United Way begins fundraising campaign to tackle Tucson poverty

It’s that time of year: Workforce fundraising campaigns are beginning for United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, with a goal of disrupting the cycle of local poverty.

The agency kicked off its 2016-17 campaign with a pep rally Thursday at Barrio Brewing, 800 E. 16th St.

More than 13,000 employees from nearly 300 companies, government agencies and nonprofit organizations across Southern Arizona support United Way each year.

That support allows United Way to provide more than $8 million a year to more than 100 nonprofit organizations.

For every dollar donated to United Way, the agency is able to secure $4.74 in local, state and federal grants and volunteer support.

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United Way says it helps 100,000 people across Southern Arizona every year.

Its current mission, as described on its website:

“United Way is devoting itself to disrupt the cycle of poverty throughout Tucson and Southern Arizona. To do so together, we are building education from cradle to career, providing financial stability for families, and improving the overall health of our community.”

This year’s campaign chair Edmund Marquez, owner of Edmund Marquez Allstate Agencies, led the pep rally along with Tony Penn, president and CEO of United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.