September 12, 2006

corporate Boston's "hidden movement" kicks off this week

BOSTON – Beginning this week in 1,400 corporate offices in and around Boston, more than 130,000 people will join a grass-roots, social movement to make the Greater Boston metropolitan region the best place in the country for children. But they won’t be marching through the streets or holding signs at the State House. Instead, they’ll be joining the cause of building strong communities by supporting the work of United Way of Massachusetts Bay.

This movement for social progress – which comprises enough people to fill Gillette Stadium two times – is being led by three of Boston ’s top executives. William K. Bacic, Managing Partner for Deloitte & Touche USA, LLP’s New England Practice, Gloria Cordes Larson, Esq., Co-Chair of the Government Practices Group at Foley Hoag LLP; and Ronald E. Logue, chairman and chief executive officer of State Street Corporation are co-chairing United Way’s 2006 Campaign.

“The civic commitment that we see each fall from the people who live and work in our region is inspiring,” said Milton J. Little, Jr., president and chief executive officer of United Way of Massachusetts Bay . “For a concentrated 12-week period of time, hundreds of thousands of people are in one voice making a difference. The value of the resources harnessed by this commitment on behalf of the community cannot be overstated. This support enables us – together – to foster a society where social and economic opportunities are accessible to all.”

Last year, more than 130,000 individuals and companies in Greater Boston raised a projected $46 million through this effort. Raising critical resources to invest in approaches and organizations that drive real progress is just one facet of United Way ’s movement to create social change. Resources raised each year enable United Way to facilitate coalitions to effect systemic changes in the community, build effective organizations, develop and execute public policy plans on issues like professional development for early education and care professionals or affordable housing and raising awareness of critical issues facing the community.

About United Way of Massachusetts Bay

United Way of Massachusetts Bay is a nonprofit organization whose mission it is to improve people’s lives and the strengthen neighborhoods of Eastern Massachusetts. For more than 70 years, UWMB has brought people together to raise awareness around social issues, develop community resources, invest in research, build public/private partnerships, support non-profit organizations, and help people get ahead, not just get by. UWMB is working to make this region the best place for children in the country and that will only be made possible through the work of volunteers and our partnerships with business, government, education, health care, labor, faith groups, non-profit organizations and committed citizens. For more information, visit uwmb.org