The most rewarding return for your investment shows on the faces of those you help!
Webster's Dictionary describes Vanguard as "the forefront of an action or movement." Literally at the forefront of United Way stand members of The Vanguard Leadership Giving Program. Vanguard members are contributors who donate $1,000 or more to United Way. The Vanguard assumes a tremendous leadership position in this community by underwriting the cost of keeping United Way operational. This commitment on the part of The Vanguard ensures all other donors that 100% of their contributions will go directly to fund programs at United Way agencies. That's a guarantee on which United Way donors can count.
There are six levels of Vanguard Leadership Giving:
In its infancy, The Vanguard Leadership Giving Program began with a grant from Great Lakes Chemical Corporation. The year was 1987 and three prominent community leaders pooled their wisdom and expertise to start this program. The first Vanguard Chairman was Jim Risk of Kirby Risk Corporation. With a little help from his friends, Jim began to cultivate this program and recruited 116 charter members, who collectively contributed $163,400. Today, 89 of those original members have continued their commitment to the Vanguard throughout this decade. The Vanguard program has grown over the years and now raises around $1,150,007 with over 710 members.
How can you enroll in the Vanguard? - Simply fill out the pledge card you receive at your place of employment or home, or call United Way at (765) 742-9077 to enroll.
THE 1923 SOCIETY
The 1923 Society will recognize donors of planned gifts to the United Way. Including United Way of Greater Lafayette in your will or trust, or giving gifts of securities, real estate, life insurance or other assets helps ensure that United Way remains healthy and viable long into the future. Such gifts will become part of The Forever Fund, an endowment established in 2000, which encourages gifting for future human service needs. If you have already identified United Way in your will or in a bequest, please contact James Taylor, Executive Director of United Way at (765) 742-9077 to inform him of that decision so United Way can properly recognize you for your deferred gift.
REFLECTIONS ON ALEXIS DE TOCQUEVILLE
Only 26 years old when he came to America in 1831, Alexis Charles-Henri Clerel de Tocqueville traveled all over the young nation. Though he only spent nine months in the United States, he gleaned an insightful view of American Society. His observations, readings, and discussions with eminent Americans formed the basis of Democracy in America, a detailed study of American society and politics, published in two volumes, in 1835 and 1840.
Perhaps his most important observation was that Americans helped each other in times of need. He recognized, applauded and immortalized the voluntary spirit that lives in America’s heart. He wrote: “I must say that I have seen Americans make a great and real sacrifices to the public welfare; and have noticed a hundred instances in which they hardly ever failed to lend faithful support to one another.”
The Alexis de Tocqueville Society, named because of Tocqueville’s admiration for the spirit of voluntary association and voluntary effort for the common good, is a national, philanthropic society honoring individuals throughout the United States making gifts of $10,000 and above annually to their respective United Way Campaigns.
In 2003, United Way of Greater Lafayette announced the formation of Alexis de Toqueville Society. We salute our Alexis de Tocqueville donors who gave generously, lead by example and help to ensure the future of our community.
THE VANGUARD
Dear Vanguard Members…
Last fall we were all challenged to become “Everyday Heroes” in the lives of those around us. By taking the time and making the choice to give to others through United Way, you are that Hero. Each and every one of you listed in this booklet took that challenge to heart and stepped up. For that, we say thank you!
The Vanguard, now in its 21st year, is truly making a lasting impact in our community. This past year we welcomed 56 new leadership givers for a 6% increase bringing the total number of Vanguards to just over 900. That growth resulted in well over $1.4 million in leadership gifts for United Way with $471,000 of those dollars designated by donors to fund United Way Administrative and Campaign costs. This allows all other dollars raised to go directly to programs and services.
We hope you’ll once again be a part of The Vanguard Leadership Giving program as the community campaign gets underway. The Greater Lafayette community needs everyday heroes like you more than ever.
If you have any questions or desire more information, please call James Taylor at 742-9077 ext. 223, or e-mail him at jtaylor@uw.lafayette.in.us. Once again, thank you for your generous support of our community through the United Way!
Sincerely,
