For more than 100 years, supporters like you have helped fuel, fund, and scale solutions to tackle our region's biggest issues.

While United Way's business model may have changes, our mission and commitment to serving the community remain constant. And the driving force behind United Way's impact—as it has always been—is you.

For Roger Dennis and his wife Debbie, supporting United Way's mission against poverty has been a philanthropic priority for more than three decades. Following his appointment as Head of Campus at Rutgers-Camden, Roger was invited to join United Way's Regional Board of Directors.

He has witnessed the organization through its many transitions, including serving on the executive search committee for United Way's current President and CEO, Bill Golderer. 

Roger also played a major role in merging with South Jersey local county chapters in the mid-2010s. 

"I believe the most effective way to remove the barriers of poverty is through regional initiatives, so I was glad to be part of United Way's transformation to what it is today," he said. 

“the most effective way to remove the barriers of poverty is through regional initiatives.”

Through the years, Roger's gifts of time, treasure, and talent have taken many forms. Today he remains a Distinguished Director of the Board, consisting of past Regional Board members, and he chooses to give through a qualified charitable distribution from his IRA. 

Because of the dedication of supporters like Roger and Debbie, United Way has built a legacy of driving meaningful change. We thank them for their support and ongoing commitment to building a more prosperous region for all. 

Another supporter, Ned Montgomery, started giving to United Way while attending Trinity College and continued giving while a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army during the Korean War. 

As a graduate student at Harvard Business School, Ned pledged himself that whatever time he committed to business he would commit equal time to the community. He maintained this commitment in his role at Mellon Bank, Girard Bank, and throughout his career. 

In 1985, Ned moved from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia with his wife Susie and daughters Meg and Molly. Ned was told that if he wanted to be a leader in Philadelphia, he would have to chair a United Way campaign as well as chair the Chamber Board, so he did both.

In 1989, under Ned's leadership, the United Way campaign raised $59 million – the greatest amount ever raised.

Through the years since then, Ned has continued to serve the institution in many capacities. 

To ensure United Way's fiscal stability for another 100 years, the Montgomerys also chose to support United Way's Endowment with a generous provision in their estate plan. 

“I built my career in Philadelphia and have been involved with United Way for almost 50 years. It’s been a big part of my life and it feels good to know I can keep supporting United Way beyond my lifetime,” he said. According to Ned, a person’s estate plan is a statement about their life and legacy.

“it feels good to know I can keep supporting United Way beyond my lifetime."

His generosity—along with decades of service—will help make it possible for United Way to continue to deliver on its vital mission for many years to come.

We are grateful to this community whose support has helped build a legacy of driving meaningful change.