In This Issue...

FLIR Systems, Inc.

United Way of Santa Barbara County Celebrates Longevity

United Way and UCSB Host Benefit Show

Girls, Inc.

United Way's Website

Total donation check from FLIR Systems, Inc.

FLIR Systems, Inc., and its employees, have a sense of commitment to the well-being of their community. During the year, FLIR Systems, Inc. employees generously set aside money to be donated to a charity of their choice. FLIR Systems, Inc. then matches the donations to those charities. In 2006, employees raised a total of $4,850 for United Way of Santa Barbara County, and with FLIR Systems, Inc. gave a corporate donation of $15,795 for a grand total donation of $20,645. Rosie Thompson, Human Resources Manager, organized the 8th Annual Celebration of Giving where more than 50 charitable organizations received donations from FLIR Systems, Inc. employees; one being United Way of Santa Barbara County. "FLIR Systems, Inc. has a great set up for their organization, and each employee has the opportunity to participate and support valuable organizations in our community," stated United Way's Steve Ortiz. United Way of Santa Barbara County has had the pleasure of working with FLIR Systems, Inc., formerly known as Indigo, for over eight years. Thank you FLIR Systems, Inc.!

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In January 2007, United Way of Santa Barbara County celebrated four employees who have been helping the community and the success of United Way for a total of 41 combined years! They were awarded with United Way pins by CEO Paul Didier. Kim Beutlich, United Way's webmaster, celebrated her 16th year; Penny Rowan, Assistant to Gift Planning Services, celebrated her 10th year; Judy Goodbody, Gift Planning Services Officer, celebrated her 7th year; and Charles Caldwell, Special Projects Director, celebrated his 8th year. Thank you to Kim, Penny, Judy, and Charles for your 41 combined years of hard work and dedication in helping United Way of Santa Barbara County help people within the community.

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Promotional Poster for United Way's Benefit Show

Hermanos Unidos and Chi Delta Theta Inc. will be working together with United Way of Santa Barbara County to bring the 2^nd annual United Way Benefit Show to the UCSB community.  This event will serve as a fundraiser to help support the lives of Children, Families and Seniors who are in need of assistance, and will also promote awareness to the students and staff of the great programs United Way of Santa Barbara County has to offer in our community. This event will also promote awareness to the students and staff of the great programs United Way of Santa Barbara County has to offer in our community.

This year the Benefit Show will take place on Thursday February 22^nd from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at Isla Vista Theatre 1. The show will consist of a Game Show Night in which the contestants will be attending students and staff.  Popular shows such as Deal or No Deal and Family Feud will be improvised by members of Hermanos Unidos and Chi Delta Theta for the full purpose of entertaining in a fun, interactive and informative way.  A karaoke competition will be held to see who will become the next Karaoke Idol.  Finally, there will be performances by UCSB’s Naked Voices, an a cappella group and urban dance group.

Please join us in this night of fun and entertainment; tickets are only $10 for the public and $6 if you are a student.  For tickets call Steve Ortiz at (805) 965-8591.

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Two Participants of Girls, Inc.

Every weekday morning Krista’s mother braves the rush hour traffic out of Oxnard and drops Krista off at school in Carpinteria, only to continue driving to Santa Barbara for work.  Krista, a third grader, is raised solely by her mother, rarely ever seeing her father. When Krista first began attending Girls Inc., she was a shy girl in and out of school. Rather than play, she often chose to observe the collective activities of her peers. In class she was focused and diligent, but nevertheless, always worked alone.

After a short while Girls Inc. became a safe haven for Krista and an important resource for her mother. At Girls Inc., Krista could not only stay late enough for her mother to pick her up after work, but she had the opportunity to finish her homework, enjoy an afternoon snack, and participate in a wide range of activities offered by the center. She joined the basketball team, as well as the Kids Theatre, where she discovered her talent for script writing. She found that through writing she could overcome her shyness and express her thoughts and feelings. 

Soon Krista wanted to learn piano, which would enable her to perform with her plays. Unfortunately, at ten dollars a session, Krista’s mother could not afford the lessons. Confident in Krista’s sincerity, Girls Inc. provided a scholarship and a practice keyboard. As a result of Girls Inc., Krista is now an athlete, a pianist, and remains at the top of her class. She is more outgoing and has high future aspirations. She continues to write scripts for the Kids Theatre and is an integral part of creating plays that highlight girls overcoming hardships in life. She now believes in her power to create change and helps deliver that message to her peers.

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