The Valley of the Sun United Way raised a little more than $50 million this year, hitting the organization’s goal for the third year in a row.
Chandler’s Intel locations raised nearly 10 percent of that with $5.1 million. The company matched employee contributions dollar for dollar.
Local United Way officials announced the figures during its annual recognition luncheon Wednesday. The national fundraising organization raises billions of dollars each year for public service organizations.
United Way funds contribute to about 5 percent of Tempe-based Association for Supportive Child Care’s budget.
The agency provides child care resources to parents and providers in the East Valley and received the United Way’s Outstanding Agency Award Wednesday.
More than 60,000 people receive some sort of help each year from the association. For example, each month about 1,200 children take advantage of the agency’s Phone Friends program. The program gives school-age children someone to call after school for homework help, a story, receive safety tips or just to have someone to talk to.
United Way gives the association about $150,000 per year to run programs such as Phone Friends.
“Actually, without that funding, we would not be able to continue the program,” said Susan Wilkins, the association’s executive director.
Arizona State University was also honored with a Sustaining Supporter Award for its consistent support of the United Way.
The university raised about $716,000 this year for the organization.
