Press Releases

Annual Meeting & Campaign Kick-Off Luncheon

September 2004 – Florham Park, NJ – United Way of Morris County's Annual Meeting brings together 215 business and community leaders to focus on Collaboration and Civic Engagement

Kevin Rigby, vice president of Public Affairs at Novartis, was the keynote speaker at United Way of Morris County's Annual Meeting and Campaign Kick-off event on September 22 at Dolce Hamilton Park in Florham Park, NJ. Rigby, an advocate of strong corporate and social responsibility, spoke about "The Importance of Collaboration and Civic Engagement." Rigby talked about United Way's approach of involving the entire community - representatives from government, faith-based groups, non-profits, corporations, and citizens - to tackle large-scale issues such as affordable housing and quality childcare.

"Together we can get the results that none of us can accomplish alone," Rigby said.

Former Warner-Lambert Executive, Phil Gross, was also honored for his unparalleled volunteer service to the organization. Gross, also an advocate of giving back to the community and corporate social responsibility, has been an avid volunteer for United Way of Morris County for over seven years. He has served as the organization's Volunteer Campaign Chair, Volunteer President, and most recently, Volunteer Board Chair. Gross has been promoted to the newly created position of Chair Emeritus.

Gross received a standing ovation from the hundreds of business and community leaders from the private, public, and non-profit sectors that were in attendance.

United Way of Morris County's Annual Meeting brought together over 215 business executives, politicians, and nonprofit agency directors from corporations and organizations such as Pfizer Inc, Wyeth, Novartis, Family Service of Morris County, Morris Area Girl Scouts, the F.M. Kirby Foundation, and the Community Foundation of New Jersey.

Among other highlights of the event:

• United Way of Morris County shared an update on initiatives and programs related to community issues such as affordable housing, quality child care, and the Earned Income Tax Credit, and how they impact the community.
• Youth dancers from Neighborhood House, a non-profit, multi-faceted agency that offers recreational, education, cultural and social service programs to children and their families in Morristown, kicked off the event as the opening entertainment.
• United Way of Morris County recognized 11-year-old Becky Sagaas, winner of United Way of Morris County's Civic Engagement poster contest in Denville. United Way held its second annual Neighborhood Campaign Art Contest at the Rotary Street Festival on June 6. Sagaas' drawing will be used for the 2004 Neighborhood Campaign Poster that will be displayed throughout Morris County.

This year's annual meeting centered around United Way of Morris County's focus on collaboration and civic engagement. "When we join each other across organizations, bridging our boundaries, engaging in dialogue, discovering a common purpose, and designing creative solutions together, we can truly multiply our efforts and tackle even the most daunting community challenges at the very roots. . . . This is where the greatest "difference" can be made . . . and this is where United Way is focusing its efforts," said Kira Mendez, United Way's new Board President. The event officially kicks off the organization's annual fundraising campaign as well.

About United Way of Morris County
United Way of Morris County is dedicated to helping people and improving the quality of life for all residents. We address issues most critical to the future of Morris County by bringing attention, expertise, and resources to them. For more information, visit us on the web at www.uwmorris.org, or call 973.993.1160.

Contact
Jean Funk
Marketing Communications
United Way of Morris County
973.993.1160, x114
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