INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) today will present a record-breaking gift of $12.7 million to United Way. As the company's largest United Way contribution ever, the donation represents the giving of Lilly and Elanco Animal Health employees and retirees in the United States and Puerto Rico—plus a dollar-for-dollar matching gift from the Lilly Foundation.
Lilly Chairman, President, and CEO John C. Lechleiter, Ph.D., who is chair of the United Way Worldwide Board of Trustees, will present the check to local United Way officials today at 11 a.m. at the Baxter YMCA, where the company also will recognize volunteers for their service and generosity. The funds will support the United Way of Central Indiana and other United Ways nationwide and in Puerto Rico.
"The record-breaking check of $12.7 million reflects the generous spirit of our employees and retirees throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico," Lechleiter said. "Our annual United Way fund-raising initiative is one very effective way to make life better for people in the communities where we live and work."
The gift tops Lilly's 2013 United Way fund-raising total of $12.6 million. Lilly employees also volunteered more than 171,000 hours so far this year through initiatives including the Lilly Global Day of Service, an annual day of community and charitable projects. Additionally, employees supported BackPack Attack and the Goodwill Clothing Drive by donating school supplies, clothing, and other necessities.
"We're proud of the money we raise each year," Lechleiter added, "but equally important is the hands-on time employees give to United Way agencies nationwide. Every minute and every dollar helps United way in its mission to help people learn more, earn more, and lead safe and healthy lives."
About Eli Lilly and Company
Lilly is a global healthcare leader that unites caring with discovery to make life better for people around the world. We were founded more than a century ago by a man committed to creating high-quality medicines that meet real needs, and today we remain true to that mission in all our work. Across the globe, Lilly employees work to discover and bring life-changing medicines to those who need them, improve the understanding and management of disease, and give back to communities through philanthropy and volunteerism. To learn more about Lilly, please visit us at www.lilly.com and http://newsroom.lilly.com/social-channels. CR-LLY
Refer to: (317) 373-8150; mclaughlin_andrew@lilly.com; Andrew McLaughlin
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