest fundraising
total ever of $3.72 million. 

Heritage United Way’s ability to eclipse last year’s $3.35 million
total was due, in large part, to changes in the organization’s
fundraising strategy. Historically known for raising dollars simply
to support local non-profits, United Way has diversified its
fundraising to include focused efforts on raising money in support
of collaborative projects. These new strategies resulted in increased
major gifts ($10,000 + donations), grant and foundation support and
a renewed engagement in our traditional workplace campaigns.

Heritage United Way continues to distribute dollars to individual
programs by strategically investing in programs that offer the
greatest impact and return on investment for donors within the areas
of education, income and health.  Currently, the organization supports over 50 local programs that served close to 54,000 individuals last year within the 18 communities served. 

“By demonstrating a willingness to collaborate and providing
leadership on important local issues, United Way has become much
more attractive to donors who want to make a difference in their
community,” says Heritage United Way President & CEO, Patrick Tufts.

“By assessing the needs in our community and working in partnership
with other organizations, we were able to raise additional funds
in support of collaborative efforts that include homeless services
in Manchester, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program and 2-1-1
NH, a statewide information and referral service that has simplified
the way people access social services,” said Heritage United Way
Board Chair, Dr. Steven Paris of Dartmouth-Hitchcock Manchester.

At the event, the 2009 Campaign Chair, Alex Walker, President and
Shareholder at Devine Millimet, brought the annual campaign to a
close by thanking and acknowledging the many individual donors,
businesses and volunteers who helped in making this year an
overwhelming success.

“It has been my honor and privilege to chair the United Way campaign
during this historic time.  Through the extraordinary efforts of our
Campaign Cabinet and other community leaders, we were able to
significantly exceed our ambitious goal for 2009 and raise the most
amount of money in the 72-year history of Heritage United Way.  It
has been inspiring to see the tremendous outpouring of generosity
and support from all corners of our community, “ stated Alex Walker.

In addition, various individuals and organizations were honored
with several awards.  Governor John Lynch, who spoke, received the
Chairman’s Award for his efforts on behalf and in support of United
Way.  Citizens Bank and Catholic Medical Center each received a GIVE
Award in recognition of their generosity through their workplace
campaigns.  Ray Cote, of Bedford, and Brad Aiken, of Durham,
received ADVOCATE awards for their efforts in fostering the growth of
the organization.  David Cassidy of Centrix Bank and Jerry Salvucci
of Blue Seal Feeds were recognized with VOLUNTEER Awards in honor of
the time they continually invest in support of Heritage United Way’s
work.  A special award went to Public Service of New Hampshire in
honor of this, their 50th year, in giving to United Way.

Merchants Automotive Group teamed up with Heritage United Way again
this year to offer the 2009 donor incentive Grand Prize.  Any donor
who pledged $156 or more per year was entered to win a low-mileage
2008 Chrysler Sebring LX.  The winner was Dave Miller of East
Kingston, NH an employee and donor from the Manchester Water Works. 

Next year’s campaign will be led by Beth Roberts of Harvard Pilgrim
Health Care.

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