History

1924The Community Fund organizes with 12 community agencies and W.C. Stephenson as president. The first campaign theme was Everybody Cares and Shares.

1934 Community Fund Chairman Dr. H.H. Trout announces that no general campaign would take place due to the depression.

1936 The Community Fund reactivates with 15 participating agencies and the red feather as its official symbol.

1944 A social planning division is established to set guidelines for partner agencies and to prevent duplication of services.

1957 Fundraising efforts for 26 community agencies are combined and the name is changed to United Fund of Roanoke Valley.

1964 Botetourt County added to service area with Roanoke, Salem, Vinton and Roanoke County.

1967 The first million dollar campaign occurs, with donors raising $1,110,951.

1969 Craig County added to service area.

1974 Name changes to United Way of Roanoke Valley,

1978 Campaign reaches $2 million milestone, registering at $2,010,564.

1984 Donors achieve first $3 million campaign, raising $3,012,000. Office moves from Church Avenue to Campbell Avenue.

1985 Disaster averted as volunteers & staff refuse to let office fire deter campaign. Roanoke Valley flooding brings out best in caring community.

1988 Campaign grows to $4 million level, with donations of $4,007,000, The Presidents Circle leadership society is created for donors giving $1,000 and up.

1993 First Day of Caring event held to mark campaign start. Minority Leadership Enhancement Program established.

1995 Campaign grows to $5 million, with total gifts of $5,185,177.

1997 Six million dollar campaign threshold reached.

2004 New United Way logo adopted to emphasize organization’s community impact focus.

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