On the recordJune 11, 2012
Mr. President, I rise tonight 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 Denver's growing problem with poverty. In Denver, this group--this initial group--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 that brings an impressive $1 billion to local communities each year. United Way effectively leverages private donations in order to finance innovative programs and initiatives that profoundly affect communities throughout Colorado, the United States and, dare I say, the world.…





