In the shadow of a tough economy, more than 130 local companies were determined to let their spirit of caring flourish in 2009.

These companies are known as United Way of Metropolitan Dallas Pacesetters — organizations that run early United Way campaigns, setting the pace for other campaigns.

Their outstanding commitment and generosity were honored Nov. 11 at the annual Pacesetter awards luncheon, sponsored by AT&T, at the Westin Galleria Dallas. This year, United Way Pacesetters have pledged more than $17.7 million to support United Way's mission of improving lives in our communities.

At a time when United Way partner agencies are reporting service demands up 20 to 40 percent over last year, the success of Pacesetters is critical and greatly appreciated.

“Pacesetters are the backbone of every United Way campaign,” United Way of Metropolitan Dallas President and CEO Gary Godsey said. “They set the bar for other organizations in our community.”

Five organizations with the highest per capita giving during this year’s campaign received Pacesetter of the Year awards: Baker Botts L.L.P.; Hunt Consolidated, Inc.; Atmos Energy Corporation; Energy Future Holdings Corp.; and Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

Six Pacesetter companies were honored for each raising more than $1 million: AT&T/CWA 6215; Bank of America; Energy Future Holdings Corp.; JCPenney; Texas Health Resources; and UPS.

2009 Pacesetter Award Winners

Million Dollar Pacesetter Campaigns

• AT&T/CWA 6215
• Bank of America
• Energy Future Holdings Corp.
• JCPenney
• Texas Health Resources
• UPS West Region/North Texas District

Pacesetter of the Year Award
(widest variety of best practices and highest per capita)

• Small: Baker Botts L.L.P.
• Midsize: Hunt Consolidated, Inc.
• Large: Atmos Energy Corporation
• Extra Large: Energy Future Holdings
• Partner Agency: Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas

Outstanding Campaign Growth Pacesetter Award
(highest percentage increase in total dollars)

• Small: PNM Resources
• Midsize: Central Market
• Large: Atmos Energy Corporation
• Extra Large: AT&T/CWA 6215
• Partner Agency: Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas

Tocqueville Giving Pacesetter Award
(highest percentage increase in Tocqueville giving)

• Small: Baker Botts L.L.P.
• Extra Large: AT&T/CWA 6215
• Partner Agency: Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas

Leadership Giving Pacesetter Award
(largest increase in Leadership giving)

• Small: Jones Day
• Midsize: Bank of Texas
• Large: Atmos Energy Corporation
• Extra Large: AT&T/CWA 6215
• Partner Agency: AVANCE-Dallas

Best Practices Pacesetter Award
(widest variety and number of best practices implemented)

• Small: Jones Day
• Midsize: La Quinta Inns & Suites
• Large: Austin Industries
• Extra Large: Energy Future Holdings Corp.
• Partner Agency: American Cancer Society

Employee Education Awards

• Most Employee Meetings: AT&T/CWA 6215
• Largest Increase: JCPenney

Learn More

• Download the list of Pacesetter award winners as a PDF
• See a complete list of last year’s Pacesetter organizations.
• To see how you can get involved, view this year’s Pacesetter overview
• Commit to be a Pacesetter by filling out the Pacesetter registration form