[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 88 (Tuesday, June 12, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S3974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    125TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNITED WAY

 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. President, I would like to 
recognize the 125th anniversary of United Way and honor their 
extraordinary achievements since their founding 125 years ago in 
Denver, CO.
  In 1887, a Denver woman, along with local religious leaders, 
recognized the need for community-based action in order to address the 
city's growing problem with poverty. In Denver they established the 
first of what would become a worldwide network of organizations called 
United Way. Their goal was simple: create a community-based 
organization that would raise funds in order to provide economic relief 
and counseling services to neighbors in need. During their first 
campaign in 1888, this remarkable organization raised today's 
equivalent of $650,000.
  Now, 125 years after its founding, United Way has become a 
celebrated, worldwide organization committed to improving communities 
from the bottom up, through cooperative action and community support in 
41 countries across the globe. United Way forges public-private 
partnerships with local businesses, labor organizations, and 120 
national and global corporations through the Global Corporate 
Leadership Program and brings an impressive $5 billion to local 
communities each year. United Way effectively leverages private 
donations in order to finance innovative programs and initiatives that 
profoundly impact communities throughout Colorado, the United States, 
and the world to advance education, income, and health.
  The success and strength of the partnerships between United Way and 
America's workers cannot be overstated. Nearly two-thirds of the funds 
for United Way come from voluntary worker payroll contributions and the 
Labor Letters of Endorsement Program championed by the AFL CIO 
encourages affiliates and their members to give their time and 
resources to United Way campaigns. Just one powerful illustration of 
this partnership is the National Association of Letter Carriers' 
National Food Drive, a cooperative effort with the U.S. Postal Service, 
AFL CIO, and United Way, which has become the world's largest 1-day 
food drive.
  United Way has strengthened bonds and built a foundation of 
collaboration and partnership in our communities. Its founders could 
never have imagined the ultimate breadth and reach of this group, 
growing from a local support organization to a globally recognized 
force for good. United Way is an indispensable part of Colorado's 
social fabric, and I am proud to recognize and honor this historic 
anniversary.
  There are 14 local United Way organizations leaving an indelible mark 
throughout Colorado. I want to take a moment to recognize each of them 
for their tremendous role as cornerstones of their communities: 
Foothills United Way, Boulder; Pikes Peak United Way, Colorado Springs; 
Moffat County United Way, Craig; Mile High United Way, Inc., Denver; 
United Way of Southwest Colorado, Durango; United Way of Eagle River 
Valley, Eagle; United Way of Morgan County, Inc., Fort Morgan; United 
Way of Mesa County, Grand Junction; United Way of Weld County, Greeley; 
United Way of Larimer County, Inc., Fort Collins and Loveland; Pueblo 
County United Way, Inc., Pueblo; United Way of Garfield County, Rifle; 
Routt County United Way, Steamboat Springs; and Logan County United 
Way, Sterling.
  To all of the employees and partners of United Way, I join my Senate 
colleagues in recognizing and applauding your legacy of inspirational 
service. This 125th anniversary is a milestone deserving of 
celebration, and I commend your tireless pursuit to advance the common 
good.

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