Qwest announced that the company and its employees and retirees have shown their Spirit of Service to the Denver, Colorado, community by pledging $1.3 million to Mile High United Way in 2007. Qwest's commitment is the largest corporate gift to Mile High United Way for the current 2006-2007 fundraising campaign.
"Qwest has a long history of giving generously to the communities it serves across the Western United States, but this year's gift to Mile High United Way is tremendous," said Brian Gallagher, president and chief executive officer of United Way of America.
Qwest says its priority in the community is to improve the quality of education for children and teens from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The company's $1.3 million gift will also help support Mile High United Way's School Readiness and Youth Success Initiatives.
"Investing in education is a core part of Qwest's commitment to communities," said Teresa Taylor, executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Qwest. "We believe in the power of education to change lives and communities, and we have confidence in Mile High United Way's ability to maximize our gift to make sure young children are ready to learn when they begin kindergarten and that all students can successfully graduate from high school."
Qwest's $1.3 million pledge is an increase of more than 40 percent over its gift to Mile High United Way last year. Nationally, Qwest's giving to local United Way organizations increased from $3 million last year to $4 million this year. In addition to its financial gift, Qwest employees and retirees volunteered more than one million hours of community service in 2006 with a primary focus on pre-K through 12th grade education.
For more information, read the Qwest press release.
