Events
United Way of Greater Houston Commemorates 100 Years
HOUSTON, TX – Commemorating 100 years of service and support to the Greater Houston community, United Way of Greater Houston (UWGH) is marking the occasion by honoring those whose outstanding contributions have played a pivotal role in United Way’s ability to provide help and hope to millions of neighbors. These honorees will be highlighted at a special Centennial Celebration on May 9th at the Wortham Theater Center.
Company of the Century
With a 70-year history as the leading supporter and partner of UWGH, ExxonMobil tops the honoree list as Company of the Century. ExxonMobil and its employees have invested more than $700 million in the Greater Houston community through United Way. Along with monetary support, ExxonMobil employees consistently give their time and talent for United Way community projects and have contributed nearly 640,000 volunteer hours since 2002.
“United Way’s 100 years of service and impact in the Greater Houston community would not have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of partners like ExxonMobil,” said Amanda McMillian, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Houston. “ExxonMobil is invested in our mission to connect people with possibility and joins us every day in efforts that lift up our neighbors and create more opportunities for them to prosper. It is an honor to tell the story of ExxonMobil’s historic commitment to this community and to thank their leadership and employees for their generous gifts of time and resources to help improve the quality of life for all.”
ExxonMobil’s broad range of volunteer support includes distributing food for individuals and families in need, pro bono expertise, conducting collection drives, and much more. One of ExxonMobil’s most notable collaborations with UWGH is United Way Bright Beginnings, an innovative early education program that has benefited more than 15,000 local children since it began in 2002.
“Helping the communities where we work and live to thrive has always been a priority for ExxonMobil and our employees. We’re really proud of the difference we’ve made over many years to help make our hometown stronger, and on behalf of us all at ExxonMobil, I’m delighted to accept the United Way’s Company of the Century Award,” said Liam Mallon, president, ExxonMobil Upstream Company and United Way of Greater Houston board member.
Volunteer of the Century
Throughout its history, many distinguished business, civic and spiritual leaders have supported UWGH as donors and volunteers, making the Volunteer of the Century a distinctive honor. With over 25 years of dedicated service to UWGH, Scott McLean, president and chief operating officer of Zions Bancorporation and chairman of Amegy Bank, has given his time, energy and talent to virtually every major volunteer leadership role at the nonprofit organization. McLean has served as chair of the Board of Trustees, chair of UWGH’s Community Campaign, chair of the CEO Search Committee, and co-chair with his wife, Anna, of the capital campaign to build a new home for the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE, which in 2022 connected more than 1.2 million neighbors seeking help with resources. He was also elected as UWGH’s first-ever Trustee Emeritus. Additionally, while living in Dallas in the early 1990’s, Scott chaired the Dallas United Way Community Campaign.
“Scott McLean is the kind of leader that empowers and inspires organizations to think bigger and reach higher,” said McMillian. “We have all learned from his example and benefited from his unwavering commitment to help others in our community get the tools and resources they need to achieve a more sustainable financial future. We are grateful for Scott’s generous heart and willingness to take on the biggest volunteer assignments in service to his community.”
As a United Way volunteer, McLean has also been a committed fundraiser for his community. From 2008 to 2009, he led UWGH’s Community Campaign, which annually raises the funds that support United Way programs and services throughout the year. McLean’s campaign year launched in the wake of two disasters – Hurricane Ike and the global economic crisis – and he met the challenge with an accomplished leader’s focus and passion, motivating the volunteers and staff to raise an impressive $74.2 million, with an additional $6 million raised for Hurricane Ike relief. During the 2017 aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Scott along with a small group of volunteers and United Way staff, raised more than $54 million for hurricane relief. McLean also chaired the Alexis de Tocqueville Society campaign twice, which is focused on UWGH’s largest individual donors.
“Through good times, tough times and a wide range of natural disasters, the United Way, its staff & volunteers have always stood on the frontlines of providing help to the most vulnerable in our community,” said McLean. “The United Way has been a blessing to our community and to Anna and our family.”
Additional award recipients who will be recognized at the UWGH Centennial Celebration include Lynne Liberato, Trailblazer Award; The Fraga Family, Legacy Award; Dorothy Ables, Hero Award; and Gerald Smith, Pillar Award.
United Way’s Centennial Celebration is a community fundraiser featuring a roaming reception, live entertainment and a festive casino at Wortham Theater on May 9, starting at 6:30 pm. The event chairs are Linda and Willie Chiang, Vicki and Bob Harvey, and Phoebe and Bobby Tudor. The public is welcome and tickets can be purchased at www.unitedwayhouston.org/centennial-celebration.
United Way of Greater Houston connects people with possibility. We unite donors, volunteers and community partners in support of a focused plan to remove barriers on the path to financial stability for families and individuals. Programs focused on financial stability, early childhood and youth development, and physical and behavioral health care help our neighbors land on their feet and stay there. These programs are supported by a foundation of basic needs assistance and help for those escaping violence. For families and individuals who are ready, our individualized approach includes navigators to guide them as they access multiple services on their unique journey to financial stability. United Way also connects our neighbors with help, hope and critical resources 24/7/365 through the 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE. A focus on equity is integral to United Way’s work and program investments are evaluated on how diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is incorporated into policies, practices and service delivery. Our community investments are backed by research, ensured by good stewardship and deliver results. For more information, visit www.unitedwayhouston.org.
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