History of UWLRC

In 1887, a Denver priest, two ministers, and a rabbi recognized the need for cooperative action to address the city's welfare problems.The Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J. O’Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart and Rabbi William S. Friedman sprang to action planning the first united campaign for ten health and welfare agencies.

They created an organization to serve as an agent to collect funds for local charities, as well as to coordinate relief services, counsel and refer clients to cooperating agencies, and make emergency assistance grants in cases which could not be referred. That year, Denver raised $21,700.

The United Way movement spread to Lexington and Rockbridge County and was incorporated in 1950.

Today, UWLRC has grown from a handful of agencies and a $20,000 goal to assisting more than 30 agencies and setting nearly a quarter of a million dollar goal. Over the past 50 years, UWLRC has raised $3,700,000 for local organizations that serve people in our area. 

United Way of America is the nation's largest charity.

218 South Main Street - Lexington, Virginia 24450