Responding to United Way’s ALICE data, the new program further reduces costs, widens eligibility, and removes proof-of-income requirements to make Y membership and a range of programs even more affordable for low- and middle-income Chicagoland households.
Chicago, Ill. – September 5, 2023 – United Way of Metro Chicago is honored to announce David C. Blowers, Vice Chairman of Northern Trust, as Chair of the 2023-2024 annual fundraising Campaign, which began on July 1.
Blowers succeeds Immediate Past Chair Wendell Dallas, President and CEO of Nicor Gas, who led United Way to a successful 2022-2023 Campaign, which saw the organization raise more than $45 million toward its work of building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. Blowers’ leadership will continue the work of Dallas and those before him—raising critical dollars to extend United Way’s work in community to ensure that all individuals can meet their basic needs such as food, shelter and access to health care, and to drive transformative change alongside partners in 17 city and suburban communities via the Neighborhood Network Initiative.
Like Northern Trust’s longstanding partnership with United Way of Metro Chicago that dates to the organization’s beginnings in 1929, Blowers’ connection to United Way runs deep. He has been a United Way donor for 41 years, since his first employee giving campaign at Northern Trust when he was hired in 1982. He also serves on the United Way Board of Directors and Tocqueville Committee, where he drives high-impact work with the support of fellow philanthropic leaders
“Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to see our community from many different perspectives,” Blowers said. “And there has been no time more than now where the good work and leadership of United Way has been more needed.”
Blowers brings to the role his can-do attitude and deep civic experience, including current roles as Board Chair of WTTW/WFMT, board member at Lawrence University and member of the Fellows Association of Leadership Greater Chicago, The Economic Club of Chicago and The Chicago Club. As Campaign Chair, he will oversee a committee of fellow corporate leaders who will drive the next year of employee giving—and inspire greater impact in our communities.
“It is such an honor for me to serve in a role that has been held by so many impressive Chicago leaders, including my own Northern Trust colleagues, David Fox, Bill Osborn and Rick Waddell,” Blowers said. “I love what United Way represents as a convener across our city and in our neighborhoods. Chicago has always been known as the ‘city that works’ because of our tradition of strong collaboration across the public and private sectors, along with our incredibly generous philanthropic community. In my mind, it’s time to get back to that basic formula.”
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About United Way of Metro Chicago
United Way of Metro Chicago brings together business, government, philanthropic, individual and community leaders to deliver funding and resources and amplify the expertise of nonprofit organizations across greater Chicago. We help individuals meet their basic needs and work alongside neighborhood partners to address local priorities and create communities where all people can thrive. United, we are building a stronger, more equitable Chicago region. Learn more about United Way of Metro Chicago at LIVEUNITEDchicago.org.
Media Contact
United Way of Metro Chicago – Kris Adamik, 312.906.2291, kris.adamik@LIVEUNITEDchicago.org
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