In 2017, a bold idea brought to us by Vision Coaching Founder and CEO Dave Veale took root – a collaborative effort to create lasting change for the communities we serve.
Dave’s idea and his leadership sparked the Million Dollar Pledge. This innovative initiative, hosted and guided by United Way, brings together local leaders and businesses to pledge $1 million over 10 years.
Now, the Million Dollar Pledge is nominated for the Community Impact Award from the Saint John Region Chamber of Commerce, with winners to be announced at the awards dinner on Nov. 28.
The Million Dollar Pledge was born from a simple yet powerful concept: 10 businesses or individuals would each commit $10,000 annually for 10 years, with the funds going to targeted efforts to build a brighter future for children and youth in our region.
Today, seven years in, the Pledge has already passed the halfway mark toward its ambitious $1-million goal, creating waves of change across the region. It also served as an inspiration to other small business leaders, who created the Quarter Club with United Way.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the 10 Pledge partners, United Way and the community organizations delivering the youth programs, the Million Dollar Pledge has achieved remarkable outcomes. According to a five-year impact report:
Of course, these are much more than numbers. These are lives changed and futures brightened – demonstrating the power of focused, collective giving.
The Pledge has drawn together 10 partners committed to creating positive change. Alongside Vision Coaching, the Pledge is supported by Aquila Tours, Dillon Consulting, Hemmings House Pictures, Mrs. Dunster’s/Kredls, Scott McCain, Teed Saunders Doyle, Will Bernard & Hannah Fitch-Bernard, and two anonymous donors.
This group’s leadership and generosity have made the Million Dollar Pledge possible. (And there is certainly room for more – if you or your organization would like more information about becoming part of the Pledge, please contact us.)
We congratulate the Pledge members on the well-deserved recognition, and thank Dave for his self-described “crazy idea.” We are honoured to be part of this journey, and we look forward to celebrating the Community Impact Award nomination on Nov. 28.
Together, we’re proving that when communities come together, anything is possible.
Photo caption: Beth Kelly Hatt, founder of Aquila Tours and a member of the Million Dollar Pledge, with students from Milltown Elementary School in St. Stephen during a visit in 2019