IRVING, Texas – The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas began its 90th anniversary celebration in earnest on Thursday.
The organization will reach the milestone in 2014, and it announced that Cowboys executive vice president Charlotte Jones Anderson and former quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Troy Aikman will Co-Chair the celebration.
Aikman said he was excited to join Anderson and Jennifer Sampson, the President and CEO of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, in kicking off the anniversary.
"I've been a believer in United Way since my playing days with the Dallas Cowboys," he said. "When you think about all the organizations and individuals whose lives have been changed over the last 90 years, it truly is humbling. I look forward to working with Charlotte and Jennifer Sampson to lead the region in celebrating the great work that's been done here since 1924."
In addition the organization's 90th anniversary, 2014 also marks the 40th anniversary of United Way Worldwide's historic partnership with the National Football League, promoting service and active lifestyles through public service announcements.
The partnership began in 1974 with a series of public service advertisements called "Great Moments," which was given a gold medal by the International Film & TV Festival of New York. The NFL's owners, coaches, players and staff members have been working with the United Way ever since to strengthen communities across the country.
Anderson and Aikman's involvement was announced at a scheduled break during the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas' Board of Directors retreat, held at AT&T corporate headquarters. Clint McDonnough, the Dallas Office Managing Partner of EY and the organization's current board chair, was on hand for the announcement, as was John Stephens, Senior Executive Vice President and CFO of AT&T. Stephens will take over board chair duties in 2014. Thomas Falk, Chairman and CEO of Kimberly-Clark Corp., is currently chairing the organization's 2013-14 annual campaign. Falk succeeds Richard Templeton, Chairman and CEO of Texas Instruments, and Randall L. Stephenson, Chairman and CEO of AT&T. Tom Greco, President of Frito-Lay North America will lead United Way of Metropolitan Dallas' fundraising campaign during the 90th anniversary year.
The United Way of Metropolitan Dallas is one of the area's largest non-governmental funders of programs, investing nearly $50 million in the community programs focused on education, income and health in Dallas, Collin, Rockwall and southern Denton counties. [embedded_ad]
Aikman won three Super Bowls as the Cowboys' quarterback, earning MVP honors in Super Bowl XXVII. He currently serves on FOX's lead announcing crew for NFL games with Joe Buck.
Aikman, who appeared in a United Way public service announcement during his playing days, is a member of the Board of Directors of the United Way of Metropolitan Dallas and co-chairs with Dr. Kenneth Cooper its Healthy Zone School Recognition Program. In addition, Aikman co-chairs, with Roger Staubach, the $25,000 Circle of the Ruth Sharp Altshuler Tocqueville Society.
Anderson serves as the Cowboys Executive Vice President & Chief Brand Officer. Recently, she was appointed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to lead the NFL Foundation, the league's charitable organization.
She is also National Advisory Board Chairperson for The Salvation Army, becoming the first woman ever to serve in that capacity. She is chairing the 125th anniversary of the Salvation Army DFW Metroplex Command, slated for 2014.
"Charlotte's involvement in the 90th anniversary speaks to the important history and collaboration between our organizations. We share a common goal of changing lives permanently and improving quality of life across our region," Sampson said. "Our collective impact is stronger when organizations like United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, The Salvation Army and others work together to make North Texas the very best place to live, work and raise families."
Additional details regarding the 90th anniversary celebration will be made available this fall. Fay Sawers Productions will plan and produce the events
