ORLANDO, FL (April 16, 2007– The City of Orlando successfully completed its 2006 Employee Workplace Giving Campaign with more than a 20% increase in annual contributions. The Workplace Giving Campaign program provides City employees an opportunity to donate to charitable, not-for-profit organization(s) of their choice.

"Through these contributions, our employees are helping organizations that work to improve the quality of life for people in our community," said Mayor Buddy Dyer. "I’m proud that our dedicated staff are becoming a part of the solution for our City."

The goal for 2006 was to raise $300,000, and with the help of City employees leading the effort, they challenged employees to contribute a portion of their annual salary. As a result, within a two-month period, 878 employees (a 14% increase over 2005) pledged contributions to the campaign and raised a grand total of $328,695, a 20% increase over 2005.

Nine umbrella organizations, as well as others, were recipients of the workplace giving campaign. The nine umbrella organizations include: 1) America’s Charities, 2) Community Foundation of Central Florida, 3) Community Health Charities of Florida, 4) Earth Share, 5) Global Impact, 6) Heart of Florida United Way, 7) Independent Charities of America; 8) Neighbor To Nation; and 9) United Arts of Central Florida.

"I know Mayor Dyer and our City Commissioners are pleased to be a part of helping local organizations through the workplace giving contributions, and we are looking forward to another successful campaign in 2007", said Beryl Davis, Audit Services Director.