Community Celebration Honors Top Five Corporate Community Partners
September 13, 2007 | Leave a Comment
United Way of Oak Park, River Forest & Forest Park, a member of the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, announced today that $621,502 has been allocated to local agencies for community investment in health and human service programs throughout Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park starting July 1.United Way invests in a wide range of health and human services programs that provide a network of services that support the communities of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park including affordable after school programs for youth and quality day care for young children, access to affordable housing and healthcare for the uninsured, disabled and seniors, specialized job training, GED and crisis support for the working poor.
“All across Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park people face tough challenges,” said United Way Board President Edward Solan. “United Way investments are critical to ensuring that those who need it most get the services, which create better, healthier communities for all of us.”
United Way strives to make the most efficient and knowledgeable funding decisions by identifying the critical local needs in each community and funding programs that best address those needs. It also monitors programs for results, to ensure each program effectively improves lives and strengthens communities.
United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park also announced its 2005 Top Five Corporate Citizens. Corporate Citizen Awards honor companies and their employees for contributing the most dollars to United Way through corporate and employee donations, special events, programs and volunteerism. In Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park, the 2005 top Five Corporate Citizens are:
1. Park National Bank of Oak Park
2. The Wednesday Journal
3. Oak Park School District #97
4. Community Bank of Oak Park and River Forest
5. Oak Park River Forest School District #200
“Our campaigns would not be a success without the generosity and energy of our community partners,” said Michelle Hankes, Chief Professional Officer. “Our top corporate citizens represent model citizens who take steps to make a positive difference in the communities where their employees and customers live and work.” United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park corporate supporters were honored at the United Way Community Celebration and awards luncheon held at the Chicago Hilton on May 19.
Unique in the Chicago Metro area, the United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park relies heavily on the donations of the residents within its communities. “We have individuals who recognize that the money raised here stays here,” said Hankes. “They have friends and family who use the services funded by United Way and recognize the value of those programs. We could not have a successful campaign without them.” Leadership givers were recognized at the local United Way event held June 7 at Cheney Mansion.
For more information on United Way of Oak Park, River Forest and Forest Park or the programs it supports, please contact Michelle Hankes at (708) 386-4885.