TI President, Chairman and CEO Rich Templeton presents a set of silver spurs − a traditional token for his role in soliciting support from North Texas companies — to 2013-14 UWMD campaign chair Tom Falk, CEO of Kimberly-Clark Corp. at the Heroes of Hope dinner.

TI wrapped up a successful campaign in support of United Way, raising $6.3 million to invest in the needs of communities where TI operates. Scores of TI employees and retirees answered United Way's call to "Live United" by advocating, volunteering and giving in record numbers during this year's campaign.

Contributions from more than 5,800 employees across the U.S. totaled $3.17 million and represented a $380,000 increase from 2011. When combined with corporate, Texas Instruments Foundation and retiree contributions, TI's total gift to United Way is $6.3 million.

The results were especially rewarding because TI Chairman, President and CEO Rich Templeton served as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas (UWMD) 2012-2013 citywide campaign chair. Under Templeton's leadership, this year's UWMD campaign is on track to raise $62 million, a new campaign record. The money goes toward the UWMD's five-year goal to raise more than $300 million.

"You've truly made a difference," Templeton said as he thanked volunteers during the UWMD's recent annual Heroes of Hope dinner, where TI received the Trendsetter Award for its outstanding campaign contribution. "The lives of tens of thousands of people will change because of you."

In his role as the 2012-2013 UWMD campaign chair, Templeton initiated several projects, such as organizing the first CEO service project at an elementary school in West Dallas with almost 40 top executives. The event was designed to draw attention to the importance of science, technology engineering and math (STEM) education in helping United Way get more students ready for college and career. Read more.

He also engaged the passion and expertise of a growing number of young adults, setting a baseline of an estimated 10,000 givers this year in the millennial age group and on Live United Day, leveraged the use of social media to reach an entirely new audience. Read more.

Strong first-year efforts
TI employees across the country rallied to support the cause, participating in numerous fundraising events, educational opportunities and Day of Impact volunteer projects. Contributions go to the local United Way affiliates and their service providers, addressing the individual communities' education, income and health needs.

Templeton announced the 2012-13 United Way of Metropolitan Dallas campaign results during a segment on a Dallas television morning show.

"We were pleased this year to welcome five new sites to the campaign, including the former National offices in Santa Clara and Grass Valley, California, and in Portland, Maine," said Andy Smith, TI director of corporate philanthropy. "Employees from these sites not only provided financial support, but also volunteered their time and expertise to positively affect their communities."

Smith said many of these first-year campaigns experienced exceptional results.

For example, TI's Austin, TX site boasted a 20 percent participation rate, and TI's Germantown, MD site achieved a 33 percent participation rate. Combined efforts by the Silicon Valley Analog (SVA) business unit and Sunnyvale, Calif., office resulted in $180,000 in employee donations. In Maine, the United Way of Greater Portland (GPUW) honored TI's Maine wafer fabrication plant (MaineFab) with the "Jump Start Award," which recognizes new companies in the greater Portland area that declare support for GPUW and run innovative local campaigns. MaineFab received "Best in Class" recognition for unique events it hosted to generate employee interest in United Way.

North Texas results
In North Texas, $2.6 million in employee contributions, along with retiree gifts, TI corporate funds and a TI Foundation grant, resulted in $5.1 million, making TI the largest corporate donor to UWMD.

Employees at one TI's Dallas fabs played a significant role in supporting UWMD. In addition the increasing their number of new pledges and the amount of money raised through events by 20 percent over last year, these employees worked together to build 600 care packages for Children's Medical Center.

"Each year I'm amazed at the passion and commitment that TI employees put forth for United Way," Smith said. "This effort and dedication will make an impact for years to come and lives in our local communities will be changed as a result."