October 31, 2005 Hello [first_name], and thank you for your support of United Way of Greater Cleveland. The Third Annual United Way Sports Auction Is Online NOW and On-Air 11/1 Bid high and often for great sports experiences and memorabilia online now through midnight November 1 and live on WTAM 1100 all day Tuesday, November 1, until midnight. All the Cleveland sports teams have donated items, with prices starting at $25. For example, you can have one of the Cleveland Barons come to your child's hockey practice or you can bid on a romantic, candlelit dinner on home plate at Jacobs Field. Basketball fans can be the "6th Man" at a Cavaliers game and Browns fans can bid fiercely for a pair of pre-game field passes and game tickets to the Browns-Steelers game. All proceeds benefit United Way. Go to the auction now! IN THIS ISSUE: University Hospitals and Cleveland Clinic Core Service Planning Hometown Huddle United Way Night with Cavaliers Pajama Jam at the Marriott Volunteer Interview: Marc Byrnes Meet Ilah How United Way Cares Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center Diabetes: Are You at Risk? MCPc/United Way Toner Program

In More Ways Than One, Leading Hospitals Heal Greater Cleveland University Hospitals and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation are in the midst of outstanding workplace campaigns that are being led with enthusiasm by employees who know United Way really makes a difference. For example, a basket raffle held by University Hospitals employees smashed last year's raffle results and raised over $20,000 for United Way. Full story here.

Core Service Planning United Way of Greater Cleveland is known for pioneering innovation in health and human services. One example is the Board of Directors recently-approved Core Service Planning, a project that will research current and future health and human service needs and services. The data collected will provide the information necessary to begin a community dialogue about gaps and duplication of services as well as satisfying our community's growing needs. Learn more about Core Service Planning.

The Cleveland Browns "Touch Down" with Two New Playgrounds For the seventh year, the Cleveland Browns participated in "Hometown Huddle," the national NFL Day of Caring, on October 18 at Murtis H. Taylor Multi-Service Center, a United Way partner agency. Browns players and staff members, KeyCorp employees and United Way board members built two Little Tikes™ play structures -- one for pre-school age children and a second larger structure for older kids, including an Infinity Climber. Their caring will make a difference for hundreds of youngsters for years to come. View the photos from this event.

The Cavaliers Slam-dunk One for United Way The Cleveland Cavaliers will host United Way Night with the Cavaliers, Wednesday, February 1, 2006 with tip-off at 7 p.m. This great package includes discount tickets, a party on the court after the game and more during this special night of basketball as the Cavaliers take on the New Jersey Nets. Get in on the action now!

Pajama Jam at the Marriott Cleveland Downtown Join us for a FUNdraiser and celebration of the newly-renovated Marriott Cleveland Downtown, Friday, November 18, at 7:30 pm. The evening's activities include a reception, an overnight stay in a state-of-the-art guest room, Saturday morning breakfast and more. All for a special room rate of $125 per couple. 100% of the proceeds benefit United Way. Reserve your room now by contacting gwen.deighan@marriott.com. Or view more details on the Pajama Jam.

United Way Interview with Marc Byrnes A commitment to caring is something that runs in the Byrnes family. Marc Byrnes is a leader in business as President and CEO of Oswald Companies and a leader in philanthropy as a co-chair of the 2005 professional division of the United Way campaign cabinet. Find out who inspires Marc.

United Way of Greater Cleveland Community Partners Help People Thrive Meet Ilah to learn why this work matters. From being inspired to inspiring others...find out how legal eagle Ilah Adkins learned how to fly with the help of the Legal Aid Society and United Way.

How United Way Cares Health and Caring For All, the Third of Six Parts United Way provides critical assistance to programs that promote a healthy community. By understanding the United Way community investment structure, you will better understand how your contribution to United Way makes a difference in the lives of so many people in our community every day. Learn more about how United Way is organized.

Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center A United Way partner agency since its founding in 1921, the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center helps people from around the region who have hearing loss or impairment. The outpatient services in Audiology, Speech-Language Pathology and Community Services for the Deaf offered by the center make a tremendous difference in the quality of life for more than 10,000 Greater Clevelanders each year. Learn more about the programs and partnerships United Way has with the Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center.

Diabetes: Are You at Risk? Did you know that 1 in 16 people in northeast Ohio have diabetes and many don't even know it? Learn the risk factors and symptoms associated with this disease. If caught early, many of the complications from diabetes can be stopped or even reversed. November is national diabetes awareness month. Learn more about diabetes and United Way partner agency the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland, then take some time to get a free diabetes risk assessment.

MCPc/United Way Toner Program Buy your toner cartridges and supplies from MCPc and save big. United Way benefits and you will too...

Upcoming events Check out this listing of upcoming United Way events. From volunteering to the auction on eBay, there is something for everyone.

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