RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK -- John Stallings, president and CEO of the Triangle Region of Sun Trust Bank Inc., on Thursday launched the 2009 United Way of the Greater Triangle campaign.
Stallings is the 2009 campaign chairman.
CEOs and business leaders from throughout the Triangle, community volunteers and United Way partner agency executives, gathered at the General Aviation Terminal at RDU International Airport Thursday morning for the annual campaign kickoff.
Stallings spoke about United Way's impact on the Triangle through a multitude of programs and services offered by 95 partner agencies serving Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties.
Guests arrived carrying new blankets to donate to the Cargo of Hope project, a Day of Caring project during the kickoff event. The blankets will be given to the Triangle Area Chapter of the American Red Cross which will distribute them throughout Durham, Johnston, Orange and Wake counties.
"What matters is not a number goal but a serving goal," said Stallings.
Beyond the 95 partner agencies United Way offers a variety of services. 2-1-1, an easy-to-remember phone number which connects callers to health and human service programs covering a variety of needs is available 24 hours a day with multi-lingual operators. The Teaming for Technology program is working to close the digital divide among local students. In addition, the Ready to Work program provides in-depth guidance to the unemployed in finding a job.
Craig Chancellor, president and CEO of United Way of the Greater Triangle, said, "Our impact on the Triangle is tangible. We've seen an increase of 30 percent in calls to our partner agencies from people seeking help. That's why the success of this campaign is so important."
To keep United Way of the Greater Triangle's funded services and programs running, the organization has set a fundraising goal of $17.3 million this year. The 2009 campaign will run through December.
To make a gift, visit www.unitedwaytriangle.org online.
