Connect, Learn, and Grow at Our Nonprofit Meet & Greet
Join us for our upcoming Nonprofit Meet & Greet, a valuable opportunity to connect with our team and learn how workplace giving campaigns can help strengthen your organization’s fundraising efforts.
Our workplace giving campaigns reach hundreds of thousands of employees, creating meaningful opportunities for nonprofits to increase visibility, engage new supporters, and grow charitable contributions. During this event, you’ll gain insights into the donations your organization may already be receiving through these campaigns and discover ways to maximize your participation.
Attendees will also receive promotional materials and resources that can be put to use immediately to help raise awareness and encourage donor engagement.
Whether you’re new to workplace giving or looking to enhance your current strategy, this event offers practical information, networking opportunities, and tools to help your organization thrive.
Voices of Californians: Nonpartisan Gubernatorial Podcast
United Way California Capital Region invited all gubernatorial candidates who met objective eligibility criteria for this nonpartisan interview series. Candidates featured on this page chose to participate. Candidates who met the eligibility criteria but are not featured either declined or did not respond to the invitation.
All participating candidates were offered the same interview format, the same general rules, and equal opportunity to participate. Participation in this series does not constitute endorsement by United Way California Capital Region, CBS Sacramento, or any partner organization. The views expressed are those of the candidates alone.
All candidates were offered the opportunity to participate in person at the CBS Sacramento studio. Some candidates elected to participate remotely, and those interviews are identified accordingly.
This interview series was conducted as a nonpartisan public education effort in compliance with 501(c)(3) requirements. United Way California Capital Region and CBS Sacramento do not support or oppose any candidate for public office.
About the CBS News Sacramento and United Way California Capital Region Interview Series
This California gubernatorial interview series was organized as a nonpartisan civic education initiative to provide the public with an opportunity to hear directly from candidates on issues affecting California communities.
The series was designed to offer a structured, equitable, and credible platform for substantive policy discussion while maintaining neutrality and consistent treatment across candidates. United Way California Capital Region does not support or oppose any candidate for public office, and inclusion in this series does not imply endorsement.
Interviews were conducted by Dr. Dawnté Early, President & CEO, United Way California Capital Region and Steve Large, CBS News California. Each interview is 30 minutes in length. Questions focus on major policy issues relevant to California communities, including economic mobility, housing, health, education, and family stability.
Interviews were recorded April 13–16, 2026, at the CBS Sacramento studio in West Sacramento, or remotely if requested.
Participation in the interview series was limited to candidates who satisfied United Way California Capital Region’s previously established, objective eligibility criteria by the announced deadline. These criteria were established in advance to ensure a fair, neutral, nonpartisan, and transparent process and were applied uniformly and non-arbitrarily to all candidates.
The following gubernatorial candidates, listed in alphabetical order, met the eligibility criteria and were invited to participate: Chad Bianco, Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Matt Mahan, Katie Porter, Eric Swalwell, Tom Steyer, Tony Thurmond, Antonio Villaraigosa and Betty Yee.
Links & Resources:
👉 Visit the CA Secretary of State website for more information on the election: sos.ca.gov/elections
👉 Thank you to CBS News Sacramento for their partnership on this series: cbsnews.com/sacramento
Black History Month Spotlight: Dr. Dawnté Early, President and CEO of United Way California Capital Region
Each February, we take time to honor the achievements and leadership of Black community members who have shaped our history and continue to strengthen our region. This month, we are proud to spotlight our President and CEO, Dr. Dawnté Early, whose work reflects our mission to improve opportunities for local children and families.
KCRA 3 recently featured Dr. Early in its Black History Month spotlight, sharing her story and the values that guide her leadership. The segment highlights what our staff, partners, and community see every day. Dr. Early brings both personal experience and professional expertise to this work, along with a deep commitment to equity and access for all families in the Capital Region.
Watch the KCRA 3 story on Dr. Dawnté Early.
Leadership Rooted in Experience and Community
During her KCRA 3 interview, Dr. Early spoke about growing up in a single‑parent household and the challenges her family faced navigating systems that often were not designed with families like hers in mind. These experiences continue to shape her leadership today. She understands firsthand the barriers many families face and remains focused on building pathways that truly support children and caregivers.
Dr. Early believes deeply in the potential of every child when communities work together. Her leadership centers family voice, strengthens partnerships across sectors, and keeps long-term impact at the heart of every program.
Advancing Lasting Change for Local Families
Since joining United Way California Capital Region, Dr. Early has championed initiatives that drive long-term success and measurable outcomes. Her work emphasizes:
Engaging families in shaping programs and services
Strengthening relationships with schools, nonprofits, and community groups
Using data thoughtfully to understand needs and guide decision-making
Removing barriers and expanding opportunities throughout the region
Through this approach, United Way continues to grow its impact and support more families with the tools they need to thrive.
Representation That Inspires
As one of the few Black women leading a major regional nonprofit, Dr. Early brings representation that matters. Her story shows young people across our region, especially young Black girls, that leadership can come from every neighborhood and every background when communities invest in every child’s potential.
Celebrate Black History Month With Us
As we honor Black History Month, we celebrate leaders like Dr. Early who are shaping the history of today through vision, service, and action.
Throughout February, we are also sharing additional profiles of influential Black leaders on our social media channels. Be sure to check them out and join us in celebrating the individuals who continue to inspire our region.
Thank you for celebrating Dr. Early with us and recognizing the many contributions of Black leaders in our community.
Bringing Warmth Home: Brower Mechanical and United Way Surprise Local Family This Holiday Season
Watch the special holiday edition of “In Your Neighborhood” here.
This holiday season, Brower Mechanical Heating, Air & Solar, in partnership with United Way California Capital Region, delivered an unforgettable gift to a deserving local family: a brand new heating and air conditioning system, completely free.
In this special holiday edition of In Your Neighborhood, our community came together to bring warmth, comfort, and hope when it was needed most. From the moment the door opened to the emotional reveal, this Christmas HVAC giveaway reminds us what the season is truly about — neighbors helping neighbors.
With the help of incredible partners, including equipment suppliers, crane services, and volunteers, Brower Mechanical ensured this family has a safe, warm home during the winter months. Seeing the joy, gratitude, and surprise on their faces made every effort worth it.
“It felt like a real Santa Claus showed up at the door.”
Moments like this are why we believe in giving back to the communities we serve. Acts of kindness like these show the power of partnership and the impact we can make when we work together.
Double Your Impact This Giving Tuesday Thanks to the Ullrich Delevati $10,000 Match
GivingTuesday is when generosity becomes visible. It’s the day people across our region step forward, support their neighbors, and strengthen the community we all share.
This year, your impact can go even further.
Ullrich Delevati has offered a $10,000 match for all gifts to United Way California Capital Region on Giving Tuesday. Every gift made today through December 2 is doubled until the match is reached. When you give, your support stretches twice as far for families working toward stability in the Capital Region.
This match reflects the values behind Mark Ullrich’s philanthropy. His approach is grounded in something simple and human.
“I’ve always believed that giving back matters. When you live in a community, you have a responsibility to support the people around you. If my contribution can help someone improve their life and I’m in a position to give, then I’m going to do it. That feels like part of my calling.”
When asked why he chose United Way, Mark pointed to trust, leadership and impact.
“Why United Way? Because this organization is positioned to lead in the nonprofit world. People trust us. We’re consistently recognized for exceptional work, and our leadership brings partners together and moves the region forward.”
Your support helps close the gaps families face every day. It strengthens programs that build financial stability, expand educational opportunity, and support community wellbeing. And your participation today ensures we do not leave any part of this $10,000 match unused.
Mark ended his interview with an open invitation.
“If you aren’t familiar with what we do, reach out. Staff and board members are ready to answer questions and help people get involved. I’m committed to being a long-term supporter because I believe in the work and the people behind it.”
Today, we invite you to join us.
Your gift is doubled through the $10,000Ullrich Delevati match. Your generosity helps build stability, strengthen families and expand opportunity across our region.
Earlier this year, United Way and SCOE expanded the Imagination Library into Sacramento County, opening enrollment to nearly 100,000 children under age five who now receive a free, high-quality book in the mail every month. SGMC is helping amplify this effort by uplifting early literacy through its upcoming holiday concert and fundraiser.
A Holiday Concert Supporting Local Literacy
SGMC is bringing its signature joy and flair to the stage with:
Holiday Hits with a Splash of Sass: Candy Christmas 📅 Saturday, November 29, 2025 📍 SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center 🎟 Tickets: SacGayMensChorus.org
As part of this partnership, every child attending the 3:00 p.m. matinee will receive a free copy of Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors — a simple and meaningful way to share Dolly’s legacy of music, storytelling, and care for children.
This festive performance blends holiday classics with country charm and SGMC’s inclusive, community-centered spirit.
Why This Partnership Matters
“As Dolly has shown the world, literacy opens doors, builds hope, and strengthens community,” said Lindsay McIntosh, SGMC Executive Director. “We’re honored to join forces with SCOE and United Way in bringing Dolly’s Imagination Library to families in Sacramento County.”
SCOE Superintendent David W. Gordon added, “By mailing a free book each month to children from birth to age five, we’re giving families the essential tools to build strong reading habits. Partners like the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus help us champion this vision of literacy and equity across the region.”
About the Imagination Library in Sacramento County
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is a global movement dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of reading. Since its founding, the program has gifted more than 300 million books to families worldwide.
Locally, United Way California Capital Region and SCOE serve as the official partners for Sacramento County, ensuring all children under age five can access free, age-appropriate books each month.
We’re grateful to SGMC for shining a spotlight on early literacy and helping expand the reach of the Imagination Library across Sacramento County. Together, we’re creating more opportunities for children to grow, learn, and thrive.
2025 Backpack Giveback Drive a Great Success
Thanks to CBS 13 Sacramento, Great Clips, Phoong Law and Jimboy’s Tacos this year’s Backpack Giveback Drive was an incredible success.
Locally in Sacramento, 707 backpacks were collected that meant every single child at Glenwood Elementary School received a backpack along with more children served by United Way’s housing program along with partner City Year who also received school supplies and backpacks.
But the United Way…way…is to do things bigger, so instead of stuffing backpacks, we took a page out of last year’s toy drive and let the kids shop for their own back to school supplies.
Phoong Law sent out an ice cream truck, Great Clips was doing back to school haircuts, there were photographers taking back to school photos, Health Net did health screenings, Sac Kids Dentistry did dental screenings, California-Hawaii Elks Association did vision screenings, Street Soccer USA – Sacramento had some fun kicking around the soccer ball at Glenwood Elementary’s Back to School Night.
Across the market, United Way California Capital Region, United Way San Joaquin County and United Way Stanislaus County collected 2,807 backpacks and raised in cash and in-kind value of school supplies $67,486.
Community Impact: How United Way Helps Families Keep Going
Behind every United Way program is a story — a parent working multiple jobs, a child learning to read, a family moving from a motel to a stable home. In this video, local families share what resilience really looks like, and how United Way’s support helped them keep moving forward. These voices remind us why community matters — and how together, we can make a lasting impact.
If this is balanced, why are families paying the price?
By Dr. Dawnté Early, President and CEO, United Way California Capital Region
At United Way, our mission has never been about politics—it’s about people. We’ve stood with communities through challenge and change for more than a century. Now, we face a moment that calls each of us to act.
Federal lawmakers are advancing the “Big Beautiful Bill,” but behind the name is a troubling reality: it proposes sweeping cuts to programs that keep families afloat. If passed, it could jeopardize children’s access to food, seniors’ access to medicine, and the health of our entire community system.
Here in our region, we believe no child should go to bed hungry, no senior should choose between food and medication, and no working family should be pushed to the brink. This bill undermines those values.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, nearly 11 million people across the country could lose health coverage if the bill becomes law. Researchers at Yale and the University of Pennsylvania estimate that over 51,000 additional people could die each year as a result of these cuts. These aren’t just statistics. These are our neighbors, coworkers, and loved ones—real people with real lives who will bear the burden of this bill.
Here in California, more than 3.8 million families already struggle to meet basic needs, even while working full-time jobs. Programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and the Child Tax Credit don’t just offer relief—they offer stability. They prevent hunger, keep families housed, and allow children to succeed in school while their parents hold onto their jobs.
And let’s be clear: cuts to Medicaid won’t just hurt those who rely on it directly. Medicaid keeps our health infrastructure running. It helps fund pediatric care, mental health services, and school nurses. It keeps rural hospitals open and ensures nursing homes have the support they need. When Medicaid is gutted, we all feel the impact. Emergency rooms get overwhelmed. Insurance premiums rise. Local clinics shut down. The health of our entire community is put at risk.
In our region alone:
72,355 households with children rely on SNAP to eat dinner tonight.
646,040 working families count on the Child or Earned Income Tax Credits to afford school supplies and child care.
1,291,688 of our neighbors receive life-saving care because Medicaid helps fund their health clinic.
Think about what this means for families right here at home. A mother in West Sacramento using the Child Tax Credit to afford reliable transportation—so she can get to work and keep food on the table. A retired veteran in Placerville finally managing his diabetes because of access to Medicaid. A young boy in Rocklin relying on school lunch during the week and a local food pantry on weekends. These stories remind us: behind every program cut is a family facing harder choices.
If this bill passes, we will see an immediate spike in families seeking emergency assistance for food, rent and medical care. Our nonprofit and faith-based communities are already doing everything they can, but this legislation would push those systems beyond their limits and unravel the safety nets that hold our communities together.
Budgets reflect our priorities. They are moral documents that speak to who we are and what we value. And this bill sends the wrong message. It says we are willing to sacrifice our children, our seniors, and our neighbors in the name of cost-cutting—without regard for the consequences.
We can do better. And we must.
I’m asking you to raise your voice. Call your representative. Send an email. Share this message with someone in your life. You can find your member of Congress at www.congress.gov/members/find-your-member.
Tell them: “This bill will harm my neighbors, my family, and my community. The cuts are too deep, the timeline is too fast, and the consequences are too dangerous.”
At United Way, we’ll continue to advocate for policies grounded in compassion, equity, and opportunity. But we cannot do this alone. We need your voice, your action and your heart.
Together, we can protect what matters most.
UWCCR Wins Two Telly Awards
United Way California Capital Region is thrilled to announce that our team has been honored with two prestigious Telly Awards for our brand launch commercial, Future Forward. The commercial earned a Silver People’s Telly Award in the General, Local TV category and a Bronze Telly Award in the General, Local TV – Not-for-Profit category.
Now in its record-breaking 46th year, the Telly Awards celebrate excellence in video and television across all screens. Winners are selected by a panel of industry leaders from top video platforms, television networks, streaming services, and production companies.
The Silver People’s Telly Award recognizes over-the-air or cable commercials produced specifically for the Sacramento market. After being shortlisted by judges, Future Forward was selected as a Silver winner by public vote. The Bronze Telly Award honors outstanding local television commercials created to promote nonprofit organizations or events.
The commercial was conceptualized, directed, filmed, and edited by Nick Marchuk, United Way’s Videographer and Media Manager. It was designed to bring to life United Way’s newly refreshed mission: Mobilizing our community to action so all can thrive.
Diana Solorio, former Social Media Manager and current West Sacramento police academy recruit, played a key role in the project and appears in the final scene of the commercial.
United Way President and CEO Dr. Dawnté Early lent her voice to the commercial, which also featured appearances by team members Edward King, Zelene Molina, Tiffany Buss, Brit Hotaling, Rena Gonzalez, Nicole Fitt, Bianca Solorio, and Carrie Blankenship.
The production team was led by Amber Lovett, Chief Resource Development & Marketing Officer; Brandon Kisker, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications; Michaela Garcia, Marketing Manager; along with Nick Marchuk and Diana Solorio.
“This commercial was about showing our community who we are and how we’re working to make sure everyone in the Capital Region has the chance to thrive,” said Dr. Early. “I’m incredibly proud of Nick, Diana, and the entire team for creating such a powerful piece. To see it recognized alongside work from some of the best marketing firms from across the country is a true testament to their talent and dedication.”
Future Forward debuted in October 2024 as part of United Way’s new brand launch. It aired on KCRA and KOVR and streamed locally on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, reaching audiences through their favorite shows, sports, news and movies.
United Way was among other Sacramento-area winners including the Sacramento Kings, who received a Silver People’s Telly Award for their Doug Remembers commercial.
Ben Wackett, Marketing Director, ENSO Sports & Entertainment Agency
Brian Toombs, Head of Roku Brand Studio, Roku Brand Studio
Lucy Shen, Creator Marketing Manager, Patreon
Irantzu Diez-Gamboa, CEO North America, MediaPro
Rosalind Pressman, VP Brand Marketing, Pluto TV
Adam Faze, Executive Producer, Gymnasium
James Young, EVP, Head of Creative Innovation, BBDO New York
Sarah Minnie, Head of Artist Development and Production, Open Television
Nicole Lederman, Executive Producer, The Martin Agency
Gregg Stouffer, Lead Editor, Pickleball TV
“Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, shaping truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues,” shares Telly Awards Managing Director Amanda Needham. “The Telly Awards is uniquely positioned to meet the industry where it’s actually making work, be that on television or TikTok.”
United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive. Working across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way also provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento.
