United Way of Snohomish County announces 2009 Campaign Chair

July 2, 2009

United Way of Snohomish County is pleased to announce the selection
of Matt Reinhard, president of Rhino Ventures, LLC, as 2009 Campaign Chair.

A resident of Snohomish, Reinhard has served as Chair of the Board of Directors of United Way of Snohomish County, and is active in numerous other nonprofit and civic organizations, including serving on the Board of the
YMCA.

“I’ve benefitted from living and working in this community and it’s my responsibility to give back,” Reinhard said. “I think we all have a responsibility to step up and support this community, especially in these tough economic times, and United Way is a great way to do that.”

With high unemployment, fundraising through workplace campaigns can be challenging, Reinhard acknowledged. That means there’s also greater demand on social service agencies, “that’s precisely why companies and those who still have jobs need to give a little more—and they are. Last fall was a real challenge, but we’ve already seen great success with our spring Pacesetter campaigns at companies such as Premera Blue Cross, Philips Healthcare and Campbell’s Stockpot.

As Campaign Chair, Reinhard will oversee an annual campaign that raises approximately $10 million, with a special focus on the portion of money raised for United Way’s Local Community Fund that supports health and human services in Snohomish County. Annual grants in the amount of $3 million to 89 local nonprofit programs were renewed on July 1.

In addition to funding grants, United Way’s Local Community Fund supports initiatives including: the 2-1-1 information line, The Volunteer Center, Success By 6, Individual Development Accounts, Free Tax Preparation centers and the www.helpforhardtimes.org online list of resources for those who are unemployed.

United Way of Snohomish County: Kim Buike Kim Buike, Capt. U.S. Navy (Ret.), has also stepped up to serve as 2010 Campaign Chair, and will spend this year working with Reinhard, focusing mostly on developing new campaigns in area businesses.

“I’ve become very attached to this community,” said the former commanding officer of Naval Station Everett. “United Way broadly serves our community better than any other organization. It’s a real privilege to
serve.” Buike is also active in his adopted community, serving on the Board of the American Red Cross, with the Chamber of Commerce,
and Rotary in addition to serving on the Board of United Way of
Snohomish County.

July 2, 2009

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