As United Way kicks off its Annual Campaign this month, Tom and Karen Falk have committed $2 million to United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. The CEO of Dallas-based Kimberly-Clark Corporation and his wife have made a multi-year commitment to United Way’s Annual Campaign totaling $1 million, while donating an additional $1 million to the Unite Forever Campaign benefitting the United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas.
“You hear people all the time who say, ‘Give until it hurts,’” said Tom Falk. “But Karen and I would say, ‘Give until it feels good.’ At whatever level you can support, your gift to United Way will make a lasting difference for our community. And it will make you feel better by giving back to an organization that makes North Texas a better place to live, work and raise our families.”
The Falks hope their gift will encourage others to extend their annual support of United Way, as announced at United Way’s ‘Second Tuesday’ Tocqueville Society luncheon held at Chase Tower’s Sky Lobby in Dallas on Tuesday, September 13.
“Tom and Karen’s generosity and leadership have been inspirational for us at United Way for many years,” said Jennifer Sampson, CEO and President of United Way of Metropolitan Dallas. “We are grateful for their support and hope their example will inspire others to give as well.”
In its 92nd year, United Way’s Annual Campaign supports efforts to achieve bold community goals to prepare at least 60% of all high school graduates to succeed in college and careers, move 250,000 people out of poverty permanently, and improve health and quality of life across North Texas. Distinct from the Annual Campaign, the Unite Forever Campaign was launched in February of 2015 to raise $100 million for the United Way Foundation of Metropolitan Dallas to transform the lives and preserve the futures of North Texans.
Tom Falk chaired United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ 2013 fundraising campaign and continues to actively advance its mission. Under Falk’s leadership, Kimberly-Clark and its employees have donated more than $60 million to United Ways nationally to help improve lives and build stronger communities. Tom and Karen Falk co-chaired United Way of Metropolitan Dallas’ 90th Anniversary Unite Forever Gala in 2015. They are longtime members of United Way’s Tocqueville Giving Society and have extended that legacy through support of the Unite Forever Campaign.
Karen Falk has a passion for education, having taught and volunteered in elementary, middle and high schools. “Education is the first step across the opportunity divide,” said Karen Falk. “Tom and I are proud to support United Way, particularly its work to help all North Texas students reach their full potential. Equipping and empowering children for success in school lays the foundation for secure futures.”
The Falks’ gift to the Unite Forever Campaign makes them the newest members of the Caroline Rose Hunt Legacy Society – Million Dollar Circle. Led by co-chairs Ruth Sharp Altshuler, Ed Galante and Roger Staubach, the Unite Forever Campaign will ensure a more predictable, sustainable, and stable future for North Texas by ensuring operational and grant support for United Way priorities. Guaranteeing long-term resources for the future, the Unite Forever Campaign offers the flexibility to fund new and emerging community-wide solutions. Generous donors, including the Falks, have already committed more than $38 million toward the campaign’s goal.