United Way honors Bank of America & U.S. Bank with National Awards

June 17, 2011 - PRLog -- Locally, Bank of America raised over $200,000 through their United Way/CHAD campaign.  A $100,000 corporate gift was provided to support Home Again, a United Way-led initiative to end chronic homelessness in the region.

“Bank of America’s generosity and commitment to our community has been invaluable to our efforts to end chronic homelessness,” commented Brian Maienschein, Commissioner of the Plan to End Chronic Homelessness.  

The winner of two Summit Awards, Bank of America was the first financial institution to nationally support United Way’s Financial Stability Partnership through $4.5 million in grants. Employee volunteers also provided free tax preparation and filing assistance to lower-income working families. Last year in San Diego County alone, Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) refunds brought $8.2 million dollars back into the local economy.  

Recipient of the Spirit of America Award, U.S. Bank raised over $90,000 in San Diego through its United Way/CHAD campaign. U.S. Bank employees volunteer at schools, provide basic financial education training, and volunteer individually. Nationally, U.S. Bank provided $25.8 million to support programs focused on financial education, job training, affordable housing and more – representing 75% of the bank’s overall charitable giving.  

“In San Diego, both Bank of America and U.S. Bank are great supporters of United Way and engaged on a local level in many ways,” said Doug Sawyer, president and CEO of United Way of San Diego County. Bank of America Senior Vice President/Market Executive Richard Bregman serves on United Way’s board, as does U.S. Bank’s Vice President/Community Affairs Manager, Kristy Gregg. “Both corporations are vital businesses in our community, which is evident through their support. We want to thank them for their generosity to San Diego and congratulate them on their recent awards from United Way Worldwide.”

The Spirit of America and Summit Awards program, now in its 24th year, is United Way’s highest national honor for a corporation, recognizing the United Way Global Corporate Leadership company with the most comprehensive commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities. Applicants are evaluated by corporate peers, labor representatives and local United Ways.

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About United Way of San Diego County
Celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, United Way of San Diego County (UWSD) is a nonprofit organization that improves lives and creates long-lasting change. The United Way movement addresses the underlying causes of problems and mobilizes the community to solve education, income and health issues. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. UWSD’s 90th anniversary celebration will include a variety of events to celebrate the spirit of Living United and advancing the common good in San Diego. To learn more or to donate, visit http://www.uwsd.org.