DFW International Airport Launches 2007 United Way Campaign Themed “Leading. Caring. Giving.”

DFW International Airport, Texas (July 31, 2007) - The 1700 employees of the Dallas/ Fort Worth International Airport kick off their 2007 annual United Way campaign today, a fundraising effort that exceeded expectations in 2006 and is setting lofty goals this year. The Airport’s campaign themed “Leading. Caring. Giving.” begins today and runs through October 31. Employees will be asked to participate by becoming cash donors and the entire airport community is invited to participate in four signature events. More information on all activities is available at www.dfwairport.com/unitedway.

“The United Way has a proud tradition at DFW and our theme reflects the fact that our employees are truly leaders in their work at the Airport as well in their communities and neighborhoods across North Texas,” said Jeff Fegan, CEO of DFW. “Our Airport is experiencing some incredible growth in all areas of our business and we believe it is important to give back to the community we serve with great airline and customer service every day. The United Way is a compassionate, effective way to support dozens of great organizations across Dallas and Tarrant Counties.” 

One United Way agency in the spotlight now is the American Red Cross. The agency is assisting families whose homes have been ravaged by heavy rains and flooding in North Texas, and in several neighborhoods near DFW. Proceeds from the DFW United Way Campaign benefit United Way agencies in both Dallas and Tarrant Counties. Donors can designate individual agencies to support with their donations. 

Chesapeake Energy Corporation will be a major sponsor of the campaign again this year. This year’s campaign co-chairmen are Ken Capps, Vice President of Public Affairs, and Max Underwood, Vice President of Finance for the Airport. Last year, the Airport set an overall goal of $120,000 and raised more than $170,000. For 2007, the benchmark goal has been set at $140,000. 

“We will be working very hard to exceed our benchmark and we know that our employees and airport community will get truly involved to make it happen,” said Underwood. “Naturally, the bread and butter of every campaign is the individual who writes the check or makes a payroll deduction. And we think our signature events will give everyone from employees to their families to contractors and vendors a great way to participate in the campaign.” 

Employees will begin on-line pledging August 1st. The first major public event will be Casino Night at the DFW Hyatt Regency on September 14. Last year’s inaugural event drew more than 2,000 attendees and this year’s party is expected to continue to grow. The event will also feature live music and a silent auction. Current sponsors include: Chesapeake Energy Corporation, American Airlines Federal Credit Union, Ampco System Parking, M/A-COM, Inc., Macy's, Inc., AMB Property Corporation, AON Consulting, Inc., Gabriel, Roeder, Smith & Company, NEC Unified Solutions, Inc., Star Concessions LTD., Symmetrex Solutions, Inc., Priority Pass and Paradies – Pugh, Inc.

DFW’s annual United Way golf tournament tees up on September 18 at Cowboys Golf Club in Grapevine. 

New to the event schedule this year is a second golf tournament on October 22 at DFW’s Bear Creek Golf Club. 

“Our annual golf tournament is so successful it sells out early and we have a lot more golfers in the Airport community who want to participate,” says Capps, “So we’re offering a second opportunity to play right here at DFW.” 

Also new this year, the campaign will hold a LiveWell 1-mile Fun Run and 5K Run/Walk event around DFW on Saturday, October 27. LiveWell is one of DFW’s top employee initiatives, encouraging healthy lifestyles and family activities. “You can walk it or run it,” says Capps. “The idea is to finish and have fun. We’ll have plenty of healthy and entertaining activities at the finish line as well.” 

DFW United Way Event Schedule: 

September 14 - United Way Casino Night at DFW Hyatt Regency, 7 p.m. to midnight.

For information & tickets: www.dfwairport.com/casino.

For sponsorships: Lonnie Freeman, lfreeman@dfwairport.com.

September 18 - United Way Golf Tournament at Cowboys Golf Club

For player/sponsor information: Greg Bick, gbick@dfwairport.com 972-574-5944

October 27 – LiveWell 1-mile Fun Run/5K Walk Run at DFW International Airport

For information: www.dfwairport.com/unitedway

For J.D. Power and Associates Award information, visit www.jdpower.com.