March 1 , 2005 Hello, and thank you for your support of United Way of Greater Cleveland. United Way of Greater Cleveland Annual Meeting The United Way of Greater Cleveland 2004 campaign raised over $45.7 million to fund health and human service programs and initiatives. The theme focused on innovations and results. More than 1100 people attended the event at the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel. Alexander M. (Sandy) Cutler, United Way Chairman of the Board and Chairman and CEO of Eaton Corporation, introduced new board members to the United Way team. IN THIS ISSUE: 2005 Campaign Chair Chuck Ratner honored for 2004 campaign success Human Services Institute Free tax preparation assistance Meet Laverne March is National Nutrition Month Spending some quality time with Cleveland youngsters Refreshed United Way brandmark Special on United Way to be aired on Adelphia Cable

2005 United Way Campaign Chair introduced Henry L. Meyer III, KeyCorp Chairman of the Board and CEO, will head the 2005 United Way of Greater Cleveland campaign. Meyer already has recruited much of his Campaign Cabinet. He reported the first leg of the campaign kicks off in early June. These are the Pacesetter companies that commit to at least a five percent increase over their 2004 campaign results and run early campaigns in the summer.

Chuck Ratner honored for 2004 campaign successes United Way of Greater Cleveland Board Chairman Alexander M. (Sandy) Cutler recognized the outstanding contribution to our community made by Chuck Ratner, 2004 Campaign Chair and President, CEO and director of Forest City Enterprises. "Chuck ran a very focused campaign, with an exceptional team. It was a privilege to work with him this past year," said Cutler.

The Center for Community Solutions 63rd Annual Human Services Institute Barbara Ehrenreich, author of the popular book, Nickel and Dimed: Getting By in America, is the keynote speaker at this year's day-long Human Services Institute on Friday, March 18 at the Cleveland Convention Center. This meeting offers thought-provoking forums on community and social issues, networking opportunities and continuing education credits for many social science and legal professionals.

Tax Breaks aren't just for the rich United Way's 211/First Call For Help is part of a coalition striving to increase the number of low to middle income working families receiving the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Free tax preparation assistance and advice is available for you. Call United Way's 211/First Call For Help or visit the 211cleveland.org web site for organizations providing assistance.

United Way of Greater Cleveland community partners help people thrive Meet LaVerne to learn why this work matters.

March Wellness Tip Each month your United Way eNewsletter will contain one health tip to help you stay well. This month we offer a nutrition tip because March is National Nutrition Month. This is the perfect time to learn what's good about your diet and what isn't.

Racecar driver spends some quality time with Cleveland youngsters Champ Car Grand Prix driver and Rookie of the Year A.J. Allmendinger stopped by to read to the children in the Goodrich-Gannett Neighborhood Center day care program, a United Way of Greater Cleveland community partner. Allmendinger selected books on his favorite topic, the history of cars and racing. The children enjoyed Allmendinger's stories so much a few curled up on his lap to enjoy the story. View photos from A.J.'s visit and learn how Champ Car Grand Prix and United Way are partnering in 2005.

Refreshed United Way of Greater Cleveland brandmark United Way of America has updated the United Way logo and is asking all United Ways nationally and internationally to adopt the new brandmark and graphic standards by the end of 2006. United Way of Greater Cleveland began using the new brandmark in the 2004 Report to the Community and will continue to integrate the brandmark into its materials for total compliance by 2006. If you have any questions regarding the new logo use please contact Val Grace, 216-436-2232 or visit our Web site.

Special on United Way to be aired on Adelphia Cable Recently, Mike Benz, President and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland, Joyce Gusman, Volunteer Advisor for the John K. Mott Youth Fund Distribution Committee, and several of the students from the YFDC were interviewed by Ronnie Duncan of Village Television (Adelphia Channel 20 in the Cleveland area) for a special to be aired on Adelphia Cable Channel 20. The program will air once more on Wednesday, March 2, at 10:30p.m.

Designate Community-Wide Needs for the best investment when you pledge To make the best investment in your community, designate your United Way contribution to Community-Wide Needs. This allows our trained investment volunteers to adjust available funding toward the greatest need, whether it is for immediate programs or for long-term solutions to community problems. Pledge securely online...now.

Great Things, United Way's print newsletter to the community Our current edition of Great Things, United Way's community newsletter, can be viewed on our Web site, along with back issues of this enewsletter. Click here for the current edition of our print newsletter, Great Things.

We publish What Matters to keep you informed about events, activities and developments affecting United Way Services and the Greater Cleveland community. We invite you to visit our Web site, after you've read this newsletter. United Way Services of Greater Cleveland 1331 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115 T: (216) 436-2100; F: (216) 436-2257 www.uws.org Email: marketing@uws.org