January 2, 2006 Happy New Year [first_name], and thank you for your support of United Way of Greater Cleveland. United Way's Fifth Annual Auction on eBay Begins January 20 Ready for some bargains? Want to help United Way? United Way's Fifth Annual Auction on eBay is an opportunity to do both! Bookmark the site now and check back on January 20 to see the great items that will go up on the auction block, including Continental Airlines tickets; a one night stay at the Cleveland Intercontinental Hotel; a one night stay at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Pennsylvania; Cleveland Cavaliers loge; Rock & Roll Hall of Fame VIP tour and more. All proceeds benefit the United Way campaign. View a list of more great auction items. IN THIS ISSUE: United Way Night with the Cavaliers A Message from Sandy Cutler and Henry Meyer Campaign Profile: City of Pepper Pike United Way's Annual Meeting is March 10 Meet Phoebe How United Way Cares January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month United Way Values

United Way Night at the Q on February 1 Cleveland Cavaliers v. New Jersey Nets Order your discount tickets now to see the Cavaliers play the New Jersey Nets, Wednesday, February 1, at the "Q". For $25, you will get a $35 upper level baseline ticket; Cavaliers knit cap; chance to win great raffle prizes; discounted meal vouchers and admission to an exclusive United Way party on the court after the game. Plus, a portion of the proceeds benefit United Way. Order online now or download a fax back order form. Cutoff for orders is midnight, January 17.

A Message from the Chairman of the Board Sandy Cutler and Campaign Chairman Henry Meyer Although the year is over, the needs of our community never stop. If you have contributed to this year's United Way campaign, thank you. If not, United Way's Campaign doesn't end until March, so it is not too late to make our community a better place by making a secure online donation now. Read a special New Year's message from Sandy Cutler and Henry Meyer to United Way donors.

Campaign Profile: City of Pepper Pike and a Cajun Connection Meet John Frazier and Tom Majeski, Pepper Pike firemen who generously donated bonus money they received for volunteering to help Hurricane Katrina victims to United Way. "I know United Way takes care of little crises that happen every day in Greater Cleveland and I wanted to give something back to our community," says John Frazier about his donation. With 79 percent participation by the city's over 100 employees, Pepper Pike has a great United Way campaign, a campaign run from the heart. This year, Pepper Pike employees raised almost $16,000, a 29 percent increase over last year. Read about John and Tom and the great United Way campaign Pepper Pike conducted this year.

Be There! United Way's Annual Meeting Friday, March 10, 2006 Join your United Way family for this annual gathering at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel on Public Square at 11:45 am. Join over 1,000 friends and leaders in the Greater Cleveland nonprofit and corporate communities. At this important event, United Way reports its impact on our community and reveals the results of the 2005 campaign. RSVP form and sponsorship information are available online or by calling Michelle Battle, United Way special events manager, at 216-436-2121.

United Way Programs Make A Difference When you read Phoebe's story you will clearly see how United Way has made a difference in Phoebe's life. Your contribution makes a difference in our community and in the lives of over 400,000 people each year, one person at a time.

How United Way Cares Successful Seniors, the Fifth of Six Parts United Way provides critical assistance to programs that promote a healthy community. By understanding United Way's community investment structure, you will better understand how your contribution to United Way makes a difference in our community every day. Learn about the Senior Success Investment Committee and how United Way is organized.

Upcoming United Way Events There is always something happening at United Way. Upcoming events include the Auction on eBay, Cavaliers, United Way's Annual Meeting and more...

January is National Glaucoma Awareness Month Approximately two out of every 100 people over the age of 40 have glaucoma. At least half of those do not know they have it because glaucoma usually has no symptoms until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage. Glaucoma has several forms, and because it can strike anyone, everyone should have their eyes checked regularly. Learn more about glaucoma.

United Way Values: What United Way Stakeholders Need to Know Integrity and accountability; mutual respect and fairness; striving to improve the quality of life in our community; community ownership in decision-making and a pursuit of excellence are the values and principles /link to story/ that guide United Way staff members. Learn more about these core values.

Check Community-Wide Needs for the Greatest Impact on Our Community By designating Community-Wide Needs with your pledge, you authorize our trained volunteers to decide how your donations, and those of countless others, can target the greatest needs of our community. It might be to deliver meals to homebound seniors, train daycare providers to provide the best possible educational preparation for children or any of the nearly 180 programs provided by our community partners, or initiatives of the Community Vision Council. Here is how to pledge confidentially online.

We publish What Matters to keep you informed about events, activities and developments affecting United Way and the Greater Cleveland community. To ensure that you continue to receive What Matters, please add us to your address book or trusted sender list or ask your IT administrator to whitelist us. We invite you to visit our Web site, after you've read this newsletter. United Way of Greater Cleveland 1331 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 T: (216) 436-2100; F: (216) 436-2257 www.uws.org Email: marketing@uws.org