Congratulations, Wells Fargo!

United Way of America honored Wells Fargo & Company with two Summit Awards, part of its Spirit of America Awards program, recognizing the company’s outstanding commitment to Community Impact and Community Volunteerism.

“In this challenging economic climate, it’s more important than ever to have partners like Wells Fargo,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way, shown at the awards luncheon with Patty Pannkuk, Vice President, Corporate Community Support Programs for Wells Fargo. “United Way is proud to recognize Wells Fargo and its team members for their leadership, generosity and volunteer commitment that continue to strengthen communities nationwide.”

In 2008, Wells Fargo contributed $102.1 million in grants, up 11 percent from 2007. Wells Fargo team members volunteered 787,772 hours, including building 170 homes and volunteering more than 4,000 hours to provide free tax preparation and help individuals claim the earned income tax credit. They also raised more than $35 million for nonprofit organizations during the annual Community Support and United Way Campaign. Plus, more than 35 Wells Fargo executives served on local United Way boards. Wells Fargo volunteers also provided more than 580 free Hands on Banking financial education classes in English and Spanish to various community, school and immigrant groups, including remote Alaskan villages, Navajo reservations and the Mexican Consulate. Volunteers also conducted 35 foreclosure prevention seminars.

See the ad that will run in the May 22 San Francisco Business Times.