Des Cummings Jr. Urges Business Leaders to be Courageous in Supporting United Way’s 2009-10 Campaign

Speaking at United Way’s Community Campaign Kick Off, Campaign Chair Des Cummings Jr. told local business executives that challenging times require compassionate and courageous leadership.

Citing the growing economic hardship many local families are experiencing, Cummings said Central Floridians have a long history of responding generously in difficult times – one dating back to United Way’s founding 70 years ago in the depths of the Great Depression.

Time to Step Up, Not Down

“The great heart of this community exists because we’ve always come together to divide sorrow and multiply joy,” said Cummings, Executive Vice President of Business Development for Florida Hospital and the Florida Division of Adventist Health System. “With so many of our neighbors struggling, it’s time to step up, not down.”

During the Sept. 23 luncheon, UPS made a surprise and very special delivery.  Despite having 686 fewer employees this year, they beat the amount raised last year and presented a check for $557,134 – also beating this year’s stretch goal. Calling the achievement “amazing,” Cummings urged other companies to follow UPS’ lead in setting generous, ambitious fundraising goals.

Building a Winning Team

Delivering the keynote address, Alex Martins, Chief Operating Officer for the Orlando Magic, spoke about the importance of teamwork on the basketball court, in the board room and in the community. “It takes all segments of the community working together to build a brighter future, and United Way is leading the way,” Martins said. “When you support United Way, you join a winning team.”

Nearly 400 local executives attended the event, including representatives from Walt Disney Company; Darden Restaurants, Inc.; Publix Super Markets, Inc.; Orange County Government; the Orlando Magic; UCF; Progress Energy many others who have already launched or even concluded their workplace giving campaigns.

Last year’s campaign, chaired by Orange County Mayor Richard T. Crotty, raised $17.8 million to help fund nearly 120 local health and human service programs provided by agencies such as Coalition for the Homeless, Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army and many others. Dollars raised by the campaign help improve the lives of one-in-five Central Floridians each year.

The goal for United Way’s 2009-10 campaign is $18 million, and with the winning combination of strong leadership and a generous community, United Way will succeed.

If your company would like to schedule a workplace campaign, contact Leigh Smith, HFUW Development Vice President, at (407) 835-0900 or e-mail Leigh.Smith@hfuw.org.