INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Eli Lilly and Company Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer John Lechleiter today presented a $12 million check to the United Way. The check represents the contributions of Lilly’s U.S. employees and retirees and a matching gift amount from the Lilly Foundation. The funds were raised for the Central Indiana chapter and other United Way chapters’ 2009 fundraising campaigns. Lilly’s gift locally represents nearly 25 percent of the United Way of Central Indiana’s 2009 annual campaign goal.
“As I go to work each day, I’m reminded of the economic and social challenges confronting our city and communities across the country,” said Lechleiter. “I’m very proud of my Lilly colleagues who stepped up their efforts to ensure that Lilly not only met its goal, but surpassed it by $1 million.”
Lilly is one of 125 National Corporate Leadership (NCL) companies that, with their employees, are leading the charge in communities across the country through their commitment to giving, advocating and volunteering. Lilly also is the winner of the 2009 United Way Spirit of America((R)) Award.
“Last year, Lilly and its employees received the highest recognition that United Way confers at both the local and national levels,” said Ellen K. Annala, UWCI’s president and CEO. “That accomplishment only encouraged them to give more and to volunteer more.”
“Give, advocate, and volunteer are the three pillars of the LIVE UNITED movement. Lilly is now three for three because they are also advocating that others join them in doing whatever they can in these tough times,” she added.
For example, Lilly is funding a new strategy to help United Way attract more givers who are not part of a company United Way campaign. The online tool, www.LiveUnitedGiveUnited.org, is being promoted through 35 outdoor posters that Lilly also is funding.
The outdoor advertising started appearing throughout Central Indiana last week. It communicates two messages: “Give. Make some good news,” and “Give. It takes all of us.” The posters direct people to a Web site and short video that encourage everyone who is able to give to do so now. The site features a blog (Web journal) that is frequently updated with news and reflections. It also includes ways to easily share the site through social network applications and other local online communities. And, it links to United Way’s secure Web page for convenient online giving.
In addition to providing financial donations, thousands of Lilly employees support United Way agencies and services in their local communities through donations of their time and talents.
This year, 525 Central Indiana Lilly employees are serving as tutors for United Way’s ReadUP program, and nearly 9,500 local employees participated in the company’s second annual Global Day of Service, including 445 employees who supported projects benefiting 12 United Way agencies. Additionally, in 2009, Lilly employees have donated:
About Lilly
Lilly, a leading innovation-driven corporation, is developing a growing portfolio of pharmaceutical products by applying the latest research from its own worldwide laboratories and from collaborations with eminent scientific organizations. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Ind., Lilly provides answers - through medicines and information - for some of the world’s most urgent medical needs. Additional information about Lilly is available at www.lilly.com.
CR-LLY
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CONTACT: Carole Puls, Eli Lilly and Company, +1-317-277-1421,
pulsca@lilly.com
