Every Friday, UCF student and mentor Arthur Richards spends lunchtime reading with Jefferson, a bright, energetic first-grader who looks forward to their visits.

When Arthur Richards signed up to become a mentor at Palmetto Elementary School, he knew he could make a difference for students who needed a little extra help and attention. But what he didn’t count on is how much he, himself, would gain from the experience.

Arthur, 21, is one of dozens of local volunteers who are participating in the Interfaith School Turnaround Pilot – or IFSTP ‒ a national initiative that United Way is leading at Palmetto, Richmond Heights and Catalina elementary schools, as well as Memorial Middle School.

As a UCF student, paralegal professional and founder of Team Brand New, a local nonprofit serving needy children, Arthur has a hectic schedule. But one thing he always makes time for is his weekly visit with Jefferson, a bright, energetic first-grader.

Building character and more
“Jefferson is an amazing kid, who comes from a difficult family situation,” said Arthur, who spends a few hours every Friday reading with Jefferson, helping with homework and just getting to know him.

“One of the things we do is role play,” Arthur added. “It gives us a chance to talk about what you do when you find money on the ground, how you react if someone calls you a mean name or how you handle other challenging situations.”

The way Arthur sees it, these lessons are invaluable. “You can teach a child how to read, but you can’t teach character,” he said. “It’s something they observe and learn from role models, which unfortunately are often lacking for many kids like Jefferson.”

Celebrating mentors
During National Mentoring Month in January, United Way is celebrating mentors like Arthur who selflessly share their time and talent to help shape the life of a child.

“Mentoring works,” said Lorri Highet, Director of the United Way Volunteer Resource Center. “Research shows that children who are mentored are more likely to graduate from high school, enroll in college, become active members of their communities and view the future in a positive way.”

While Jefferson may be too young to understand the big picture, he certainly looks forward to seeing his new friend. Recently, when Arthur arrived at the school cafeteria to meet Jefferson, he couldn’t find him in the sea of faces.  Then suddenly, out of the blue, Jefferson came running across the room, dove at his feet and gave him a great big hug around the knees.

It’s a moment Arthur will never forget. “When you see how happy the kids are to see you, it’s so heartwarming,” he said. “I’ve had the chance to go back and thank teachers and people who’ve helped me over the years.  Wouldn’t it be great to see these students in 10 or 15 years and hear them say, ‘This is where I am in my life right now. Thank you for helping me get here?’”

For more information about IFSTP and how you can become a mentor, click here.

In the midst of all the festivities taking place in Orlando surrounding the Champs Sports Bowl on Dec. 29, the Notre Dame Alumni Association made it a priority to give back in a special way.

Alumni members and their families spent the day before the big game at the New Image Youth Center in downtown Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood. For years, the center has been a community haven that’s given youth a safe place to learn, play and develop into responsible young adults.

While at New Image, volunteers spruced up the front entrance, painted, assembled furniture, mulched the playground and led a neighborhood clean-up project.

For the youth served by the center, the biggest surprise was the arrival of the Notre Dame Cheerleading Squad and team mascot, Leprechaun Mike, who entertained everybody with stunts, cheers and photos.

Thanks to this generosity, the children were left with a lasting impression of Notre Dame, as well as the lesson that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from, we all can make a difference.

Whitney James-Ordoñez, MPA
Heart of Florida United Way
Manager of Community Participation

As this logo illustrates, Facebook and other social media channels figured prominently in Tupperware's efforts to raise $360,000 for this year's campaign. It's one of many local companies whose fundraising efforts are showing significant gains.

With United Way’s 2011-12 campaign heading into the home stretch, solid progress is being made toward reaching its $17.750 million goal, according to Campaign Chair David Fuller, President & CEO of SunTrust Bank, Central Florida Division.

To date, $13.9 million has been raised, putting the campaign ahead of where it was this time last year and affirming that Central Floridians remain committed to helping neighbors in need.

Desire to Improve Community
“During our campaign calls and employee meetings, it’s clear that people want to be part of improving the community,” Fuller said, noting that higher employee participation has driven donation increases for Disney, Publix, Enterprise Holdings, Target and other major companies.

Also contributing to this year’s success is greater Leadership Giving (gifts of $1,000 or more) among companies such as Publix, Darden, SunTrust and Tupperware Brands Corporation and others who are really going the extra mile.

Robert Haight, United Way Senior Vice President of Resource Development, said Tupperware is a terrific example of how many companies are raising the bar and working harder than ever to support the fundraising effort.

“Tupperware’s campaign truly exemplifies their world-class commitment to their home community,” Haight said. “In addition to raising $360,000 dollars – a 7% increase over last year ‒ 83% of its employees participated in the campaign and 88 are Leadership donors.”

Million Dollar Champions
Haight also credited tremendous generosity from the campaign’s “Million Dollar Champions” for providing a solid foundation for the campaign, which each year helps more than 345,800 Central Floridians in need.

“Year after year, Disney, Publix and Lockheed Martin symbolize what it means to be great corporate citizens,” said Haight. “Combined, these generous partners last year contributed nearly $7.3 million dollars and are on track to exceed that this year.”

Despite good progress, Haight said the campaign’s next three months are critical in determining its final success.

“With so many local families continuing to struggle to pay for housing, utilities, food and other basic needs, United Way and our partner agencies are being called upon to provide even more help this year,” Haight said. “The message we want to send to everyone in the community is that every donated dollar counts.”

To make an immediate donation, click here. If your company would like to run a campaign, there’s still time to get involved. Please call Robert Haight at (407) 835-0918 or e-mail Robert.Haight@hfuw.org.

Credited with lifting more children out of poverty that any other federal program, EITC offers tax credits ranging from $5,751 to $461, which can make a life-changing difference for qualified residents who are struggling to make ends meet.

Promoted through United Way’s Prosperity Campaign of Central Florida, EITC helps families reduce debt, build savings or pay for rent, groceries, car repairs or any ordinary expense.

Nearly 30 Sites Offering Free Tax Help
Even better, with more than 30 FREE tax preparation sites available February through April, people can claim 100% of their refund, usually within 10 days or less.

“Because some commercial tax services charge exorbitant fees, United Way is urging residents to hold on until February 1 and take full advantage of the free tax help,” said Mark Batchelor, Financial Stability Coordinator for Heart of Florida United Way. Locations and hours for the sites, operated through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, will be available soon on United Way’s website, www.hfuw.org.

$2.5 Billion Local Economic Boost
In addition to helping people make ends meet, EITC also provides a significant economic boost for Central Florida, where more than $2.5 billion in EITC refunds have been claimed over the past seven years. “Since the majority of EITC dollars are spent on goods and services right here in our local community, local businesses and merchants also benefit,” Batchelor said.

In recognition of EITC’s tremendous impact, the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, The Wells Fargo Foundation and The Wal-Mart Foundation are providing additional support for EITC and United Way’s other efforts to help families improve their financial stability.

So if you have employees, co-workers, neighbors or friends who may qualify for EITC, please tell them to visit www.hfuw.org or simply dial 2-1-1. Additional information is also available through the IRS, by clicking here.

Make plans now to attend the 20th Annual Chef’s Gala, featuring mouth-watering cuisine created by more than 20 of Central Florida’s top chefs.

Widely recognized as the region’s premier food and wine pairing charity event, Chef’s Gala also includes a champagne and martini bar reception, thoughtfully paired wines, fabulous desserts, live music and an elegant silent auction.

Held at Epcot® World Showplace, the event is hosted and sponsored by WALT DISNEY WORLD® Resort.

Thanks to the generosity of Disney and other sponsors, last year’s event raised more than $185,000 for local residents in need, making Chef’s Gala truly a Tasteful Way to Make a Difference!

Additional details about ticket sales and particpating restaurants will be provided soon.

If your company or organization would like to reach a sophisticated, affluent audience, sponsorship opportunities now are available. For information, please call (407) 429-2129 or e-mail chefsgala@hfuw.org.

Click here for details and photos of last year’s event.

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Patty DeYoung, center, was one of nearly two dozen members of the United Way Women's Leadership Council who recently volunteered at the Apopka Family Learning Center

Not long ago, I was fortunate to be among nearly two dozen members of the United Way Women’s Leadership Council who visited the Apopka Family Learning Center, a United Way partner agency that serves children from working-poor families.

We spent a great afternoon with a group of adorable kids and also shared an important lesson, which we hope will serve them well in the years to come.

To get acquainted, we began by reading My Fantastic Field Trip, a book by Dave Ramsey that focuses on the importance of saving money. Afterwards, everyone gathered around to paint piggy banks, which the kids personalized and could take home to start their own savings. Needless to say, the “piggies” were painted all sorts of vibrant colors and I can personally attest that the adults had as much fun as the kids.

We also played a game with Skittles candies, which the children counted out like money and divided into separate envelopes. Lots of lively conversation ensued as we talked about how much they would spend, how much they would save and what they wanted to buy.

The cutest comment came from a little boy who asked if he had to save all his Skittles or if he could eat them right away. “I know about savings,” he said, “but this is candy, not money!”

All in all, it was a terrific day and I’m so proud of the work the Women’s Leadership Council is doing to support local women and children in need. Hopefully, our visit will have a lasting impact in helping these kids grow up to be strong, healthy and financially stable.

To view additional photos, click here.

Patty DeYoung
United Way Council of Women
United Way Loaned Executive

Heart of Florida United Way wishes to thank the many volunteers and corporate partners who made our first-ever Community Baby Shower a resounding success.

Thanks to terrific support from Target, SunTrust Bank, RBC Bank, Early Learning Coalition, Orange County Public Schools and others, nearly 2,800 infant care items valued at more than $15,000 were donated and distributed to local mothers and infants and need.

Special thanks goes to Target, which generously donated $775 in gift cards that were used to purchase diapers, infant formula, baby apparel and other items. We’re also deeply grateful to SunTrust Bank and SeaWorld Orlando for going the extra mile.

Key to the event’s success were scores of corporate and community volunteers who hosted workplace supply drives. Many also gathered at United Way headquarters on Friday, Dec. 9 when Shamu and Dolly from SeaWorld Orlando were on hand to help sort, assemble and deliver the donations.

In all, enough supplies were collected to fill 388 gift bags, which were distributed to BETA Center; Harbor House of Central Florida; Orange County Healthy Start Coalition; Children’s Home Society of Central Florida; The Howard Philips Center for Children and Families; and Community Health Centers.

Strong Support from Community
“The community support we received was amazing,” said Lorri Highet, Director of the United Way Volunteer Resource Center. “Thanks to the generosity of many outstanding people and organizations, hundreds of Central Florida newborns will have a much a happier, healthier holiday season.”

For additional photos, click here. To tag photos on United Way’s Facebook page, click here.

* The Community Baby Shower supports United Way’s strategic focus on Developing Healthy Children and Families.

Robert H. (Bob) Brown, HFUW President/CEO, announces United Way's role as lead agency in a national interfaith pilot to improve children's literacy.

As part of our investment in education, Heart of Florida United Way is serving as the lead agency in an exciting new pilot that’s moving the needle on education at four Orange County public schools

Known as the Interfaith School Turnaround Pilot – or IFSTP, the launch was officially announced last week during a joint press conference with Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer who is supporting the pilot through the Cities of Service initiative known as Orlando Cares.

National Pilot
Designed by the White House Committee on Neighborhood and Faith-Based Partnerships, the U.S. Department of Education and others, IFSTP is being implemented at Memorial Middle School, as well as its three feeder elementary schools, Richmond Heights, Palmetto, and Catalina.

United Way, with support from six VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) representatives, has so far recruited more than 100 local faith-based volunteers who are working with students as readers, tutors and mentors. The goal: Improve children’s literacy skills, academic performance and behavior, while providing support to teachers and parents.

Improving Graduation Rates
IFSTP also supports United Way’s broader goal to improve graduation rates – locally and nationally ‒ in part, by focusing on early literacy skills.

“Research shows that for every 50 children who struggle to read in kindergarten, 44 will still have difficulty in third grade,” said Joan Nelson, United Way Vice President of Community Investment. “Without strong reading skills, these students typically fall further and further behind and eventually become four times more likely to drop out of high school.”

Creating Brighter Future
During the press conference, Robert H. (Bob) Brown, United Way President/CEO, urged greater community support of IFSTP. “Providing more books, improving family literacy and volunteering as reading buddies or tutors are all ways we can improve early reading success,” he said. “Through the passionate commitment of volunteers, we can create a brighter future for our students, our schools and community.”

Interfaith Volunteers
To date, the following interfaith-based organizations have committed to provide volunteers for IFSTP:  Congregation Ohev Shalom, Harvest Baptist Church, Haqq Mosque – Knowledge for Living, Koinonia Ministries of Central Florida, Love Covenant World Center, Muslim Women of Orlando, St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, Summit Church, Team Brand New and the University of Central Florida (UCF) Muslim Student Association.

To get involved, please contact the United Way Volunteer Resource Center at (407) 835-0900 or e-mail volunteercenter@hfuw.org.

Ryan Halligan, 13, committed suicide following repeated bullying by his classmates. His father, John Halligan, is in Orlando this week to help parents, teachers and students prevent this from happening to other children.

To help turn the tide on this serious problem, John Halligan, a Vermont father whose 13-year-old son, Ryan, took his life due to repeated bullying, is in Orlando this week to speak to parents, teachers, students and others.

Three free sessions, which will discuss the signs of bullying, cyber bullying, prevention and teen depression, will be held:

• Weds. Dec. 14, 7 p.m., Lyman High School, 865 S. Ronald Reagan Blvd., Longwood, FL  32750
• Thurs., Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Horizon Middle School, 2020 Ham Brown Rd., Kissimmee, FL  34746
• Thurs., Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Edgewater High School, 3100 Edgewater Dr., Orlando, FL  32804

The events are sponsored by the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida and are funded in part by the Community Investment Funds of the Community Foundation of Central Florida and Dr. Phillips Charities.

For more information, please call the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida at 407-628-0555.

The event, which honors individuals donating $1,000 or more per year to United Way, is an annual tradition for many families who enjoy a fun-filled day in the park. As in years past, Shamu and friends were on hand to greet everyone during the appreciation breakfast, and games, face painting and other activities added to the excitement.

Setting the Standard
During the program, United Way President/CEO Robert H. (Bob) Brown offered heartfelt thanks to the leadership donors, who contributed an astounding $3.4 million of last year’s total $17.4 million Community Campaign. “In these difficult times, you truly set the standard for others to follow, and we’re deeply grateful for your leadership and compassion,” Brown said.

Another highlight of the breakfast was a moving testamonial by guest speaker Ahkeem Hollimon, whose whose trimumph over many personal struggles led to his being named 2011 Southeast Regional Youth of the Year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Hollimon, who along with other honorees recently visited the White House and met with President Barrack Obama, attended the Tupperware Brands Branch of the Boys & Girls Club in Kissimmeee, which is funded, in part, through United Way.

Following breakfast, guests proceeded to the park, which was beautifully decked out for the holidays. And with park hours extended until 11 p.m. for SeaWorld’s Christmas Celebration, everyone had a chance to enjoy a full day of fun, topped off with an amazing fireworks display.

Many thanks to United Way’s dedicated Leadership Donors and to SeaWorld Orlando, which has generously hosted this event for the past 14 years. Click here for additional photos. To tag photos on United Way’s Facebook page, click here. To learn more about becoming United Way Leadership donor, click here.