In my 30 years at United Way, I have encountered thousands of women who have made enormous sacrifices to provide for themselves and their families. I invite you to join me in celebrating these courageous Bay Area women this Mother’s Day.

By making a Mother’s Day gift to United Way, you will support moms like Karen, who after being unemployed for almost a year, was struggling to provide for her twin girls. United Way’s free tax-preparation program, Earn It! Keep It! Save It!, saved Karen $400, which she used to pay credit card bills and get her household budget in shape.

Karen is one of 50,000 low-wage taxpayers served by Earn It! Keep It! Save It! this tax season. The program, which has returned more than $211 million to low-income families since 2003, is a key component of United Way’s efforts to cut poverty in half in the Bay Area by 2020.

Celebrate your mom or another woman who has made a difference in your life. Make a Mother’s Day donation in her name to United Way today.

On Mother’s Day, your Mom will receive a beautiful e-card, personalized with your message, letting her know about your gift.

We’ve all been shocked and moved by the images and stories coming out of Japan following last week’s earthquakes, tsunami, and now, nuclear crisis. Conditions are deteriorating, and United Way Worldwide is determined to support the Community Chest of Japan, a part of the United Way worldwide network.

The Community Chest of Japan has established a fund, but chaos and difficulty inside Japan are making it difficult for them to set up a website where people can give direct donations.

United Way Worldwide is now accepting contributions on its 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 make a donation, visit: http://liveunited.org/japan

This holiday season, United Way is organizing an “Adopt a Nonprofit” program to connect generous Bay Area companies with some of our best nonprofit partners. We are asking companies to fulfill a nonprofit’s wish list – items that the organization desperately needs, as well as gifts for the families and children it serves.

Last year, more than a dozen companies brightened the holidays through our holiday drive, fulfilling the wish lists of 40 nonprofits throughout the region. Wish lists included requests for toys for needy children, as well as clothing and kitchen items for shelters that serve the homeless and victims of domestic-violence. Some companies and their employee volunteers hosted holiday parties at their adopted nonprofits, delivering wish-list gifts while visiting with the nonprofit and their clients. Read more about the success of last year’s holiday drive.

Learn more and register by contacting United Way’s Patricia Quema at pquema@uwba.org or 415.808.4337.

Download our Adopt A Nonprofit flyer.

Last week, United Way kicked-off our 22nd annual Koko Challenge at a gathering of law and community leaders hosted by Squire, Sanders & Dempsey. The Koko Challenge is a fundraising contest among local law firms that run United Way fundraising campaigns. The firms compete for top honors by excelling in total dollars raised, innovation and enthusiasm.  Scroll down to see a photo slide show of the kick-off festivities.

 Jay Price, who is chair of the 2010/11 Koko Cabinet, announced the fundraising goal of $1.5 million this year from the 21 participating law firms. Last year, 18 participating firms raised $1.4 million for charitable causes, setting a standard of excellence in philanthropy for the business community.

The Koko Cabinet is comprised of general counsel from United Way’s corporate partners and leaders within bay area law firms. Cabinet members recruit new law firms, lead volunteer efforts and provide support to all participating firms. 

2010/2011 United Way Koko Cabinet

• Jay Price, Bank of America – Chair 
• Michelle Banks, Gap Inc. – Vice Chair
• Hewitt Pate, Chevron Corporation
• James Potter, Del Monte Foods
• David Hearth, Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
• Vanessa Washington, Bank of the West
• Charles Custer, Gordon & Rees, LLP
• Nancy Greenan Hamill, Law Office of Nancy Greenan Hamill
• Michael Kelly, Squire, Sanders & Dempsey L.L.P.
• Richard Kopf, The Fremont Group LLC
• William Sawyers, Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center
• James Strother, Wells Fargo Bank

For more information about how you can join the 2010-2011 Koko Challenge please contact Danielle Cohen (415)808-4322 or dcohen@uwba.org.

Read more about last year’s Koko Challenge.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 8 — join 4,000 of your friends, neighbors, and community members in the largest collaborative fundraiser and nonprofit celebration in Marin County — the 28th annual Marin Human Race.

Enjoy…

• A pancake breakfast
• More than a dozen local bands and performing groups
• Free refreshments, prizes, and giveaways
• Kid Races with free registration (12 and under)
• Costume Contests
• Community Fair with games and activities (more than 100 booths!)
• Family Fun Fair with giant inflatable playland

United Way is a proud sponsor of the Marin Human Race, which is organized by the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin.   Last year, the race raised more than $350,000 for the benefit of 115 Bay Area nonprofits and schools.

Learn how you can participate in the race, volunteer, or be a sponsor.

Photo courtesy of Dawn-Pink Chick via Creative Commons license.