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United Way Kicks Off 22nd Annual Koko Challenge

October 2, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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.





The theme of this year’s United Way campaign, “Change the Odds,” is a call to action to Bay Area residents to join us in pursuit of our goal to cut in half the number of local families who live in poverty by the year 2020. Currently, one in five families in our region does not earn enough to cover its basic needs, according to United Way’s “Making Ends Meet in the Bay Area” report.

 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.

Filed Under: Donor recognition, Pathways out of Poverty Tagged With: , , , ,

Run! Walk! Roll! in the Marin Human Race

April 27, 2010 By Leave a Comment

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.

Filed Under: Road to Recovery Tagged With: , , , , ,

DON’T TOSS THAT! Call 2-1-1 when Spring Cleaning

March 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Photo courtesy of pinksherbert under Creative Commons license.

Spring is here! It’s the time of year when many garages and basements are cleaned up and cleared out. Bay Area residents who are spring cleaning are encouraged to call 2-1-1 to donate clothing or household items to help those in need.

Donated items should be clean and in good, working order.

2-1-1’s call center specialists can match donated items to nonprofits that need them. Frequently donated items include furniture, clothing and appliances. Nonprofit organizations also accept a variety of other items such as animal supplies, books, bed linens and automobiles. Some agencies even offer pick-up service for donations.

Most nonprofits do not accept television sets that are “pre-DTV,” old computers, and non-working electronic equipment.  2-1-1 can provide information about agencies that accept electronic waste in your area.

Filed Under: Road to Recovery Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
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