THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

HOUSE RESOLUTION

INTRODUCED BY SCAVELLO, ADOLPH, BEAR, BRENNAN, CALTAGIRONE, CLYMER, D. COSTA, DALEY, DiGIROLAMO, J. EVANS, EVERETT, GABLER, GEIST, GEORGE, GIBBONS, GINGRICH, GOODMAN, GRELL, HAHN, HARHAI, HARKINS, HESS, JAMES, KILLION, KORTZ, KULA, LONGIETTI, MACKENZIE, MAHONEY, MAJOR, MANN, MILLARD, MURT, MYERS, NEILSON, M. O'BRIEN, PEIFER, PICKETT, QUINN, READSHAW, REED, ROCK, ROEBUCK, ROSS, SANTONI, CULVER, SCHMOTZER, K. SMITH, SONNEY, STABACK, STEVENSON, SWANGER, TOBASH, VEREB AND WATSON, JULY 31, 2012

INTRODUCED AS NONCONTROVERSIAL RESOLUTION UNDER RULE 35, JULY 31, 2012  

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the United Way as it celebrates the 125th anniversary

of its founding.

WHEREAS, In 2012, the United Way celebrates the 125th

anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, The United Way was founded in Denver in 1887; and 

WHEREAS, Today, United Way is the largest privately funded

nonprofit corporation in the nation and the world, with more

than 1,800 United Ways in 41 countries and territories; and

WHEREAS, The focus of United Way is identifying and resolving

pressing community issues, as well as making measurable changes

in the communities through partnerships with schools, government

agencies, businesses, organized labor, financial institutions,

community development corporations, voluntary and neighborhood

associations, the faith community and others; and

WHEREAS, The issues United Way focuses on are determined

locally because of the diversity of the communities served; and

WHEREAS, The United Way's overall framework, however,

includes education, income and health; and

WHEREAS, The United Way builds on community strengths and

assets, helps individuals and groups with specific community

interests, finds ways for them to contribute their time and

talents, supports direct-service programs and community-change

efforts and advocates public policy changes; and

WHEREAS, Millions of corporations and businesses partner with

United Way to address community needs; and

WHEREAS, Since 1946, the American Federation of Labor and the

Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) and United Way of

America have enjoyed a cooperative relationship; and

WHEREAS, Nearly 40 years ago, the National Football League

(NFL) and the United Way established a partnership to increase

public awareness of service issues facing the country; and

WHEREAS, In addition to public service announcements in which

volunteer NFL players, coaches and owners appear, NFL players

support their local United Ways through personal appearances,

special programs and serving on United Way governing boards; and

WHEREAS, Both Pennsylvania NFL franchises, the Philadelphia

Eagles and the Pittsburgh Steelers, are strong United Way

supporters; and

WHEREAS, There are 63 United Way organizations in this

Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, In 1908, Pennsylvania's first United Way was founded

in Pittsburgh; and

WHEREAS, The United Way organizations in this Commonwealth

advance the common good and improve communities across this

Commonwealth as places to live and do business through strategic

investments, initiatives, partnerships and advocacy; therefore

be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives honor the United

Way on the 125th anniversary of its founding and encourage all

residents of this Commonwealth to support the United Way.