Over 3,000 Turn Out to “Live United” at UWNYC Day of Action

On Saturday September 20th, United Way of New York City (UWNYC) was joined by over 3,000 New Yorkers, 165 teams and 50 nonprofit service organizations in a call to action for all to give back to their communities and help bridge the gap when it comes to education, income and health in New York City.  The Day of Action began with a symbolic walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to Cadman Park Plaza.  After crossing the bridge, walkers arrived at a volunteer festival co-sponsored by the Mayor’s Volunteer Center where participants visited with over 40 nonprofit organizations and learned about volunteer opportunities around the city.  

 “Education, income and health are the foundations of a successful life in this city, and together, New Yorkers can bring about real, positive change,” said Gordon J. Campbell, President and CEO of United Way of New York City.  “The LIVE UNITED Day of Action is about highlighting the importance of giving back; of advocating for an important cause; and volunteering your time.  The fact that so many people came out today demonstrates how New Yorkers are ready to give back more, inspire others to do the same, and strive to create lasting change in our city.”

The LIVE UNITED campaign has been developed on an understanding that there are three basic building blocks needed for a good quality of life: a quality education that leads to a stable job; income that can support a family; and good health. While these goals are beyond the reach of millions of Americans, United Way believes together, New Yorkers can become an active part of the solution.

 An opening ceremony at City Hall Park kicked off the Day of Action.  Jonas Schwartz of 4 New York emceed the ceremony. Also on hand were Telemundo star Penelope Menchaca and four NYC Commissioners -- Edwin Méndez-Santiago from the Department for the Aging, Paul J. Cosgrave  of  the  Department of Information Technology & Telecommunications and Robert Doar from the Human Resources Administration. Deputy Manhattan Borough President Rosemonde Pierre-Louis, Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Yvonne J. Graham and lead sponsor Capital One Bank Executive Vice President David Dineen also turned out to support United Way of New York City’s call to action.

 Over 165 corporations, government agencies, and nonprofits assembled teams to walk and participate in the volunteer festival, including Macy’s, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Wachovia Corporation, Accenture , United Parcel Service, the NYC Human Resources Administration, Baruch College, NYC Enhanced 311, NYC Dept of Finance, NYC Department of Correction, Filipino Arts& Music Ensemble, Vacamas Programs for Youth, Community Association of Progressive Dominicans, Hispanic Federation and Gay Men’s Health Crisis.