FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2007
NEWS RELEASE
Contact: Susan Black
863.648.1500 x 240 or cell# 863.860.6206
MAXWELL FAMILY PLEDGES $750,000 TO UNITED WAY TO HELP KIDS SUCCEED IN SCHOOL
Polk County, FL – Through a generous gift, the Maxwell Family has extended a challenge to the community to increase donations to the United Way of Central Florida by growing the United Way Tocqueville Society. The $750,000 pledge is in the form of a challenge. The family will match individual donations to encourage donors to join the United Way Tocqueville Society which recognizes annual giving of $10,000 or more. The community has up to 5 years to earn the match of $750,000.
“Both our family and company are pleased to support the United Way of Central Florida in its local community endeavors”, said Todd Maxwell, President of Century Realty Funds. “Further, as parents of an autistic child, my wife and I understand the role that early childhood interventions play in determining his and other children’s futures.”
The Maxwell Family has designated some of the matching funds to five specific non-profit organizations that serve children. Those organizations received $15,000 each to expand current programs or develop new programs that can show measurable improvement in the ability of the children to succeed in school. Measurements include school readiness, academic performance or behavioral improvements. Funds were awarded to Lake Wales YMCA, Peace River Center, Achievement Academy, Lakeland Christian School Discovery Program and United Way Success By 6 and will be used for direct services, therapy, and materials.
The Maxwell Family carries on the tradition of philanthropic leadership that began in 1987 when the United Way of Central Florida Leadership Giving Association was founded by George W. Jenkins, P. Scott Linder, Guy Bostick and Buddy Fletcher. Sixty-four members joined that first year, each pledging $1,000 or more. Today the group has over 1600 members and this year celebrates 20 years of Leadership Giving in our community.
“A gift to United Way is an investment in our community's future”, stated Terry Worthington, President of United Way of Central Florida. “The Maxwell Family's matching gift encourages others to take advantage of an opportunity to magnify the difference they can make in our community. Together, we can do more than any of us can do alone.”
United Way of Central Florida has focused part of their community efforts on “helping kids succeed in school” since Success By 6 was initiated in 1995. By helping children be prepared for kindergarten and assisting them with programs targeting school success, United Way makes the greatest impact on the lives of our children. United Way of Central Florida understands local needs and drives lasting change to build better lives and stronger communities.
For more information on the Maxwell Challenge Match, contact Kristin Tripoli, Leadership Giving Director at the United Way (863) 648-1500 extension 246 or kristin1@uwcf.org.
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