On December 7, 1933, The Ogden Standard-Examiner announced plans for a new Community Chest. The Community Chest would become United Way of Northern Utah, so this article marks the beginning of UWNU's 90-year legacy serving Northern Utah

In January 1934, the Community Chest of Ogden was officially founded. The same year, George S. Eccles, Chairman & CEO of First Security Corporation (now Wells Fargo), became our first donor and our first Chair. The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation continues to support United Way of Northern Utah today.

In honor of our 90th Birthday, here are 9 of the most popular books published 90 years ago. Do you recognize any? Have you read any?

After the United States entered World War II in December of 1941, the Community Chest of Ogden partnered with Red Cross to run the United Campaign to help with the war effort❣️. This is the first instance where "United" was used by the organization that would become United Way of Northern Utah.

Only days after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the American Red Cross made an appeal for $50 million for war relief. The Ogden/Weber chapter's quota was $15,000. To consolidate asks and make giving as easy as possible, the community chest (later to become UWNU) united with Red Cross to raise money for war relief. Their goal started at $31,000. At the campaign's end, $76,360 + had been raised. The next 4 slides are major headlines and 3 full Ogden-Standard Examiner articles following the Red Cross - Community Chest United Campaign.
 

Only days after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the American Red Cross made an appeal for $50 million for war relief. The Ogden/Weber chapter's quota was $15,000. To consolidate asks and make giving as easy as possible, the community chest (later to become UWNU) united with Red Cross to raise money for war relief. Their goal started at $31,000. At the campaign's end, $76,360 + had been raised

Only days after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the American Red Cross made an appeal for $50 million for war relief. The Ogden/Weber chapter's quota was $15,000. To consolidate asks and make giving as easy as possible, the community chest (later to become UWNU) united with Red Cross to raise money for war relief. Their goal started at $31,000. At the campaign's end, $76,360 + had been raised... This January 2, 1942 story headlines: "Red Cross Drive for $15,000 in Weber County Set for Monday."

Only days after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the American Red Cross made an appeal for $50 million for war relief. The Ogden/Weber chapter's quota was $15,000. To consolidate asks and make giving as easy as possible, the community chest (later to become UWNU) united with Red Cross to raise money for war relief. Their goal started at $31,000. At the campaign's end, $76,360 + had been raised... This January 19, 1942 story headlines: "Drives Passes Halfway Mark At First Meet: Nearly $40,000 given in Red Cross-Chest Campaign."

Only days after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the American Red Cross made an appeal for $50 million for war relief. The Ogden/Weber chapter's quota was $15,000. To consolidate asks and make giving as easy as possible, the community chest (later to become UWNU) united with Red Cross to raise money for war relief. Their goal started at $31,000. At the campaign's end, $76,360 + had been raised... This January 24, 1942 story headlines: "Subscriptions Add 'Grand and Glorious' conclusion to Red Cross-Chest Efforts." 

While WWII raged on in 1944, the Community Chest of Ogden (later to be United Way of Northern Utah) turned 10 years old. They celebrated by continuing to fundraise for war efforts and organizations at home, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Children's Aid society, and Salvation Army.

Many non-partisan and nonprofit organizations would come together through the 1960s and 1970s to form United Way of Northern Utah. But in 1952, these organizations all still functioned as individual efforts. One of the organizations was the Ogden-Weber County Community Welfare Council. From the Ogden Standard-Examiner: "The council is described in the constitution as a non-partisan, non-sectarian and inter-racial organization promoting the general welfare of the community needs and resources, the co-operative planning of health and welfare services, the promotion of social improvements and the creation of public opinion."

In its 20th year (1954), the Ogden Community Chest, American Red Cross, and the Utah Society for the Physically Handicapped (cerebral palsy) decided to merge their fundraising efforts into a federated drive. By October, the United fund drive, known as the Ogden Area Federated Drive, opened with a goal of $197,484. The Ogden Area Federated Drive was the first federated drive of Ogden. The next slide provides more of the Ogden Standard-Examiner article from August 1954, when the United Society for the Physically Handicapped (cerebral palsy) joined the United fund drive.
 

In its 20th year (1954), the Ogden Community Chest, American Red Cross, and the Utah Society for the Physically Handicapped (cerebral palsy) decided to merge their fundraising efforts into a federated drive. By October, the United fund drive, known as the Ogden Area Federated Drive, opened with a goal of $197,484. The Ogden Area Federated Drive was the first federated drive of Ogden. Here's some of the Ogden Standard-Examiner article from August 1954, when the United Society for the Physically Handicapped (cerebral palsy) joined the United fund drive.

In 1957, the Ogden-Weber Area Federated Fund (which we posted about last week!) changed its name to the United Fund of Ogden and Weber County. Officially, United had entered the name of the organization that would become United Way of Northern Utah.

1959 marked 25 years of the Community Chest, turned United Fund of Ogden and Weber County, soon to be United Way of Northern Utah. A quarter of a century!

Rulon Stanford (1915-1992) was named CEO in 1961. He served as United Way of Northern Utah's CEO for 13 years. Rulon was the first leader promoted after United Way of Northern Utah officially adopted our new identity from Ogden-Weber Area Federated Fund to the United Fund of Ogden and Weber County.

Through the decades, we've watched the United Fund of Ogden and Weber County grow in size and influence. In 1964, in its 30th birthday year, the United Fund campaign processed donations from over 3,900 companies and employees.

For all 90 years we have loved and appreciated all of our corporate partners and individual donors giving in workplace campaigns!

Clayton Beal (1931-2007) was named CEO in 1970. He served as the second CEO of United Way of Northern Utah, a post which he held of 29 years.

We’re jumping ahead a bit in our timeline, to the year 2014. United Way of Northern Utah accomplished many incredible things this year, one of the biggest being Welcome Baby’s birth. Welcome Baby is a free home visitation program that supports families with new babies and promotes healthy early childhood development. And in 2024, right alongside UWNU’s 90th Birthday celebration, Welcome Baby is celebrating their own 10th anniversary.

There’s no better way to kick off Volunteer Appreciation Month than spotlighting this program, because Welcome Baby would not be nearly as influential or impactful without the 18 AmeriCorps members and 99 volunteers (perfect for our 90th birthday!) who support it. We love our Welcome Baby Team!

We’re still celebrating Welcome Baby and their 10th anniversary! The program, which started in 2014 as a Northern Utah initiative, expanded statewide in 2021. We now serve in 7 counties:

1. Box Elder
2. Cache
3. Davis
4. Salt Lake
5. Weber
6. Summit
7. Utah

Happy anniversary Welcome Baby!

We’re still celebrating Welcome Baby and their 10th anniversary! The program, which started in 2014 as a Northern Utah initiative, expanded statewide in 2021. We now serve in 7 counties:

1. Box Elder
2. Cache
3. Davis
4. Salt Lake
5. Weber
6. Summit
7. Utah

Happy anniversary Welcome Baby!

November 4, 1973: The United Appeal of Northern Utah (of the many names our organization has been known as), officially appealed to become UNITED WAY OF NORTHERN UTAH.

From the standard examiner article: “There are many advantages of having the 2240 United Funds and Community Chests across the country adopt the name United Way and use the symbol of a helping hand.”

51 years on, we’re still going strong.

Ogden City Mall opened its doors in October of 1980. To support the mall development, United Way moved its offices into the new mall.

In 2007, at the age of 98, Velma B. Saunders started volunteering at United Way for a stipend of $1/hour. She volunteered until her passing at 105 years old, and remains our oldest volunteer. 

Is there a better way to kick off Volunteer Appreciation Week than paying homage to a United Way Icon, Velma Saunders?!

Carlyle Eubank was a founding member of United Way of Northern Utah. He helped start the Community Chest in 1934, where he served as the executive secretary for 17 years. 

In 1988, Carlyle donated his office building at 441 27th St. in Ogden Utah. This was United Way of Northern Utah’s first building ❤️.

United Way of Northern Utah raised $2.8 million in its fall 1989 campaign. This was a “whopping increase” from the 1988 campaign, and 1 of 2 of the biggest campaign increases in the entire nation

When United Way of Northern Utah kicked off their 1993 campaign, they let with this motto: “Help at home where help is needed most.” 

United Way of Northern Utah focuses on supporting and strengthening the local community, and we always have. Any donor dollars raised stays in the community. 

Read about our goals and values: https://uwnu.org/ourprograms/

For the past 4 years, UWNU has partnered with the Standard Examiner to produce the Kids Summer Catalog. Inside this catalog are (1) summer food programs (2) free summer activities, and (3) school district calendars.

The 90 Years UNITED Kids Summer Catalog is our 5th magazine, and we hope you love it as much as we do! ☀️

The next 5 slides are all the Summer Kids Catalog covers.

2018 Kids' Summer Catalog cover

For the past 4 years, UWNU has partnered with the Standard Examiner to produce the Kids Summer Catalog. Inside this catalog are (1) summer food programs (2) free summer activities, and (3) school district calendars.

2019 Kids' Summer Catalog cover

For the past 4 years, UWNU has partnered with the Standard Examiner to produce the Kids Summer Catalog. Inside this catalog are (1) summer food programs (2) free summer activities, and (3) school district calendars.

2020 Kids' Summer Catalog cover 

For the past 4 years, UWNU has partnered with the Standard Examiner to produce the Kids Summer Catalog. Inside this catalog are (1) summer food programs (2) free summer activities, and (3) school district calendars.

2021 Kids' Summer Catalog cover

For the past 4 years, UWNU has partnered with the Standard Examiner to produce the Kids Summer Catalog. Inside this catalog are (1) summer food programs (2) free summer activities, and (3) school district calendars.

2022 Kids Summer Catalog cover

For the past 4 years, UWNU has partnered with the Standard Examiner to produce the Kids Summer Catalog. Inside this catalog are (1) summer food programs (2) free summer activities, and (3) school district calendars.

2023 Kids Summer Catalog cover

For the past 4 years, UWNU has partnered with the Standard Examiner to produce the Kids Summer Catalog. Inside this catalog are (1) summer food programs (2) free summer activities, and (3) school district calendars.

2024 90 Years UNITED Kids Summer Catalog cover

For the past 4 years, UWNU has partnered with the Standard Examiner to produce the Kids Summer Catalog. Inside this catalog are (1) summer food programs (2) free summer activities, and (3) school district calendars.

For a long time, United Way of Northern Utah worked mainly with corporate partners to reach their campaign goals. And though we’ve now expanded, adding our own programs to support the community and cultivating all types of donor and partner relationships, we still LOVE our corporate partners. 

In 1996, Kimberly-Clark – who remains an invaluable partner to United Way of Northern Utah – gave some advice to Northern Utah companies looking to spice up their workplace campaigns. 

They continue this condition almost 30 years later. Their 2023 workplace campaign theme was “Sugar & Spice and Everything Nice.”

Learn more about becoming a corporate partner: uwnu.org/corporate 

Robert Hunter was named CEO in 2000.

Though Bob retired in 2017 when he stepped down as CEO, he decided he missed UWNU too much. He now serves as our Public Policy Advisor, and we are eternally grateful for all he does!! 

In fact, only a few months ago, Bob received the Richard Richards Institute Ethical Leadership Award. This award goes to professionals who have a track record of exemplary ethical behavior and makes designs based on their high ethical standards, regardless of outcome.

We love you, Bob!

 We’ve gone through 66 years of our history now!

When Bob Hunter become UWNU’s CEO in 2000, there were only 6 employees. Now, in our 90th year, we’ve seen a 683.333% increase in staff!! This increased capacity has allowed us to meet community needs. As of 2024, our work impacts ⅓ of the Northern Utah population - over 100,000 people.

Salt Lake City hosted the Olympics for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. Starting in 1995, United Way of Northern Utah was a full partner with the Olympics. UWNU helped find local heroes to serve as torch bears for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games torch relay, which ran for 65 days (from December 4, 2001 - February 8, 2002).

We’re halfway through our 90th year. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far…

We’re halfway through our 90th year. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far…

1. Legacy Breakfast, December 8, 2023

We’re halfway through our 90th year. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far…

2. Governor's Proclamation, February 14, 2024

We’re halfway through our 90th year. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far…

3. Annual Stakeholder Meeting, March 21, 2024

We’re halfway through our 90th year. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far…

4. Volunteer Appreciation Day, April 27, 2024

We’re halfway through our 90th year. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far…

5. BRAVO Night, June 6, 2024

We’re halfway through our 90th year. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far…

6. STEM Action Day, June 15, 2024

We’re halfway through our 90th year. Here’s a quick recap of what we’ve done so far…

7. 1rst Parade of the Summer of Parades, West Haven Days on June 22, 2024.

In 2004, United Way of Northern Utah held its first BRAVO Night, hosted at Northrop Grumman Conference Center.

BRAVO Night is an evening of celebration and recognition of the individuals, organizations, and businesses that make our work possible. We continue the tradition every year.

Our 90th Birthday Bravo night was extra special because we awarded the Inaugural Hall of Fame to David Correll, who served on UWNU’s board for 28 years. 

Cheers to 90 years! 

At UWNU, we call 2955 Harrison Blvd, Ogden, UT 84403 home, and we have for almost 10 years:

2005 - United Way moved into the building thanks to the generosity of the Swanson Foundation.

2012 - United Way purchased 2955 Harrison Blvd, putting down roots.

2022 - UWNU paid off the building and started preparing for renovations.

2024 - This year, on our 90th birthday year, we are running a successful capital campaign to renovate and open the Nonprofit Connection Learning Center on the first floor.

Learn more about our capital campaign: https://uwnu.org/get-involved/capital-campaign.html

2009 marked 75 years of United Way of Northern Utah. 

That year, UWNU and Intermountain CFC collected $1,152,302 in pledges from the Team Hill Combined Federal Campaign team. This was an especially generous gift considering the economic recession of 2008.  

Swipe through to read the whole story from Hilltop Times, the U.S. Hill Air Force Base newspaper.

2009 marked 75 years of United Way of Northern Utah. 

That year, UWNU and Intermountain CFC collected $1,152,302 in pledges from the Team Hill Combined Federal Campaign team. This was an especially generous gift considering the economic recession of 2008.  

Swipe through to read the whole story from Hilltop Times, the U.S. Hill Air Force Base newspaper.

2009 marked 75 years of United Way of Northern Utah. 

That year, UWNU and Intermountain CFC collected $1,152,302 in pledges from the Team Hill Combined Federal Campaign team. This was an especially generous gift considering the economic recession of 2008.  

Swipe through to read the whole story from Hilltop Times, the U.S. Hill Air Force Base newspaper.

2009 marked 75 years of United Way of Northern Utah. 

That year, UWNU and Intermountain CFC collected $1,152,302 in pledges from the Team Hill Combined Federal Campaign team. This was an especially generous gift considering the economic recession of 2008.  

Swipe through to read the whole story from Hilltop Times, the U.S. Hill Air Force Base newspaper.

In 2010, the Zada Haws Community Grant Center opened up in the UWNU offices. 

The Zada Haws Community Grant Center offers access to the most effective tools to organize and manage your grant research. The Center also offers instruction on funding research, proposal writing, locating prospective funders, and news and philanthropy. 

The Center is open to grant seekers, grant makers, researchers, policymakers, the media, and the general public. And when the UWNU Nonprofit Connection Learning Campus opens its doors, the Center will be a vital part of its influence.

What the NPC can offer you: https://uwnu.org/ourprograms/nonprofit-connection/what-we-offer.html

The Community Schools strategy transforms a school into a place where educators, local community members, families, and students work together to strengthen conditions for student learning and healthy development. They make positive, impactful changes by: Building strong, trusting relationships (support), Engaging in inclusive decision-making (activities),  and Creating a thriving community (resources). 

In 2012, United Way of Northern Utah brought Community Schools to Ogden, and in tandem with the AmeriCorps Student Success Program, Community Schools continues to support children in our local community. 

In 2014, Inspire Playgroup was founded. By 2020, it had transformed into the program we now know and love - Learn With Playgroup.

Learn With Playgroup is a program for parents and children to learn and play together in a safe social network.

Learn With Playgroup: uwnu.org/playgroup

Tim Jackson was named CEO in 2017. 

Though he’s no longer with UWNU, he continues to work with United Way to serve his community as CEO of United Way of Treasure Valley.

In 2017, United Way of Northern Utah founded the Robert A. Hunter United Way Scholarship for Social Work at Weber State University. This $5,000 scholarship, inspired by former CEO Bob Hunter is awarded to students with a strong drive to serve their community.

Day of Caring 2018

UWNU's first Day of Caring took off in 2008. While we weren't always great with taking photos, here are some from the last decade of Days of Caring. 

Day of Caring 2019

UWNU's first Day of Caring took off in 2008. While we weren't always great with taking photos, here are some from the last decade of Days of Caring. 

Day of Caring 2021

UWNU's first Day of Caring took off in 2008. While we weren't always great with taking photos, here are some from the last decade of Days of Caring. 

Day of Caring 2022

UWNU's first Day of Caring took off in 2008. While we weren't always great with taking photos, here are some from the last decade of Days of Caring. 

Day of Caring 2023

UWNU's first Day of Caring took off in 2008. While we weren't always great with taking photos, here are some from the last decade of Days of Caring. 

Day of Caring 2024

UWNU's first Day of Caring took off in 2008. While we weren't always great with taking photos, here are some from the last decade of Days of Caring. 

90 years is a long time, and some of our programs have gone through multiple names and changes as United Way of Northern Utah grew and developed. 

~

2006: the AmeriCorps Read. Graduate. Succeed program began as a tutoring program for elementary students in Northern Utah. In 2014, the program launched statewide. 

2019: Read. Graduate. Succeed became the AmeriCorps Education Initiative of Utah, known as AEIOU

2022: AEIOU becomes the AmeriCorps Student Success Program, which we still have today.

In 2024, the AmeriCorps Student Success program tutored 3,521 students. 72% of elementary students tutored improved in Acadience Composite Scores. 

We love our AmeriCorps Student Success program! 

90 years is a long time, and some of our programs have gone through multiple names and changes as United Way of Northern Utah grew and developed. 

~

2006: the AmeriCorps Read. Graduate. Succeed program began as a tutoring program for elementary students in Northern Utah. In 2014, the program launched statewide. 

2019: Read. Graduate. Succeed became the AmeriCorps Education Initiative of Utah, known as AEIOU

2022: AEIOU becomes the AmeriCorps Student Success Program, which we still have today.

In 2024, the AmeriCorps Student Success program tutored 3,521 students. 72% of elementary students tutored improved in Acadience Composite Scores. 

We love our AmeriCorps Student Success program! 

90 years is a long time, and some of our programs have gone through multiple names and changes as United Way of Northern Utah grew and developed. 

~

2006: the AmeriCorps Read. Graduate. Succeed program began as a tutoring program for elementary students in Northern Utah. In 2014, the program launched statewide. 

2019: Read. Graduate. Succeed became the AmeriCorps Education Initiative of Utah, known as AEIOU

2022: AEIOU becomes the AmeriCorps Student Success Program, which we still have today.

In 2024, the AmeriCorps Student Success program tutored 3,521 students. 72% of elementary students tutored improved in Acadience Composite Scores. 

We love our AmeriCorps Student Success program! 

In 2020, UWNU's first Born Learning Trail was installed at Liberty Park on 21st Street. It was installed as an Eagle Scout project by Austin King. 

Born Learning is a UWW initiative to equip communities with early learning opportunities for young children, including the Born Learning Trail. BLT are a series of 10 interactive signs that offer fun, active learning activities for young children and their families. It helps parents, caregivers, and communities create quality engagement opportunities when out on a stroll or visiting a local playground. 

As of 2024, UWNU has 4 active Born Learning Trails in Ogden: 

1. Liberty Park, Eagle Scout project
2. Browning Park, Sponsored by Bank of Utah
3. Monroe Park, Sponsored by MarketStar
4. High Adventure Park, Sponsored by MarketStar

Post’s Tremonton plant opened in 2003. Shortly after opening, the plant director Mark Suchan joined the board at United Way and started to explore how they could give back in our community. While brainstorming, they heard of a tradition that started at the Minnesota plant to sell cereal at a super low price and have all the proceeds go to United Way. 

Mark started the tradition in Tremonton in 2008, hosting the fundraiser at the Box Elder Fairgrounds and pricing all the donated cereal at $1/box, with all proceeds going to UWNU. Utah was the second plant to start hosting an annual cereal sale, and now all nine plants do. 

2024 was our 16th Annual Post Cereal Sale. Post continues to be an engaged and dedicated partner, and the Cereal Sale continues to be one of our favorite yearly fundraisers.

In 2020, UWNU's Nonprofit Connection launched, one of only two in the United Way Worldwide network. Its mission is to amplify the impact of Utah's nonprofits and help local nonprofits build their capacity and capability. 

In 2021, the first Project Blueprint cohort was formed. Project Blueprint prepares participants to serve on a nonprofit board. 

NPC's 4th Project Blueprint Cohort graduated in October 2024!

Project Blueprint cohorts 2021 and 2022

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In 2020, UWNU's Nonprofit Connection launched, one of only two in the United Way Worldwide network. Its mission is to amplify the impact of Utah's nonprofits and help local nonprofits build their capacity and capability. 

In 2021, the first Project Blueprint cohort was formed. Project Blueprint prepares participants to serve on a nonprofit board. 

Project Blueprint Cohorts, 2023 and 2024

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In 2020, UWNU's Nonprofit Connection launched, one of only two in the United Way Worldwide network. Its mission is to amplify the impact of Utah's nonprofits and help local nonprofits build their capacity and capability. 

In 2021, the first Project Blueprint cohort was formed. Project Blueprint prepares participants to serve on a nonprofit board. 

2021 brought the Little Libraries initiative into UWNU's work. Little Neighborhood Libraries are small, hand-built libraries that are stocked with free books in both English and Spanish. 

Nearly two-thirds of low-income families have no books and currently more than half of Ogden School District 3rd graders read below grade level. We now have over 25 Little Libraries around Ogden to support children in gaining necessary reading skills to succeed in school. 

Julie Johnson was named CEO in 2022. 

She continues to lead United Way of Northern Utah as we expand our capacity and impact in Northern Utah. 

Thank you for an incredible 90 years. Here's to 90 more!