Qwest Foundation Partners with United Way

ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico - July 29, 2009 —The Qwest Foundation has partnered with United Way of Central New Mexico to fund local nonprofits with a corporate gift totaling more than $25,000. The funds were generated by matching dollars generated by local Qwest employees who chose to participate in the 2008 Qwest United Way campaign. The Foundation matches donors’ gifts at .75/$1.00. The Qwest corporate gift will not only support United Way’s Corporate Cornerstone program, but will also be used by local nonprofits working in the arena of K-12 education.

“The Qwest Foundation is proud to continue its relationship with the United Way and the local non-profits it supports and serves throughout New Mexico,” said Loretta A. Armenta, state president, Qwest New Mexico. “Our goal is to invest in people and community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, which each of these organizations certainly do as they pursue their individual missions.”

The agencies receiving portions of the Qwest Foundation gift are:

APS Title I Homeless Project $5,000 -Helping the children of homeless families stay in school.

Assistance League of Albuquerque, Inc. $5,000 -Helping at-need students in Albuquerque Public Schools by providing new uniform clothing and enabling them to attend school on equal footing with their classmates.

Keshet Dance Company $2,500- providing  New Mexico’s most vulnerable youth with adult mentorship, academic and social skills, and positive self-image through dance.

Roadrunner Food Bank - Food For Kids Program $5,000 -helping feed hungry school-aged children.

YMCA $2,500 -providing supervision and age-appropriate activities for youth and families in elementary through middle school.

The balance of the gift will be applied to the United Way of Central New Mexico’s Corporate Cornerstone program, covering administrative costs and ensuring 100% of individuals’ gifts are applied as they wish

 “We are honored to be able to partner with Qwest and their generous local employees,” said Ed Rivera, United Way of Central New Mexico President & CEO. “This foundation gift, generated by local giving, will impact many vulnerable school-aged children in our community, and change lives for the better.”

About United Way

United Way of Central New Mexico’s mission is to increase philanthropy in our community. We partner with people organizations to make the greatest difference. United Way is focusing on building financially stable families, preparing children to succeed, and creating a cohesive community. For more information, contact joanne@uwcnm.org

About the Qwest Foundation

The Qwest Foundation's core principle is that investing in people and communities provides lasting value for the future. The Qwest Foundation awards grants to community-based programs that generate high-impact and measurable results, focusing on pre-K through grade 12 education.

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Contact Information

Qwest Communications
Mark Molzen
Regional PR Manager

602.630.8224
mark.molzen@qwest.com

External Contact Information
Joanne Fine

United Way of Central New Mexico

Chief Communications Officer

United Way of Central New Mexico

505.247.3671

joanne@uwcnm.org