In the News

United Way

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 10, 2002
Contact: Beverly Jackson
Media & Public Relations Manager
215-665-2517

My WishRock® —Part of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s 2002 Campaign

®Once upon a time, a little boy named Jack wished on a star. It fell to Earth, glowing like a ball of flame, and landed in a field nearby. Jack recovered a mystical rock – a WishRock – he called it. And so the adventure begins…”

( Philadelphia, PA ) — In an unprecedented effort, United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania, First Union National Bank and WishRock Enterprises are bringing a call to community service beyond just the workplace and right into the homes with a message of commitment to community and to each other.

My WishRock®, the story of a little boy who finds a mystical rock, teaches children to believe in themselves and that they can – and do – make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.

“Building on these principles, the lessons for children – and adults – are simple,” according to My WishRock author Dorette Rota Jackson. “Believe in yourself, follow your dreams, and reach out to others along the way. My WishRock is a way to encourage our children—and ourselves—to focus on our dreams, to reach higher to achieve our goals, and to remember the people in our lives who have made a difference.”

“Participating workplace donors who pledge a first time gift of $100 dollars or more to the Community Impact Fund or increase their gift in the amount of $100 dollars or more over last year’s donation to the Community Impact Fund will receive a complimentary WishRock to take home to the children in their lives,” according to Christine James-Brown, President and CEO of United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania. “By supporting the local services and programs that make our community strong, our donors serve as positive role models—teaching children about responsibility to their community and to each other.

“The Community Impact Fund provides the financial support needed to advance our Community Impact Plan,” James-Brown said. “This is a focused approach to address the most pressing health and human service needs that our community faces. The Community Impact Plan is comprised of three areas of need: Investing in our Children/Youth, Building Adult Independence, and Promoting Healthy Living.”

“It is important to encourage children to believe in themselves and realize that they have the power to change themselves, their families, and their community by volunteering their time and talent and being a good neighbor,” according to Robert L. Reid, State CEO, First Union National Bank, and United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania’s 2002 Resource Development Chair.

The WishRock campaign is available this fall to companies conducting United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania workplace campaigns. To learn more about My WishRock, visit www.mywishrock.com or contact WishRock Enterprises LLC at 856-374-2624.

United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania (UWSEPA), established in 1921, is one of Greater Philadelphia’s largest non-profit organizations and one of approximately 1,400 affiliated United Ways nationwide. Each United Way is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers.