United Way of Miami Dade has been presented with a $1 million donation from the John and Elaine Kanas Family Foundation. This gift represents the single largest individual unrestricted gift to the 2010 campaign, which will directly impact United Way’s work to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all Miami-Dade residents. The gift will be recognized at a reception with United Way board members and key supporters.

Kanas is chairman, president and CEO of BankUnited, the largest bank headquartered in Florida. In May 2009, he led a group of investors in purchasing the bank, and since then, has spent much of his time in South Florida, running the bank and getting to know the community.

“My family and I have spent a lot of time in South Florida since I became involved with BankUnited,” said Kanas. “As in many communities, there are not enough resources to meet the tremendous needs of underserved populations. We are honored to share this gift with an organization that is making such a difference in people’s lives.

“Childhood education is an important element of preparing tomorrow’s entrepreneurs and employees. We know this gift will create better futures for children in South Florida.”

Harve Mogul, president and CEO of United Way of Miami-Dade, added, “We are so very grateful to John and Elaine for this most generous unrestricted gift, which will have tremendous impact on thousands of lives in our community who depend on the work of United Way. This is an incredible example of the family’s philanthropic spirit.”

About United Way of Miami-Dade
United Way is working to advance the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. We are focused on improving education, income and health – the building blocks for a good life. Our goal is to create long-lasting changes that prevent problems from happening in the first place. We invest in quality programs, advocate for better policies, engage people in the community and generate resources. We invite you to join us in this work and LIVE UNITED. For more information, visit www.unitedwaymiami.org or www.facebook.com/UnitedWayMiami.

Photographs of the event