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LIVE UNITED Stories

Adam Lamb

Adam works at alocal Rochester business, Vincent Associates.  Away from the office, he enjoys home remodeling, hunting and fishing.  LIVING UNITED since 2004, Adam donates to and volunteers with United Way of Greater Rochester because he knows we are "solely focused on providing opportunities and meeting the needs of our community."  Meet Adam. "Nothing is more satisfying and rewarding than knowing that you helped make a difference in someone's life."

Brande Newsome

Brande Newsome is a social worker at Catholic Family Center and is in the United States Air Force Reserves. In her line of work, she meets many people who need help and care. In addition to her social work, Brande serves our citizens nationally through her military service. Meet Captain Brande Newsome. "Live the life you want others to live."

Lois Goodman

LIVING UNITED since 1986, Lois spends her time working toward making people aware of the abilities of those inconvenienced by disabilities. For her efforts, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Since she retired from working in the RIT archives, Lois enjoys fashion design and birding, but still finds time to serve her community. Meet Lois. She encourages others to treat people equally and be sensitive to their needs.

Ray Samson

Ray Samson knows how to LIVE UNITED. He has been volunteering since 1976 and has volunteered with United Way, United Way of New York State, Ronald G. Pettengill Labor Education Fund, Brockport Alumni Association, Monroe County Education Coalition, Finger Lakes Occupational Health Clinic and Blue CrossBlue Shield. When he isn't spending time with his grandson, Ray loves to represent those who need a voice by advocating and volunteering with United Way of Greater Rochester. Meet Ray. "Help those who are unable to adequately help themselves."

Rochester's News Anchors—Don Alhart, Maureen McGuire and Janet Lomax

Bringing you Rochester's stories from WROC, News 10 and WHAM, local news anchors know well the events of our city off camera, whether volunteering, giving or advocating, these public faces help meet the needs of the communities they love reporting for. Meet Rochester's news anchors. They know your stories and they encourage your action.

Mackenzie and Caroline Smillie, Brighton

Mackenzie, 11, and Caroline, 9, are both students in Brighton who enjoy soccer and skiing. Even at their young age, the sisters know the importance of being kind and helpful to those who need it, often lending a helping hand to their grandmother and teachers.

Amy Tait—United Way Board Chair, CEO, Broadstone Real Estate

Amy has been an incredible resource to our United Way since she first became involved in 1980. Amy and her husband both support a number of local organizations, serve on several local boards and don't hesitate to speak out on issues that are important to them. How does Amy encourage others to LIVE UNITED? Her philosophy is simple. "If you have some money, give. If you have an opinion, advocate. If you have some time, volunteer. If you have it all together—you LIVE UNITED."

Shannon Mahany, Webster

Shannon is a 17-year-old college student who enjoys music, Broadway, film and radio. How does Shannon LIVE UNITED? By encouraging awareness and acceptance of those around you. It's important to volunteer and give back because, when you do, not only do you grow as an individual, you help grow a community.

Kristy Guerra, Chili, and Sarah Eichas, Greece

Kristy is a student at St. John Fisher College and Sarah is at Monroe Community College. One thing the two have in common: their commitment to LIVE UNITED. Kristy volunteers with the Special Olympics every year and encourages others to find something that motivates them and volunteer! Sarah says she tells others that volunteering isn't "boring," as some may think, and that giving back doesn't take millions of dollars. Give what you can, do what you can. It's that simple!

Thomas Proietti, Rochester

Tom is a Professor of Communications at Monroe Community College. Not only does he enjoy working with students, he enjoys spending time with his grandbabies and golfing. In addition to supporting United Way, Tom is involved at WXXI, The Little Theatre and the Ad Council of Rochester. He encourages others to give as much of themselves as they can. "There's more than enough of you to go around if you let it happen."

Charles Harris Jr., Rochester

Charles is a student at Monroe Community College who enjoys playing basketball, video games and spending time with family and friends. How does he LIVE UNITED? Charles says he tries to teach others to lend a helping hand whenever the opportunity arises. He encourages others to stay close with their families—and believes that unity encourages unity. "Sometimes all you need to do is set an example."

Chantz, Selma and Aniyah Miles, Greece

Chantz works at Enterprise Rent-A-Car and Selma is an IT Associate at United Way of Greater Rochester. In their spare time, when not spending time with their beautiful daughter Aniyah, the two enjoy working out, playing basketball—and volunteering. Selma is a Meals On Wheels volunteer. The two LIVE UNITED by constantly trying to give back to their community—one day at a time. Chantz says it's important to teach others the effect they can have on the community by volunteering. "It feels so great to lend a helping hand."

Yamalis and Greg, Rochester

Yama is a student at SUNY Brockport and Greg is an auto technician at Dick Ide Honda. This husband-and-wife team love to travel and enjoy the outdoors. In addition to supporting United Way, they are also involved with the NYS HIV Prevention Planning Group and the Advocacy Center. Yama and Greg have been giving to United Way since 2006 and encourage others to LIVE UNITED by supporting the annual campaign and volunteering, too.

Christine Walker, Greece

Christine works for ABVI-Goodwill as a customer service representative. In her spare time she enjoys shopping, spending time with friends, and caring for her guide dog, Lexi. Christine believes everyone deserves to be treated equally and always tries to treat others the way she wants to be treated. She credits her parents for instilling good values and morals in her as a child, and encourages others to LIVE UNITED by living by example.