2009 Campaign Ambassadors begin training

The community is gearing up for the 2009 Live United Campaign, and to lead the charge talented individuals from around the community. These Campaign Ambassadors will work either part time or full time on loan from their employee for the next couple of months. During the next two weeks, the CA's will learn about United Way and its history, understand the community priorities and how programs are funded, learn to manage a campaign and lots of other great work in motivating and encouraging a company to give, advocate, volunteer -- to LIVE UNITED!

2009 Campaign Ambassadors List:

Nichelle Adams, State of KS-SRS
Larry Buening, State of KS-SRS
David Carr, Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS
Rusty Doty, Blue Cross Blue Shield of KS
Joey Frederickson, KS Dept of Commerce
Rhonda Gales, State of KS-SRS
Mary Grossenkemper, Hallmark Cards
Brian Haug, WIBW-TV
Shinita Hishaw, BNSF Railway
SGT Ash Kaboudan, Topeka Police Dept
Mark Koeppe, Capitol Federal Savings
Amanda Lanum, WIBW-TV
Pamela Lewis, KS Gas Service-Topeka Svc Center
Karla Price, Westar Energy-General Office
Kyle Rutschmann, Intrust Bank
Shirley Simms, Stormont-Vail HealthCare
Pam Sipes, Capitol Federal Savings

Video in production for 2009 LIVE UNITED Campaign

It was a hot, sticky and all-around typical summer day in Kansas. But, the relentless weather of July didn't deter the spirit and passion of volunteers throughout the community to spread the LIVE UNITED message of Give, Advocate and Volunteer.

Nearly 30 volunteers from various companies and affiliations united at the historic Topeka High School auditorium to produce a United Way video unlike anything Topeka has ever experienced under the guiding hand of Gizmo.

Why the pendulum swing?

The work of United Way throughout the community is well-known and effective. And, the staff and volunteers of the organization are looking to further their work in the community by engaging the public in more ways than just giving. Volunteering time and lending a voice through advocacy work are as vital to Advancing the Common Good as monetary contributions.

By mobilizing the community through these three pillars of Living United, United Way is able to have greater impact its community priorities. By honing in on targeted areas, Education, Income and Health, United Way is laying the groundwork to create positive, sustainable change in our community.

So, while the video may not tug at one's heart strings as those great clips of the past, it will show its audience how by reaching out a hand to one, you can influence the condition of all. And, mostly, how Living United feels good and makes everyone involved smile.

The video will be available after September 2009.

Scorch on the Porch to Live United

Topeka, Kansas -- The words "LIVE UNITED" emerged throughout the crowd of bustling Washburn University students who rose to the challenge.

To celebrate its United Way Campaign, Washburn University hosted the first of two Scorch on the Porch events on Tuesday, April 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the lawn in front of Memorial Union.

Students enjoyed live music, Caribbean Pork and carnival games put on by United Way funded programs throughout the area.

Students who sported a Live United shirt received $1 off their meals. Washburn Bookstore began selling special Live United shirts with the Washburn Logo. The shirts are available through the Washburn Bookstore and cost $10. Proceeds benefit United Way of Greater Topeka.

United Way celebrates St. Patrick's Day

Supporters and volunteers of United Way of Greater Topeka came together and made a visual impact statement with the LIVE UNITED message during the Topeka St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 17, 2009. Nearly 90 men, women and children wearing the classic white with black lettering "Live United" shirts marched together while donning festive green accessories.

Parade marchers handed out information cards about 2-1-1, a toll-free number and link to information on services, assistance and volunteer opportunites which is available to anyone, anywhere in Kansas 24-hours a day.

Thank you to these marchers for choosing to LIVE UNITED! And, a special thanks to the children and staff of Community First who came out in support in generous numbers with uplifting spirits.

Project Cram-A-Van Stocks Area Food Banks

When it comes to vehicle capacity, Project Topeka is shifting focus from number of passengers to tons of food.

On Saturday, Feb. 28, volunteers will unite to advocate on behalf of and give food items to those in need through a Project Topeka event, Cram-A-Van. The event, which is co-sponsored by United Way of Greater Topeka, HyVee, KSNT-27 and John Hoffer, is part of Project Topeka’s annual food drive.

The goal for 2009 is 199 tons of food; up one ton from 2008.

“Cram-A-Van will be a great opportunity to bring the food drive right to the public,” said Dan Woodard, community services liaison for United Way of Greater Topeka. “We have raised the bar in terms of 2008 goals, and know that while many people want to give, getting to one of our drop off locations isn’t always convenient.”

Project Topeka is in its 24th year and helps stock seven area food bank with its annual food drive. Drop off locations include all Topeka Fire Stations and United Way offices. Large donations from groups and companies can call 228-5112 to schedule a pickup.

Items sought must be non-perishable and packaged in a box or a can. Glass containers are discouraged. Items in high demand include breakfast cereals and crackers. Donations are also accepted to help replenish depleting food banks and checks can be made payable to Project Topeka, c/o C.R.C, 501 SE Jefferson Suite 30, Topeka, Kansas 66607. Because Project Topeka has no administrative or over head costs, all donations directly impact the community.

Visit Project Topeka's Website, select here.

View Project Topeka article in the Topeka Capitol-Journal, select here.

Lunch with Leaders -- Lt. Governor Parkinson

Members of the United Way of Greater Topeka's Young Leaders Society gathered on Friday, Jan. 09 for an intimate lunch with Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson. The event, which was held at the Boy Scouts of America Topeka offices was a success. Twenty young, professionals arrived ready to network, listen and learn -- and of course, enjoy lunch which was catered by the YWCA of Topeka.

Parkinson provided the group helpful information on shaping futures while revealing information on his past and how he has achieved success.

About the Young Leaders Society

The Young Leaders Society is a members group of young professionals who generously donate $500 or more (per individual or couple) to the United Way of Greater Topeka. The group meets approximately six time throughout the year with Lunch with Leaders events to develop leadership skills and network. The YLS group takes on other initiatives, including coordination and planning for the VAL Awards, philanthropic endeavors and various other activities which combining a splash of fun and camaraderie with community betterment. For information on joining YLS, visit the United Way online at http://www.unitedwaytopeka.org/ or on Facebook.

About Lt. Governor Parkinson:

A successful businessman and former legislator, Mark Parkinson is a native Kansan who grew up in Wichita and now resides in Olathe. Mark’s family has its roots in Scott City, where they still own a farm.

Governor Sebelius appointed Parkinson as co-chair of the Kansas Energy Council and chair of the Kansas Wind Working Group. In the summer of 2007, he launched Volunteer Kansas to assist in connecting volunteers to service organizations. Parkinson also serves on the Kansas Mentors Leadership Council, chaired by Coach Bill Snyder. Recently, Parkinson was appointed as Chair of the Governor’s Military Council. He continues to lead the BEST efforts, the Governor’s budget-savings initiative.

Mark and Stacy, his wife of more than 25 years, are active in community and charitable organizations, including co-chairing the successful Sunflower House Capital Campaign which raised $4.2 million to support the child abuse assistance agency. They also completed a $6.7 million Capital Campaign for SAFEHOME, one of the most comprehensive domestic violence agencies in Kansas. Both involvements led the United Community Services of Johnson County to name Mark and Stacy as 2006 Co-Citizens of the Year. They are parents to three children: Alex, Sam, and Kit. They belong to the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood.

Heartwarming tale of a little boy who Lives United

Story Submitted by Sally Wright, Topeka

I wanted to would share this story with all of you in the Troop:

A couple of hours after I got off the phone with Maria the other night my phone rang, I looked at my caller I.D. and noticed it was Maria calling me back. I was a little anxious about answering it since she told me that her husband that was involved in an accident at work where he fell off a ladder/scafel and broke both of his legs had not had a good day. As a result of the accident, Maria's husband Frankie had been moved into a nursing home to recover from surgery. He is waiting (impatiently) until he gets more movement back in his legs.

I answered the phone and could tell by her voice that she had been crying.

Maria said, "Thank you for teaching Gabriel (her 6 year old son) how to give!"

I was shocked by her statement that she made and said "What do you mean?"

She told me that she had explained to Gabriel what Troop 7 was doing for their family to help them over the holidays by giving them gifts/food to help them out while they are going through this difficult time. Maria then told me that Gabriel went to his room counted the money in his piggy bank and told his Mom that he had an idea of what he wanted to do for Christmas too. Gabriel told his Mom that he felt sorry for the older people in the nursing home that his Dad is in because noone comes to visit him and he wants to use the money in his piggy bank (he counted $20.00) to buy them balloons and tie a candy cane on the string of each balloon for them for Christmas. Maria said that she was shocked that he wanted to use his own money for that and talked about how she would give her last penny to help others if she could. So Maria said Friday night her and Gabriel are going to buy balloons and tie candy canes on them to take to the nursing home.

I told Maria that we feel so fortunate to be able to help them and that how awesome it is this that Gabriel wants to do something for someone else too.

Ironically we haven't even given them their gifts yet and this family already feels blessed by the Troop 7's outreach.

I just wanted to share this story with everyone and thank those families that helped shop for Frankie, Maria and Gabriel obviously they feel very blessed by your giving. Also, thanks to the Bleich family, Timmy Lang, Byron Ashley and Cole for helping wrap after we went shopping.

We are delivering the gifts for the family on Saturday at 10:00 a.m. plan on meeting at the First Christian Church in the back parking lot.

Merry Christmas!!

Sally Wright