December 1, 2005 Hello [first_name], and thank you for your support of United Way of Greater Cleveland. A Time To Make A Difference With the holiday season upon us it is time to celebrate our good fortune and remember those who are doing without this winter. Both celebrating and helping those less fortunate make the holiday season special, and United Way is a great way you can make a difference. Change the future of our community, one person at a time, by making a special holiday donation. IN THIS ISSUE: United Way Night with the Cavaliers Volunteer Interview: Sarah Flannery Meet Brendan How United Way Cares Days of Caring Photo Gallery Large Turnout for Small Business Sports Auction raises $95,000 United Way Auction on eBay Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us Need Help with Your Winter Heating Bills?

Hoop it up! United Way Night with the Cleveland Cavaliers Order your tickets now for the Wednesday, February 1 game at the "Q," when the Cavaliers play the New Jersey Nets. For $25, you get a $35 upper level baseline ticket; a Cavaliers knit cap; a chance to win great raffle prizes; discounted meal vouchers and admission to an exclusive United Way party on the court after the game. A portion of the proceeds benefit United Way. A limited number of tickets are available so order now.

United Way Interview with Sarah Flannery Meet Sarah Flannery, a twentysomething United Way GeneratioNEXT leader. She is taking up the mantle of community leadership through her passion for helping others.

United Way Programs Make A Difference Find out how your support for United Way of Greater Cleveland changed young Brendan Hogan's life for the better forever. Until you have, you haven't heard what a difference your donation makes.

How United Way Cares Learning and Earning, the Fourth 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 Learning and Earning for Life Investment Committee and how United Way is organized.

Days of Caring are Days That Make a Difference United Way Days of Caring offer employees from Greater Cleveland companies the opportunity to spend a day helping at United Way partner agencies doing hands-on projects. This year over 2,300 employees from a record 47 companies participated, helping over 40 United Way partner agencies. See photos of this year's Days of Caring highlights. To participate in Days of Caring, please contact Alison Muth.

Large Turnout for Small Business Small enterprises are the fastest growing segment of our region's economy, and United Way is connecting with small business owners and their employees. Over 100 small business owners had a great time at Pickwick and Frolic on October 27. See pictures of this fun filled, informative event and contact Toi Comer if you want to be on the list for the next one!

All Cleveland Major League Sports Teams Come Together to Raise $95,000 for the United Way Campaign After a day full of active bidding, the books closed and the results are in on the 2005 Third Annual United Way Sports Auction on WTAM. 88 items sold with over $95,000 in bids being placed. All proceeds benefit the United Way campaign. Thanks to the Cleveland Barons, Cleveland Browns, Champ Car Grand Prix of Cleveland, Cleveland Cavaliers, IMG and the Cleveland Indians for their sports donations. Thanks also to Continental Airlines for their donations, Cleveland.com and to The Plain Dealer. An extra big thanks to WTAM 1100 for hosting the sports auction both on air and online.

The Fifth Annual United Way Auction on eBay Need more auction action? There will be more opportunities to help United Way by bidding on great items in the Fifth Annual United Way Auction on eBay, which runs from January 20 to 30. Items to be auctioned include: Continental Airline tickets to any Continental/Continental Express destination in the Americas (except Hawaii) and a second pair to any Continental/Continental Express destination in Europe. For more information or to donate items to benefit United Way contact Alison Muth or at 216-436-2123.

Upcoming United Way Events There is always something happening at United Way. Upcoming events include Cavaliers, Core Service Planning Community Dialogue, United Way's Annual Meeting and more…

Cold and Flu Season is Upon Us A high percentage of the Greater Cleveland population is suffering from cold and flu-like symptoms and these levels will most likely peak over the next couple of months. Doing simple things like washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, cleaning your work area and increasing your fluid intake will help you stay healthy. Learn more about what to do about the flu and check out a local flu shot schedule.

Need Help with Your Winter Heating Bills? With energy costs predicted to rise 50-75% this winter, you're sure to be using a few extra blankets and lowering the thermostats. Fortunately, income eligibility guidelines for the federally-funded Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) have increased this year. This means that more Ohio households will be able to qualify for help with winter heating bills. Go to HEAP Guidelines.

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