[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 93 (Tuesday, June 19, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1087]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE 125TH UNITED WAY ANNIVERSARY

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 19, 2012

  Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of United Way as 
they proudly celebrate their 125th anniversary serving our communities 
both here at home and abroad.
  In 1887, three visionaries saw the need to help their community and 
to address the welfare issues their city faced. Thus, the first United 
Way campaign was born, collecting over $21,700 for local charitable 
organizations. Today, United Way exists in 1,800 communities and 41 
countries, raising nearly $5 billion every year to increase 
opportunities for a better life worldwide.
  Forty million Americans are working in low-income jobs with little or 
no health benefits. In 2008, United Way began a 10-year initiative to 
cut these staggering statistics in half. United Way continues to look 
into the future, searching diligently for solutions that will benefit 
these families in the long-term.
  United Way has impacted our community in New York's 15th 
congressional district in profound ways. For as long as I can remember, 
its New York City chapter has been dedicated to helping low-income 
families in terms of their health, education, and financial stability. 
From restoring child care and after-school funding, to helping over 3 
million people make healthier choices by making fresh fruits and 
vegetables more affordable and available. United Way sees no issue as 
unimportant and continues to display altruism at the highest level.
  In these tough economic times, when many people are facing daily 
struggles that push them to the brink of pure exhaustion, the work 
United Way does serves as a beacon of hope for those in need. We are 
truly blessed to have such an amazing and crucial organization within 
our community. I would like to personally praise the leadership of 
United Way Worldwide President & CEO Brian Gallagher, New York's United 
Way CEO Gordon Campbell, and every staffer and volunteer who diligently 
works behind the scenes. Their work does not go unnoticed. Mr. Speaker, 
again, I would like to congratulate United Way on their 125th 
anniversary and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

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