Contact: Mary Lou Valenzuela, 601-631-4840 / 602-312-7769 mobile or mvalenzuela@vsuw.org

On Wednesday, Apr. 22, Valley of the Sun United Way’s community call to action - LIVE UNITED: Give, Advocate, Volunteer – takes center stage as Valley businesses, nonprofits and community volunteers are honored for their commitment to addressing pressing community needs.  On this day, more than 800 individuals who share a common mission –to improve lives throughout Maricopa County- will rally at United Way’s LIVE UNITED: The Power of Community Event. Guests will be joined by Katie Raml, ABC 15 anchor, who will provide special remarks and present distinguished awards to several Valley organizations.

The event culminates with the unveiling of Valley of the Sun United Way’s visionary goals to achieve long-term community change meanwhile celebrating the power of community that fueled its 2008 annual fundraising campaign and community work. 

The event is made possible by the following partners: Premier Sponsor - University of Phoenix; Community Champion Sponsors - Cox Communications, US Airways; and Media Sponsors - ABC 15 and The Phoenix Business Journal.

WHAT:  Valley of the Sun United Way’s LIVE UNITED: The Power of Community Event
Event Highlights include:

• Merl Waschler, Valley of the Sun United Way President and CEO, remarks highlighting state of community needs and United Way goals for the future
• ABC 15 Anchor Katie Raml, remarks and presentation of special awards honoring Valley organizations
• Steve Wheeler, Arizona Public Service Company executive vice president customer service and regulation and Valley of the Sun United Way 2008 Campaign Chairman, presents the Chairman’s Award, the Spirit of Caring Award and 2008 campaign achievement

WHEN: Wednesday, Apr. 22   3 to 5 p.m.
              Awards and Program:  3:30 to 4:30 p.m.    

WHERE:  The Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa
                 Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom
                 2400 E. Missouri Avenue, Phoenix

About Valley of the Sun United Way
Valley of the Sun United Way is working to advance the common good by focusing on education, income and health. Our goal is to create long-lasting and measurable changes that improve the quality of life for struggling individuals, families and children throughout Maricopa County. Visit www.vsuw.org to learn more.

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