Mile High United Way Celebrates 125 Years With 'Day Of Service'

DENVER (CBS4) - Most people don't know, but the United Way actually began in Denver. They started helping people 125 years ago, and this weekend the Mile High Chapter is celebrating.

Last year the United Way answered over 150,000 calls for help, and this year they are on track to answer even more.

The United Way is celebrating the past, present and future with a Day of Service.

"I couldn't be more proud of Coloradans, who 125 years ago came together and said there's something special about living here," said Christine Benero, President and CEO of the Mile High United Way.

"Happy birthday Mile High United Way," said Jerome Davis, Xcel Energy Regional Vice President.

Xcel Energy is a major sponsor of the 125th anniversary, but the anniversary coincides with another very important date.

"This is the 11th anniversary of the events of 9/11; so one reasons for the Day of Service is to honor the victims of 9/11 and recognize the men and women who volunteer for the communities and our country following that day," Davis said.

"If you care about this community you can invest your dollar," Benero said. "If your dollar and my dollar come together, we're making a difference. You can invest an hour, whether it's reading to a child or helping serve food one night to a family who is hungry, that's what the Mile High United Way is all about."

Xcel and its employees in Colorado have donated $1.2 million to the Mile High United Way, and on Saturday many of those same employees will donate the equivalent $125,000 by volunteering for Day of Service projects. Visit the Mile High United Way website to donate and participate.