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A resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the United Way of Greater Nashville.
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WHEREAS, in 1922, the War Chest Campaign was founded to provide relief and fundraising coordination in the aftermath of World War I; and
WHEREAS, a few years later, a small group of individuals continued this work to coordinate fundraising and distribution among local charities. The organization changed its name to the Community Chest; and
WHEREAS, through the 1920s and 1930s, the Community Chest grew and provided donations for 39 recipient organizations; and
WHEREAS, in the 1940s, the Community Chest continued to grow. In 1954, the organization changed to the United Givers Fund, with 40 agencies providing programs for food, clothing, and shelter; and
WHEREAS, in 1975, the United Givers Fund became the United Way, evolving from a fundraising and allocations mechanism to a system working to solve community human services problems; and
WHEREAS, local philanthropist Dr. Thomas F. Frist, Jr. worked to connect community and business leaders to collectively address the Nashville community’s most pressing needs; and
WHEREAS, in 1981, Dr. Frist partnered with 27 Nashville visionaries to create the Alexis de Tocqueville Society Alpha Chapter. Since inception, Tocqueville Society members have invested more than $10 billion in the work of United Way worldwide and more than $160 million in Nashville. The society now has over 23,000 members worldwide who contribute $10,000 or more per year to local United Ways; and
WHEREAS, throughout the last two decades, the United Way of Greater Nashville has changed to reflect its footprint and service area. In 2020, the organization officially became the United Way of Greater Nashville; and
WHEREAS, the United Way of Greater Nashville will celebrate its 100th anniversary on September 15, 2022; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council honor the 100th anniversary of the United Way of Greater Nashville and celebrate the organization’s tremendous impact on Nashville and Davidson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as honoring the United Way of Greater Nashville on its 100th anniversary.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.