United Way of Greater Milwaukee sets new campaign record of $50 million

The United Way of Greater Milwaukee announced today that it raised more than $50 million, an all-time record, exceeding its $48 million projected goal by more than $2 million.
United Way officials say they raised over $3.4 million more than the $46.5 million raised in 2010, for a 7.4% increase, the largest year-over-year increase in 10 years.
The community’s generous support will allow United Way of Greater Milwaukee to help more than 400,000 people in 2012 by strategically funding more than 160 programs in education, income and health at more than 80 local agencies.
“We knew that a successful campaign was critical to help meet the increased needs in our community,” said Jim Popp, 2011 Community Campaign co-chair and president, Wisconsin and Minnesota, Chase. “We are so grateful to everyone who stepped forward to help us respond to those needs by giving through workplace campaigns and corporate gifts, individual contributions, sponsorships and in-kind support.” 
“Every gift is important. And it’s because of the generosity of Greater Milwaukee that we were able to achieve these incredible results,” said Tom Cardella, 2011 Community Campaign co-chair and president, Tenth and Blake Beer Company, MillerCoors. “Everyone should be proud of the wonderful spirit of giving in our community.”
“The support we received throughout the Milwaukee area was outstanding,” said Kris Rappé, 2011 Community Campaign co-chair and senior vice president and chief accounting officer, We Energies. “People know that when they give to United Way they are supporting programs that work because we measure and evaluate outcomes and report back to our donors on their investments.”
“This is a remarkable achievement,” said Ed Zore, chairman of the board, United Way of Greater Milwaukee. “But we know the needs in our community are great and we still have much work to do.”
“It’s our responsibility at United Way to help provide for those most in need,” said Mary Lou Young, president and CEO, United Way of Greater Milwaukee. “But the only way we are going to change our community is by working together – strategically – to end poverty and help our neighbors build better lives.”
Among the highlights of the campaign:
Johnson Controls Inc. achieved the largest annual combined workplace campaign total in United Way’s 102-year history, raising $5.1 million and surpassing last year’s company record total by nearly $1 million for the third consecutive $1 million increase.
Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. Inc. raised $3.8 million and set a new company record, achieving over 82-percent employee participation.
Long-time supporter Harley-Davidson Motor Co. returned to the $1 million giving level.
A total of nine local companies contributed more than $1 million in employee gifts and corporate support, with each company increasing their contribution over 2010.
United Way secured a $1+ million challenge grant through the Milwaukee Health Care Partnership from the five leading hospital systems (Aurora Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, Columbia St. Mary’s, Froedtert Health and Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare) to drive additional dollars to our Milwaukee Community Health Centers.
Raised $6.4 million new dollars through the Give & Win Sweepstakes. This year 14,034 donors qualified at the $25 level and 10,540 qualified at the $50 level with four winners drawn at random.
Two companies new to Milwaukee – Caterpillar Inc., which acquired Bucyrus International Inc, and BMO, which acquired M&I Bank – established themselves as significant corporate partners and increased their overall 2010 giving.