Dear Friends,

Right here in our own backyard, we have brainpower, wealth, institutions, creativity, and courage to challenge the status quo.  We have a tradition of working together on technological problems and can readily do so on social issues.  Silicon Valley could be a model community, but it is not because more than 400,000 of our residents cannot simultaneously afford adequate housing, food, and healthcare.  People who are not self-sufficient cannot address societal goals.  Nor can we be proud of our community. 

United Way is uniquely positioned to lead Silicon Valley's efforts to create opportunities for a good life for all who live here. To create long-lasting solutions, the organization leverages available resources in the most rational way by investing in proven agency-run programs with measurable results, United Way-run programs such as 2-1-1 Santa Clara County (http://www.211scc.org/) that address county-wide needs as well as collaborative projects with community partners.  United Way's reach is large, both to donors and to people in need.

Silicon Valley has changed the world through technologic innovation.  Now, we must change the world by setting an example for societal integrity.  We cannot be satisfied until all of our residents are financially stable and independent.  Together, united, we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow.

Dick Levy
Chair, Varian Medical Systems
Chair, Board of Directors, United Way Silicon Valley

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