Live United - The FHUW Blog

Nomination deadline is FRIDAY for 2011 Spirit of the Community Awards

Just a quick reminder to get in your nominations for Foothills United Way's 2011 Spirit of the Community Awards. The deadline is this Friday, April First.

FHUW's Spirit of the Community Awards were established in 2010 to honor those who best exemplify a commitment to living united in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. Awards are given out to an outstanding individual, business, and partnership.

Please take some time to think about someone, a group or a business that you think deserves to be recognized for their exemplary efforts on behalf of our community. Nomination forms and more information can be found on the Live United 2011 page on the FHUW website.

Thank you for your help!

Nominations sought for 2011 Spirit of The Community Awards

Foothills United Way's Spirit of the Community Awards were established in 2010 in three areas to honor those who best exemplify a commitment to living united in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. The 2010 Award honorees were:

• Individual: Carol Lathrop
• Business: Ball Corporation
• Partnership: The Boulder County Human Services Strategic Plan

Nominations for the 2011 awards are now being accepted. Please take some time to think about someone, a group or a business that you think deserves to be recognized for their exemplary efforts on behalf of our community. You may nominate in just one category or all three! Nomination forms can be found on the Foothills United Way website. Please return the forms by ground mail or email by Friday, April 1st.

 

Email:

info@unitedwayfoothills.org

 

US Mail:

Foothills United Way

Attn: Spirit of the Community Awards

1285 Cimarron Drive, Suite 101

Lafayette, CO 80026

 

The Spirit of the Community Awards will be presented at Foothills United Way's Live United 2011 event on June 8th. If you have any questions, contact Barbara Pingrey or Kelli Rucker at 303-444-4013.

 

Thank you for helping us recognize some very special people, businesses and efforts in Boulder and/or Broomfield Counties!

 

2011 Spirit of the Community Nomination Forms

 

UPDATE: Japan Earthquake/Tsunami Relief Efforts

Since the devastating earthquake and tsunami hit Japan a week ago, United Way Worldwide has been working with Community Chest of Japan to determine how best to lend support to the crisis.

Community Chest of Japan has established a fund, but chaos and difficulty inside of Japan are presenting a challenge to them in setting up a website where people can give direct donations. United Way Worldwide is now accepting contributions on our website for the Community Chest of Japan, and the funds will be directed to the Community Chest of Japan through United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving (IDAG) program.

To read more about the giving effort, please check out United Way Worldwide's LIVE UNITED blog. A direct link to the giving site can be found here.

Japan Earthquakes and Tsunamis: United Way's Response

The hearts and minds of the United Way movement around the world are with the people of Japan. With communications disrupted by the disaster, United Way Worldwide was finally successful on Saturday in connecting with Central Community Chest of Japan. They are safe, but they have not been able to contact all of the local Community Chests in disaster-stricken areas. Central Community Chest of Japan is convening local Community Chests to create one central fund and are collaborating with government, local businesses and other NGOs to coordinate response on the ground.

As soon as there is solid information about the central fund, United Way Worldwide will provide that information to the United Way network. The Community Chest of Korea has already committed $500,000.

Here are the ways United Way is helping now, and how you can help through United Way:

·      Until there is an electronic link to the local disaster fund, individuals or organizations wanting to make donations to disaster efforts of greater than $5,000 can donate to United Way’s International Donor Advised Giving (IDAG) program – http://worldwide.unitedway.org/IDAG

·      As there are hidden costs and complications associated with contributions of goods or services, we discourage unsolicited product donations.

·      Those trying to locate U.S. citizens living or traveling in Japan are directed to contact the U.S. Department of State, Office of Overseas Citizen Services toll free from within the U.S. at +1.888.407.4747, from outside the U.S. at +1.202.647.5225 or on their website – http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html

United Way will update information as it becomes available. For the latest updates, please check United Way's website at liveunited.org.

Checkoff Colorado: You can support Colorado 2-1-1 on your state tax return.

This year's Colorado State Income Tax form includes a charitable check-off box to benefit Colorado 2-1-1. Just look for the box marked, “Colorado 2-1-1 First Call For Help Fund”, on line 41 of your form.

Last year alone, more than 285,000 Coloradans used 2-1-1 to help find vital services like emergency shelter, food, rental assistance, utility assistance, child care, health care and more. Your donation will help support this much needed free service.

To learn more about all of the nonprofits you can support on your tax return this year, visit the Checkoff Colorado website, and check out this recent segment on Colorado & Company:

  

You can also learn more about Colorado 2-1-1 in this interview that we did last winter for Comcast Newsmakers. The Colorado 2-1-1 part begins at the 2:45 mark.

  

As always - thanks for supporting your community and the great work of our area nonprofits!