Updated from this article.

Every year, an extraordinary group of people steps forward to improve lives. By contributing $1,000 or more to United Way, these generous men and women play a leadership role in strengthening the network of health and human services in our region and enjoy a number of exclusive benefits, including recognition in our Leadership Giving Membership Directory, invitations to special events, unique volunteer opportunities and more.

Because these donors are so special to the organization and the people and programs it supports, United Way has offered an incentive program to give Leadership Givers an opportunity to win amazing prizes. On March 7, corporate sponsors were invited to United Way to help select the lucky winners of the 2nd Annual Leadership Giving Raffle. A total of 114 companies participated—an increase from 71 last year; and more than 1,182 Leadership Givers have registered, exceeding last year’s records by almost 200 participants.

And the top winners are….drum roll please!

• Jean Smolios from Nicor won a Chicago Cubs Wrigley Skybox package for 12 provided by Aon Corporation.
• Benji Wolken of Ernst & Young won the United Center Club Level Suite for 12 at a Chicago Blackhawk’s game provided by ITW.
• Steve Famolaro from Pepsico won the Chicago Bulls United Center Executive Suite for 12, provided by Northern Trust.

For the full list of winners and participating sponsors please click here!

Thanks to the generosity of United Way donors, the lives of Brenda and her children have been made better.

Claire was a shy mother in her twenties working a job in retail during the day and studying to be a social worker at night. Single and without many resources, Claire couldn’t afford to pay for child care, so her daughter Nicole was cared for by her great-grandmother. All day and evening, Nicole was enclosed in a small apartment, with no children to play with or learn from, and no outdoor activity. Instead of going on walks or playing in the park, Nicole spent her days on the living room rug. Claire was worried, and she shared her concern with a coworker who referred her to Wesley Child Care Center.

With United Way funding, Nicole received a scholarship to attend the center’s childhood education program. As Nicole spent her days playing with other children and learning her shapes and colors, Claire finished her degree in social work and graduated from college. Today, she is able to provide for her child and afford to pay for school without the scholarship. And Nicole got the early childhood education she needed to be socially, emotionally and mentally prepared for school.

If you gave $1,000 or more to United Way this year, you’re eligible to receive one of the following terrific prizes!

	Chicago Bulls United Center Suite for 12 with parking, food and beverages, courtesy of Northern Trust
United Center Suite for 12 at a Chicago Bulls or Chicago Blackhawks game with parking, food and beverages, courtesy of Illinois Tool Works Inc.
	Chicago Cubs Wrigley Field Skybox package for 12 with parking, food and beverages, courtesy of Aon
MOTO Q Smartphone or MOTOKRZR with Bluetooth headset, courtesy of Motorola
	Two sets of Brookfield Zoo party packages for 10 with VIP admission, dolphin show and visit, private Tram or Snowball Express tour and parking, courtesy of Nicor
Four season tickets and a parking pass for the 2008 Chicago Rush Arena Football season, courtesy of the Rush
	Six riders on the NBC Float for the winner’s choice of festival/parade, courtesy of NBC-5 Chicago
A set of Cobra golf clubs, courtesy of Fortune Brands
	Four White Sox Scout Seats (directly behind home plate), including in-seat food and beverage service and two premier parking passes, courtesy of U.S. Cellular

Plus other terrific prizes including:

• Four main floor tickets each to a Chicago Bulls and Chicago BlackHawks Game, courtesy of AT&T
• Two sets of two main floor second row tickets to a Chicago Bulls Game, courtesy of GE Healthcare Financial Services
• Four box seats and a parking pass top a Major League baseball game, courtesy of KPMG
• Four Cubs Club (row 5) tickets, courtesy of GE Rail Services
• Four Bulls tickets, courtesy of Tribune Company
• Four tickets to a Chicago Cubs game, courtesy of Ernst & Young
• Four tickets to a Chicago Bulls game, courtesy of Accenture

There is no purchase necessary to enter or claim prize. Anyone is eligible to participate. Individuals who are not Leadership Givers may enter by mailing their name, address, and email address to Leadership Giving Contest, United Way, 75 Remittance Drive, Suite 7858, Chicago, IL 60675-5828. Entry must be received by March 1, 2008. Limit one entry per person. Full details can be founds by downloading the official rules.