Summer 2015 | Volume 2
WINGS OF HOPE
A Minute With Matt
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A Minute with Matt
Dear Friends,
Tickets for Hope &
New York Rooftop
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Now that we are mid-way through the year, I want to share some recent
accomplishments for the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF):
• In 2015 to date, the Foundation has awarded 1,131 grants worth over $2.7 million!
In September, we will award our 10,000th grant! This is a major milestone for the
Foundation and we’re thrilled to make such a difference in the lives of children
and their families.
• This year, our fundraising efforts have expanded in new ways and in new regions
from Century Cycling Rides in Healdsburg, CA and Minnetonka, MN, Golf Classics
in Norton, MA, Rockland, MD and Chaska, MN, Wine Women & Shoes events in
Chicago, IL, Boston, MA, Austin, TX, New Orleans, LA, Minneapolis, MN and San
Francisco, CA just to name a few. We are building successful partnerships in these
regions and reaching even more families with children in need in the process. Read
about the successes of these events, learn how to become a sponsor and mark
your calendars for upcoming fundraisers. We always welcome help, so sign up to
be a volunteer!
• UnitedHealthcare has set up 60 UHCCF reading stations and donated 1,800
Oliver & HopeTM books. You can read more about this exciting project later in
this newsletter.
• After the success of the first “Little Book – Big Laughs” joke book, two new editions
will join the 3-book series on World Smile Day, October 2. One is a knock-knock
joke book and the other is filled with riddles.
Your Dollars in Action
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Velo & Vines
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Wine Women & Shoes
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Reading Stations
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Products
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Upcoming Events
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I’m also very excited to introduce you to two of our grant recipients in this issue. They
have inspiring stories. Their success and all of our events and projects are only possible
because of the many people who help us. We owe a debt of gratitude and extend a huge
thank you to all of our national and regional board members, the members of our project
teams, our committed employees and many other supporters who volunteer their time
and talents to advance the work of UHCCF.
If you have any suggestions, comments or ideas for UHCCF, please share them with us.
Thank you for everything that you do.
Matt Peterson
UHCCF President
Visit UHCCF.org
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Wings of Hope
Summer 2015 | Volume 2
Catch a Great Event at
Tickets for Hope!
UHCCF’s Tickets for Hope program gives you access to event tickets in your area
and across the country. Through tix4cause.com you can enjoy the things you
love – like singing along at a concert or cheering your favorite sport’s team – all
while giving back to UHCCF!
Tickets for Hope recently ran a promotion to encourage UHCCF supporters to
register and name UHCCF as their preferred cause on tix4cause.com. Those who
registered by May 31st were eligible to win a $375 gift certificate donated by
tix4cause.com that can be used for their next ticket purchase.
THE LUCKY REGIONAL WINNERS WERE:
Central – Latresha Coles
Southeast – Shawn Lyon
Northeast – Koren Iskra
West – Tasha Joshua
Thanks to everyone who participated in our Tickets for Hope registration drive.
You can check out events occurring in your area at Tickets for Hope. Don’t forget
to choose UHCCF as your charity of choice! A portion of the proceeds will be
donated back to UHCCF to fund future medical grants for kids. Also, if you have
a concert or event ticket you can’t use, we encourage you to donate the tickets
to UHCCF via tix4cause.com.
The New York Rooftop
Event Was a Hit!
Pictured left to right:
Louis Destefano – Director of NY Small
Group Sales, Mike Santoro – Senior Vice
On a bright and beautiful evening on May 7, the UnitedHealthcare Employer &
Individual (E&I) New York Healthplan and supporting segments hosted their first
Rooftop Event at the 54th Floor of New York’s Hyatt Times Square. The sold-out
President Commercial Claims, Chuck
event had 186 in attendance and sponsorships totaled $86,000. Boomer Esiason,
Cerniglia – Vice President, NY Small Group
retired NFL quarterback and current CBS Sports Network commentator, was in
Sales, Key Accts and Account Mgmt,
attendance and gave an inspirational speech. We offer thanks to the Chair of the
Michael McGuire – Chief Executive Officer
event Paul Marden, Healthplan CEO of New Jersey and Maria Daniele-Pomponio,
New York Healthplan, Paul Marden –
Healthplan CEO of New Jersey.
Visit UHCCF.org
UHCCF Northeast Liaison.
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Wings of Hope
Summer 2015 | Volume 2
Your Dollars in Action
Christian’s Story
Two-year-old Christian can spend all day playing outside in the
dirt, riding his power wheel, or just running around exploring.
He loves getting into mischief! Christian was diagnosed with
craniosynostosis, a condition that causes the joints between
the bones of the skull to close prematurely before the brain is
fully formed. UHCCF awarded Christian a grant for cranial vault
surgery to give the brain adequate space to grow and develop.
“I definitely think that without this surgery it wouldn’t have
been long before we started to see signs of decline. Thankfully,
we found doctors who correctly diagnosed Christian, and the
UHCCF grant made it possible for Christian to receive the surgery
he needed,” said Christian’s mom.
Ava’s Story
Ava is an eighteen-month-old courageous and adventurous
little girl who enjoys going out on walks and taking nature
hikes with her mom and dad. However, Ava’s true passion is
the slide – she lights up with glee whenever she sees one.
Ava was diagnosed with severe hearing loss and the
UHCCF grant made it possible for her to receive hearing
aids. Ava loves music and since she began using the hearing
aids, she frequently sings nursery rhymes and even the “Let
It Go” song from Disney’s movie “Frozen.” Ava’s mom, Erika,
said, “Thank you so much for the grant. Ava is much more
responsive with the hearing aids and is doing really well.”
Visit UHCCF.org
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Wings of Hope
Summer 2015 | Volume 2
A Smooth Ride
at Velo & Vines
On June 13, 28 cyclists, supporters and sponsors from across the nation met at the
Arnot-Roberts Winery to join in a 100-mile or metric ride along the rolling hills and valleys
of Alexander, Dry Creek and Russian River for the inaugural Velo & Vines Century Ride in
Healdsburg, CA. The ride, hosted by Three Rivers Provider Network and sponsored by
Arnot-Roberts Winery, raised approximately $45,000 to fund future UHCCF medical
grants for children.
At each rest stop along the route, riders experienced some of the best artisan foods and
local music in Sonoma County. The cycling tour ended with a post-ride awards ceremony
and marketplace featuring local vendors, wine tastings, a silent auction and live music
by The Easy Leaves. Healdsburg resident, event host and UHCCF Board Member Jennifer
Roberts was joined by notables such as UnitedHealthcare ProCycling Team member
Lucas Euser. Lucas helped make the day a genuine treat for cycling enthusiasts and
race fans. We look forward to another stunning event next year. Please save the date
for June 11, 2016! To view the video of this year’s event, click here.
Cyclist Pip Bond high-fives a volunteer prior to the
Jennifer Roberts meets with UnitedHealthcare
Participants and supporters from across
start of the inaugural Velo & Vines Century Ride in
ProCycling Team member Lucas Euser. Also
the nation start their 100-mile journey.
Healdsburg, CA. (Photo credit: Amy Sullivan)
featured in the picture is Matt Peterson, President,
(Photo credit: Amy Sullivan)
UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation and
UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team member
John Murphy. (Photo credit: Amy Sullivan)
Visit UHCCF.org
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Wings of Hope
Summer 2015 | Volume 2
Wine Women & Shoes
Chicago Was Stunning
The UHCCF held its inaugural Wine Women & Shoes
(WW&S) event May 1 at the Ritz Carlton in Chicago, IL.
Attended by more than 270 guests, this event was the
first of five fashion-focused fundraising events UHCCF
has planned for this year. The event featured wine tastings,
live and silent auctions, a fashion and gift marketplace
and a dinner program that included a fashion show.
Peach Carr from Project Runway attended, adding many
beautiful pieces to the fashion show. With Wendy Lambert
as the auctioneer and Zoraida Sambolin as emcee, energy
was high and everyone had a fantastic time.
A big thanks goes out to grant recipient Jayden and his
family for coming to the event to tell his story. Jayden
was the star of the night, melting everyone’s heart with
his smile. The Chicago event raised nearly $100,000 for
the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation. Thank you to
our generous sponsors, employees and all our guests for
making it possible.
Check out our events page for a list of WW&S events
coming near you.
Grant Recipient, Jayden with
Auctioneer, Wendy Lambert.
Visit UHCCF.org
Emcee Zoradia Sambolin.
Matt Peterson, UHCCF President (left),
Jill Foucre (center) and Gayle Woodis,
UHCCF Executive Director (right).
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Wings of Hope
Summer 2015 | Volume 2
UHCCF Reading Stations in
San Diego & Sacramento, CA
This summer, several San Diego and Sacramento area health clinics and pediatrician
offices received reading stations and children’s books to help make the visit to the
doctor’s office a little brighter. UnitedHealthcare donated 60 UHCCF reading stations,
1,800 Oliver & Hope™ children’s books and 4,000 activity worksheets as part of
a San Diego and Sacramento summer reading initiative. Throughout the summer,
UnitedHealthcare employees led reading circle events and delivered the reading
stations to various community-based organizations and health care facilities.
Each reading station includes a kid-sized table and chairs and copies of books from the
award-winning Oliver & Hope™ series. The cleverly written and beautifully illustrated
stories teach subtle lessons about the power of friendship, resiliency and imagination.
Fun Oliver & Hope™ activities are also offered, including coloring pages, mazes and more.
Marne Foster, Board President of San Diego Unified
Kids give a high-five to UnitedHealthcare mascot
Reading stations that will be placed in patient waiting
School District is joined by UnitedHealthcare
Dr. Health E. Hound during the grand opening of the
rooms in health clinics throughout San Diego.
mascot Dr. Health E. Hound as she reads from the
Ibarra Health Center.
popular Oliver & Hope children’s storybook at the
opening celebration for the new Family Health
Center at Ibarra Elementary School.
Visit UHCCF.org
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Wings of Hope
Summer 2015 | Volume 2
More Books and Plush
Characters Coming Soon!
New Jokebooks!
Two books titled “Little Book –
Big Laughs Knock-Knock Book”
and “Little Book – Big Laughs Riddle
Book” will be released on World
Smile Day, October 2, 2015. They
will be available on UHCCF.org and
Amazon.com along with the first
book in the series, “Little Book –
Big Laughs Joke Book.”
Charlotte Plush
Hi! I’m Charlotte the fox and I’ll
be available September 1, 2015 on
UHCCF.org and Amazon.com. I love to
find clever solutions to any challenge.
Hugo Plush
I’m Hugo the dragon and I may
breathe fire, but I’m really just
here to spark your imagination.
Look for me on UHCCF.org and
Amazon.com September 1, 2015.
Visit UHCCF.org
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Wings of Hope
Summer 2015 | Volume 2
Upcoming 2015 Events
There May Be a Fundraiser
Coming to a Location Near You!
All of UHCCF’s accomplishments are possible because of the people who help
us. UHCCF owes a debt of gratitude to our committed employees and many
friends who volunteer their time and talents to advance the UHCCF mission.
Several events are already on the calendar — and many more are currently
in the planning process. New this year, the Foundation is partnering with the
Wine Women & Shoes fundraisers and upcoming events will be held in Boston,
Austin, Minneapolis and New Orleans. If you would like to attend or volunteer
for upcoming events, please contact Scott Otto for additional information.
Visit UHCCF.org
AUGUST 28
Wine Women & Shoes Boston, MA
SEPTEMBER 19
Teddy Bear Run, Las Vegas, NV
SEPTEMBER 25
Wine Women & Shoes Austin, TX
SEPTEMBER 28
Golf Classic at Lake of Isles,
North Stonington, CT
OCTOBER 5
2015 Annual UHCCF Golf Classic, Rockville, MD
OCTOBER 5
2015 Annual UHCCF Golf Classic, TPC Boston in Norton, MA
OCTOBER 9
Wine Women & Shoes Minneapolis, MN
OCTOBER 12
Golf Classic at Dancing Rabbit
Golf Course, Choctaw, MS
OCTOBER 30
Wine Women & Shoes New Orleans, LA
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