“Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.”  ― William Arthur Ward

One of the most gratifying aspects about working at United Way is to see passion ignite. It is especially touching to see our corporate partners go the extra mile to bring our mission to life. These companies and their employees are like rocket fuel in the United Way engine.  Year after year, they contribute their time, their donations and their passion to improve the education, income and health of the community we share.

One such company that recently exemplified the LIVE UNITED movement is Eaton’s Aerospace Group, a world leader and innovator in aerospace. Employees at their Irvine, CA facility are not only driven by their commitment to excellence in the workplace but also serve as United Way ambassadors in the community through their fundraising and volunteer efforts.

Eaton, like hundreds of local businesses, runs United Way campaigns that bring people in local workplaces together to tackle our community’s most difficult issues in the areas of education, financial stability, health and housing. Whether it’s a small business, a major corporation or even a nonprofit, each corporate partner’s contributions add up to enable us to create a stronger community.

Eaton ran a very effective United Way campaign from November to December.  At the helm, Eaton employees Crystal Holmdahl, Gloria Mora, and Jim Hensley did an outstanding job with the help of their community involvement members.  They hosted a United Way kick-off breakfast where United Way’s very own Kevin Garrity had the opportunity to speak to the entire Irvine plant.

To thank their employees and raise additional special event funds, the Eaton team also hosted a pledge drive carnival, which featured pie-in-the-face contests, carnival style games, and an obstacle course competition.  At the end of the fundraising campaign, Eaton raised $50,000, a 57% increase over last year. Their giving did not stop there.  During the holiday season, a group of 15 Eaton employees donated their time to help our partner agency, Families Forward, with food pantry preparation.

Recently the team from Eaton shared a fun, short video that illustrates their commitment to United Way and the community where we all work and live. We are proud to share it with you.