Allan and Alfie Norville have graciously donated one million dollars to United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona to help Build A Better Community.

Allan and Alfie know a thing or two about building better communities. The Norvilles have been successfully developing properties in Tucson and Alaska for more than 40 years. In addition, Allan and Alfie created GJX (Gem and Jewelry Exchange), which put Tucson on the map as the premier location for gem and jewelry shows in the country. With the Norville magic touch, GJX has grown from 34 exhibitors to well over 900 and has gifted the Tucson community with millions of dollars of revenue each year.

United Way is honored to have had a strong partnership with Allan and Alfie Norville over the years. Their dedication continues to be a great asset to United Way and the Tucson community. “We are excited to continue our partnership with United Way to help create lasting change and results that really matter to Tucson,” said Allan Norville. With help from the Norvilles, United Way is able to focus on making sure children are ready to learn and safe after school, families are self-sufficient and free from violence, and seniors are active and independent. “We are passionate about providing our experience and leadership,” said Alfie Norville, “to help focus the community on changes that are critical.”

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona would like to thank Allan and Alfie Norville for their generous gift and for their leadership in the community. “The partnership with Allan and Alfie is a wonderful example of how families working together with United Way can make even greater changes in the lives of so many in southern Arizona. Allan and Alfie, thank you for your confidence in United Way and the results we can achieve together,” said Edmund Parker, President and CEO of United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.

Allan and Alfie Norville join Donald and Joan Diamond, the Lohse family, and Humberto and Czarina Lopez as the fourth active member of United Way Tocqueville Society— Million Dollar Roundtable. Thank you for your support and confidence in United Way.

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona has received a grant totaling over $10,000 from the Southern Arizona Dental Society to help provide dental care and dentures to low-income seniors in Pima County.

The purpose of the Senior Denture Program is to address the oral health needs of low-income seniors enrolled in the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS) which is administered by Pima Health System. ALTCS provides medical services and assistance with daily living activities through its provider network in a variety of residential settings and in the client’s own home. Poor oral health and a lack of dentures can compromise the nutrition, general health and well being of the elderly.

In a recent survey of nearly 3,000 Pima County senior citizens, lack of access to affordable dental care was cited as their most critical issue. Nearly 59% of the survey respondents said it was a problem and 30% said it was a serious problem. This issue was considered more severe than 38 other issues that included home repair, transportation, affordable housing and legal assistance. This survey was conducted by Pima Council on Aging, the City of Tucson, United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona and Pima County.

“We are grateful to the Dental Society for recognizing that our senior citizens have major oral health needs that are not being met through the medical benefits provided through Medicare and Medicaid programs and hope that our relationship with the Society will continue,” said Sharon Gartner, Director of United Way’s Supporting Seniors Community Development area.

For more information about Supporting Seniors please contact Sharon Gartner at 903-9000 ext. 420 or sgartner@unitedwaytucson.org

Congratulations to Con-way Freight, the largest and most successful trucking and delivery firm in Southern Arizona, for receiving United Way’s Gold Award in 2006.

Led by Mr. Bill Rzepecki, 83% of Con-way Freight’s employees donated to United Way with an average gift of $223, an increase of 19% over last year.

Over the past eight years, Con-way Freight has received eight (8) Gold Awards along with personal awards for Mr. Rzepecki for his outstanding influence with each campaign. He takes a personal interest at every employee rally and fully endorses the United Way.

Con-way Freight’s corporate headquarters match employee giving by 50% making Con-way’s employees proud of their company’s support.

Con-way Freight, thank you for your support, your generosity helps United Way Build a Better Community.