Press release from the United Way:
ALEXANDRIA, VA (June 1, 2009)—United Way of America honored Wells Fargo & Company with two national Summit Awards, part of its Spirit of America Awards program. The company was recognized for its outstanding commitment to Community Impact and Community Volunteerism.
“In this challenging economic climate, it’s more important than ever to have partners like Wells Fargo,” said Brian Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way. “United Way is proud to recognize Wells Fargo and its team members for their leadership, generosity and volunteer commitment that continue to strengthen communities nationwide.”
“Locally, Wells Fargo is an exceptional community partner,” said Jerry Peterson, President and CEO of United Way of Allen County. “Wells Fargo Community Banking President Andy Veenstra is an active member of our Board of Directors as well as our Campaign Cabinet and is extremely committed to our mission of helping people. Local Wells Fargo employees are also very involved with Day of Caring and Learn United and volunteer many hours to help us build a stronger community.”
In 2008, Wells Fargo contributed $102.1 million in grants, up 11 percent from 2007. Wells Fargo team members volunteered 787,772 hours, including building 170 homes and volunteering more than 4,000 hours to provide free tax preparation and help individuals claim the earned income tax credit. They also raised more than $35 million for nonprofit organizations during the annual Community Support and United Way Campaign. Plus, more than 35 Wells Fargo executives served on local United Way boards. Wells Fargo volunteers also provided more than 580 free Hands on Banking financial education classes in English and Spanish to various community, school and immigrant groups, including remote Alaskan villages, Navajo reservations and the Mexican Consulate. Volunteers also conducted 35 foreclosure prevention seminars.
“We’re very proud to be recognized by United Way of America for our leadership in both community impact and volunteerism. Wells Fargo has a long history of consistently investing financial capital and, more importantly, human and social capital in our communities, thanks to thousands of caring team members who are local community leaders and volunteers,” said John Stumpf, Wells Fargo President and CEO. “We work with organizations like United Way to help create even more economic growth and prosperity for the communities where our team members live and work across the U.S.”
The United Way Spirit of America® and Summit Awards Program, now in its 22nd year, is United Way’s highest national honor for a corporation, recognizing companies with the most comprehensive commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities. Applicants are evaluated by corporate peers, labor representatives and local United Ways.
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