Grand Victoria Foundation honors Jack Shales with $25,000 gift to United Way of Elgin
As United Way of Elgin's 2013-2014 annual campaign hits the home stretch, the Grand Victoria Foundation has announced a $25,000 gift to commemorate Jack Shales, who is celebrating his 60th year of volunteer service with United Way - the longest consecutive volunteer record in United Way of Elgin history. Jack served as the honorary chair of this campaign and is also one of five Lifetime Directors on United Way of Elgin's board.
"For 60 years, Jack Shales has been leading our community with deep compassion and boundless generosity," said Nancy Fishman, executive director of the Grand Victoria Foundation. "We are delighted to make this special gift to United Way of Elgin to celebrate and honor him."
Lynne Bosley, president of United Way of Elgin, was thrilled to receive the news. "We are deeply grateful that the Grand Victoria Foundation has chosen to recognize Jack's service with this generous gift. It's a befitting tribute to an individual who has given so selflessly to our community over his lifetime. It takes the entire community working together to achieve lasting results and we're proud to have the Grand Victoria Foundation as a partner in building a stronger community."
The gift will go into United Way's Community Fund, which supports programs and services in the Elgin area. At the beginning of the campaign, Jack issued a challenge to the community to raise $60,000 new dollars for the year. With the addition of the Grand Victoria Foundation's gift, that total now stands well in excess of his goal.
"What a great way to cap off my challenge," Jack said. "Grand Victoria Foundation has been a big supporter of United Way, and I am very happy for this honor. I really appreciate the recognition, not just of my service but of the great work United Way continues to do in the Elgin community."
About Grand Victoria Foundation
Grand Victoria Foundation is a statewide grant maker that invests its resources to build essential social, financial, and organizational infrastructure to support and sustain community change. The foundation focuses on three issues: early childhood education, natural land and water protection, and employment that leads to economic vitality. Because progress in these areas is often hindered by inefficient and fragmented systems, Grand Victoria Foundation supports work that builds networks, brings in new partners, improves coordination, adapts to changing circumstances, and builds toward solutions at scale. To learn more, visit www.grandvictoriafdn.org.
About United Way of Elgin
Founded in 1923, the United Way of Elgin brings together people from business, government, health and human services to address the community's needs. Money raised through the United Way of Elgin campaign stays in the community - funding programs and services in Elgin, South Elgin, Burlington, Pingree Grove and Hampshire. United Way of Elgin is the leader in a process that reinforces community stability while moving forward to create lasting change. To learn more, call (847) 741-2259 or visit unitedwayelgin.org.