July 2008

Dear Friends and Supporters:

Our beautiful summer weather is an annual reminder of how fortunate we are to live in western Montana. At United Way of Missoula County, it is also a time to assess the progress of the last year and look forward to further advancement in the months ahead.

We are so grateful to the thousands of donors who supported our recordbreaking 2007 campaign. These collective efforts raised $1.45 million, $75,000 more than our goal. This enables United Way, and the programs and initiatives we support, to continue making measurable, long-lasting improvements in the lives of vulnerable people throughout Missoula County. Thank you.

This year, we at United Way are redoubling our efforts to build a better community for everyone, especially in the areas of education, income and health:

quality education that leads to a steady job,

enough income to support a family through retirement,

and good health.

These are the essential building blocks for a good life; they result in a better stronger community for everyone. We all benefit when a child succeeds in school and when families are physically and emotionally healthy, and able to earn enough money to support themselves.

Creating opportunities for a good life for all is at the heart of our new "LIVE UNITED" campaign. LIVE UNITED calls upon all of us to advance the common good by giving, advocating and volunteering:

Giving because it takes money to change people's lives and build a strong community;

Advocating because it's important to stand up for programs and causes we believe in;

Volunteering because when we lend a hand to one, we influence the condition of all.

As we ask you to join us in this transformational effort and to "Live United" with United Way, we are well aware of the many challenges ahead. Growing numbers of our neighbors struggle every day to provide the very basics for themselves and their families. A difficult economy means a narrowing gap between those able to give help and those in need of help. More people are falling through the cracks, calling attention to the urgent need for a strong safety net.

It is for these reasons that our work must go forward. The health and well being of our community depend on it. As we make "Living United" part of the fabric of life in Missoula County, we are confident in the caring and generous spirit that characterizes our community.

We are deeply grateful for your support, and we look forward to working with you in the year ahead to build a better community for all.