On September 26, we held our event, "Legacy Dinner: Our Community. Your Legacy." at The Hotel at Kirkwood. It was a great way to thank our legacy donors and inform them on news and updates from UWECI.

Tim Stiles, UWECI President and CEO, presented on the 130-year history of United Way and gave insight into how UWECI continues to evolve to meet our community's needs.

One way donors can help us plan for the future is through the Touch Tomorrow Society. Touch Tomorrow Society members plan for tomorrow by endowing their gifts to UWECI today. Thanks to their generosity, we can prepare for tomorrow's challenges and help the next generation of East Central Iowans.

This year's Legacy Giving Chair, Jim Haddad, has volunteered with and donated to UWECI for many years. He spoke to attendees about why he supports United Way: "Build your community and make it a better place. It builds character in you." As someone who grew up in East Central Iowa, he has seen firsthand the important work United Way does.

Jim also informed attendees about this year's challenge grant. Paul and Jennifer Morf established their Named Endowed Designated (NED) fund for United Way through the Greater Cedar Rapids Community Foundation. Now, they are challenging other donors to do the same.

There are 10 challenge grants available. Please contact United Way if you are interested in meeting the Morfs’ challenge.