It’s that time of the year again when approximately 130 million people around the world gather for what is usually the most-watched television broadcast of the year—the Super Bowl. The NFL has again graciously agreed to provide United Way with a 10-second ad during the first half of Super Bowl XLIII to promote our joint initiative around youth health and fitness. United Way will use this highly-visible spot to raise funds for in-school and after-school fitness programs via the innovative text-to-give vehicle. Text-to-give is a quick and easy way for viewers to donate $5 to United Way fitness programs using their cell phones.

We need your help! And it’s never been easier. Pull out your cell phone. Text “FIT” to UNITED (864833) and donate $5 to United Way in-school and after-school fitness programs. Recruit your friends to help too. This is a great way to help advance the common good and move the needle on our ten-year goal to get 1.9 million more healthy young people. Together, we can reverse the growing epidemic of childhood obesity!

Thanks, in advance, for your help in supporting and promoting youth health and fitness and our NFL partnership.

United Way of Metropolitan Chicago Board Chair Deborah L. DeHaas announced on January 21 that Laura Thrall has been selected as the organization’s president and chief executive officer.

“Laura brings a wonderful combination of leadership and operational experience which is critical to the continued growth of United Way as it begins its next 75 years,” said DeHaas, vice chairman & regional managing partner, Deloitte LLP. “Her vision in leading the human service sector through these economic times will be invaluable.”

As CEO of the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Thrall has led its transformation, developing the concept for the “Model YWCA,” opening the first of four planned new centers, launching its first capital campaign in 40 years and creating an infrastructure for sustained legislative advocacy. Previously, Thrall was division director of Campbell & Company, a leading national consulting firm specializing in providing counsel to large nonprofits, and senior director at Los Angeles-based Starlight Children’s Foundation International.

She joins United Way on March 2.

For more information on Thrall, click here.

Free electronic tax preparation, e-filing, ITIN applications and financial services…

Get the most out of your refund this tax season – have your taxes prepared for free by the Tax Assistance Program. With over 1,800 trained volunteer professionals, the Tax Assistance Program will electronically prepare and e-file your tax return for free to help you get your money back faster. If needed, we will help you fill out a W-7 Form to apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Please read this document – 2009-tax-assistance-program-flyer – for more information.