Hot Fun in the Summer Time!
United Way Staff Goes the Extra Mile for New Orleans Community

United Way's Eileen Barth wins the Saints Football raffle. She is flanked by event organizers (l) Charmaine Caccioppi and (r) Pam Allison.

United Way for the Greater New Orleans Area staff members once again put the fun in fundraising during the 2007-2008 In-House Campaign through games, prize drawings, and a silent auction.  The campaign took place during the week of September 17th and raised more than $70,000, successfully surpassing the goal for this year’s In-House Campaign, set at $64,000.  United Way staff members’ per capita giving impressively exceeds $1000.

The campaign committee, which included staff members representing each department, used their imagination and passion to create exciting events that would ensure the active participation of all employees throughout the entire week.  The week’s theme was “Hot Fun in the Summer Time.” 

Campaign Coordinators Pam Allison and Charmaine Caccioppi (representing the Louisiana Association of United Ways) kicked off the campaign with a week-long silent auction featuring many unique and treasured items donated by small businesses.  The auction raised more than $2,000.  Auction items included a framed Blue Dog piece of art by George Rodrigue, a Ramsey’s Diamond Fleur de Lis pendant, and many more prizes and gift certificates from more New Orleans retailers and businesses.

“We are especially thrilled to report that our in-house campaign was supported by small businesses throughout the entire region,” said Campaign Chair Allison.

The campaign also included a drawing to win an authentic football and certificate signed by Saints Fan Favorite, Reggie Bush. 

Staff members participated in various fundraising events such as traditional games like Bingo and Bunco, as well as newer events such as The Singing Bee (based on the NBC game show where contestants must complete song lyrics karaoke-style.)

The week-long campaign ended with a Victory Celebration at New Orleans’ infamous Mid City Lanes Rock ‘n Bowl and featured the Danny Alexander’s Blues Band. This event featured our Grand Prize a 32” LCD/Flat Screen TV; all staff members who contribute at least 1% of their annual salary through pay roll deduction were eligible. Additionally, staff members who won or participated in all previous games they we given greater odds for winning.  The 2nd grand prize was an 8830 Sprint BlackBerry.

Chair Allison, Caccioppi and the 2007 In-House Employee Campaign Committee would like to express their sincere thanks to all that supported this cause, specifically the United Way GNOA staff and the following companies that donated items to our Silent Auction:  Ramsey’s Diamond Jewelers, Little Laughter, New Orleans Steamboat Company, Spring Modern Clothing, Community Coffee, Chateau Sonesta Hotel New Orleans, RoadHouse Grill, the LePavillion Hotel, Office Depot, Sam’s Club/Wal-Mart, Frame City & Art Gallery, CHICO’s Ladies Clothing, Martin Wine Cellar, The New Orleans Saints, Muriel’s Jackson Square, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, Best Buys, Audubon Zoo, Peppermill, and Mid City Lanes Rock-n-Bowl.

All proceeds from United Way’s In-House Campaign go to the programs and services available to those community members in Orleans, Jefferson, St. Bernard, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Plaquemines Parishes.

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