This year, the DC One Fund exceeded its contribution goal of $1 million for the first time since 2007, raising $1,022,278 from over 3,320 pledges. In honor of this milestone, Mayor Vincent C. Gray and DC One Fund Chair Tom Faust and Vice-ChairAnntoinette “Toni” White-Richardson celebrated the generous giving of District government employees at a ceremony in the District’s One Judiciary Square building.
“I am incredibly proud of our employees, who continue to demonstrate through their generosity that the DC One Fund has value and positively impacts our community,” said Mayor Gray. “With this year’s total contribution exceeding its $1 million target, we as government employees sent a clear message that we understand the impact and importance of giving unselfishly.”
Mayor Gray continued, “The success of the 2013 campaign relies on a true partnership between a workforce of dedicated and giving employees and a leadership team committed to ensuring the success of the program. I want to specifically thank Vice Chair Tom Faust, who continues to show his passion and commitment to this effort, as well as Former Department of Employment Services Director Lisa Mallory, who served as Chair before leaving the government in December of 2013.”
The DC One Fund, which is administered by the United Way of the National Capital Area, the United Black Fund of Greater Washington and the Office of the Secretary of the District of Columbia, has a long history of giving to those in need through the generosity of District government employees. The Fund saw a decline in contributions from 2008 through 2010, but in 2011,the campaign saw an increase of nearly $500,000 under the leadership of Mayor Gray. This positive trend has continued in 2012 and 2013.
“Along with Mayor Gray, I am excited to work to surpass this year’s donation level in 2014. This is an attainable goal; the devotion of our workforce to charitable giving is unwavering, and with next year’s campaign, we look forward to include even more employees in our efforts to give back,” said 2014 DC One Fund Chair Tom Faust.
During the recognition ceremony, Mayor Gray and those serving as DC One Fund committee members and agency coordinators acknowledged all employees who generously gave, with special recognition bestowed upon those designated as “Fair Share” givers – employees who generously pledged between 1 percent and 3 percent of their annual salaries. Additionally, the more than 700 local charities and non-profit organizations that are part of the DC One Fund network were recognized for the work they do to provide critical health care, education, recreation, religious, mental health, and crime prevention services to those in need.