One of my favorite things about working here at United Way of King County is hearing the stories from people that are out there doing good work.  11,000 volunteers worked at projects for United Way of King County’s Day of Caring on September 16, and I’ve had the pleasure of hearing about a number of their experiences.  I thought I’d share some of them with you from volunteers who have blogged about their day of volunteering  Here are some of the ones that I’ve found so far.  If you’ve got…

As you may have heard, United Way of King County’s Day of Caring is the single largest day of volunteering in Washington State, and this year we anticipate over 10,000 people will spend the day volunteering with local organizations. That’s huge! Already, 9,000 people have signed up to volunteer all over King County, including groups from Microsoft, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, AT&T and many more. Use the search box on the map below to see where your favorite local company will…

Viruses and Malware reeking havoc on your nonprofit’s desktop and/or server PCs? Don’t have the staff resources or budget to address computer security issues? Today is your lucky day! A group of senior-level security experts at Microsoft is looking to connect with local nonprofits that are in need of computer security help. Volunteers will look at your nonprofit’s desktop and server PCs to make sure important security updates are installed, preventative anti-virus software is in place, and will help with machines that may already…

Hunger Action Week is in its last day.  It has been a great week.  There are a lot of people taking the Hunger Challenge and writing about it and even more joining the discussion.  The Hunger Challenge has certainly been the most public part of HAW, but there is so much more going on.  People are helping United Way and our partners by donating to support improvements to food banks, additional trucks for meals delivery programs, and bringing the farm to food banks.  It’s exhilarating…

“I’m going to have a drink of water. I hope I don’t have to pay for it!” – CJ, Magnolia Prep

Day one of the Hunger Challenge is about adjustment and will.  Adjustment to the lack of whatever constitutes your “one of these and I blow my budget” guilty pleasure.  The will is not to cheat and indulge in said guilty pleasure because, “who would know?”  This morning I woke up to blue skies and, in a bit of serendipity, Mr. Blue Sky by E.L.O.…

I spent Friday at the Tech for Good Leadership Summit presented by the Microsoft Community Affairs team and NPower Seattle. Any kind of conference can be hit-or-miss in terms of value, but I’m happy to say that I walked away with lots of good knowledge that I will actually be able to use.

Here are some of my favorite things from the day:

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In a guest Seattle Times editorial, United Way of King County CEO, Jon Fine, and Board Chair, Dan Fulton, “see a community brimming with creativity about how to make things better for those who are struggling” and call on people to resolve to do what they can to help their neighbors in need. Read the full editorial.

This year, Microsoft employees raised $450,000 for the community through their online auction benefiting United Way. A number of senior executives offered unique items and experiences, including dinner on Senior Vice President and General Counsel Brad Smith’s yacht, and a vuvuzela signed by CIO and GIVE Campaign co-chair, Tony Scott. Some of the top bid generating items included vacations to places like Mexico and France, and parking spaces at various Microsoft building locations from the Real Estate & Facilities group.

Special thanks goes to the…

Microsoft will donate $5 in software to United Way of King County for every person that tries the new Kinect gaming system at the Microsoft Store in Bellevue Square on Tuesday, November 23.

I’m no gamer, but Kinect looks pretty fun. It allows you to play games on Xbox without using a game controller. Your body is the controller! If you’re not familiar with Kinect, check out this video by Mike Snider of “USA Today.”

To celebrate its grand opening in Bellevue, the Microsoft Store is holding a “Week of Thanks,” and Microsoft will donate up to $280,000 in software grant donations to local organizations. We’re thrilled to be one of the organizations chosen! The best part? YOU will be able to vote to help us reach our goal. Just “Like” the Microsoft Store Facebook Page and cast a vote for United Way. You’ll get a 10% off coupon for Microsoft Store purchases. And share this opportunity…