United Way of Chittenden County and Don Sinex of Devonwood Investors, LLC, the new owner and developer of Burlington Town Center, have announced a $50,000 challenge grant for United Way of Chittenden County which will help solidify the success of this year’s Community Campaign. If United Way can raise $50,000 before March 31, Devonwood LLC will make a campaign donation of $50,000. Sinex said he hopes the challenge will encourage other corporate and individual donors to give so United Way can continue supporting funded programs, advocacy, strategic work and volunteerism throughout the community.
Each year, United Way of Chittenden County sets a fundraising goal based on anticipated philanthropic capacity and the needs of the community. “United Way leads by mobilizing the entire community to give, advocate and volunteer,” said local attorney Bob DiPalma, volunteer chairperson for the 2014 Community Campaign. “The key to actually making a difference is working together – and that’s our role – to rally everyone to be part of the solution.”
“I’m investing millions to improve a community that I believe in. United Way does that each year through the Community Campaign,” said Sinex. “This community needs and deserves the support of United Way. They lead by investing in collaboration. With so many people and nonprofits relying on them, every dollar counts. I’m doing this because I trust United Way will ensure that not a penny is wasted. Whether it’s $5 or $5,000, I hope that this challenge inspires those who are able to give what they can and work together. It’s a gift that will benefit the whole community.”
Funds raised for the 2014 Community Campaign will be carefully invested in Chittenden County. “We invest in a foundation of strong, viable programs, we mobilize volunteers, and we implement strategic initiatives to create systems-level change. We get to the roots of tough issues.” said Martha Maksym, executive director of United Way of Chittenden County. “A gift to United Way has a community-wide impact because we’re not for any particular cause – as a neutral party we can lead by helping start tough conversations, guiding collaborations, educating ourselves and the community, and investing where there is the greatest potential for positive change.”
All grant proposals and decisions about how campaign funds are invested are made by committees and teams made up of over 200 volunteers, and approved by the United Way of Chittenden County’s volunteer Board of Directors. For a detailed list of community investments, visit unitedwaycc.org.
About Burlington Town Center
Devonwood’s plan for Burlington Town Center turns the mall inside out, transforming the current single interior space into a multitude of outward-facing shops, restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, and other open spaces. The new Burlington Town Center will offer something for everyone – local community members and out-of-town visitors looking to shop, dine, be entertained – and as well as bring jobs, revenue, and economic benefit to Burlington and to Vermont. For more information visit burlingtontowncenter.com.
About United Way of Chittenden County
United Way of Chittenden County unites our whole community to solve complex problems and harness the power of people to create a stronger Chittenden County. United Way has the networks, partnerships and strategic initiatives to improve the lives of our family, friends and neighbors. Our role is to mobilize the whole community to address its most pressing issues, focusing on the building blocks of a vibrant community: Education, Income and Health. The problems facing our community are complex; they are issues that no single organization or individual alone can solve. We believe lasting change is possible when nonprofit, public and private sectors work together.
BURLINGTON, VT, January 23, 2015 – United Way of Chittenden County