1. WES MOORE, NEW YORK TIMES
BESTSELLING AUTHOR, TO HEADLINE
UNITED WAY SUNCOAST EVENT
Moore will Serve as the Keynote Speaker for the 11th Annual Art of Giving
Fundraiser that Benefits Suncoast-area Early Literacy Programs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
TAMPA BAY, Fla. (March 12, 2015) – Everyone starts with the same potential for success,
but the opportunities available – or lack thereof – greatly impact how futures play out for each.
This message will be the cornerstone of United Way Suncoast's annual signature event, Art of
Giving, which benefits United Way early literacy programs in DeSoto, Hillsborough, Pinellas,
and Sarasota counties. This year, the event returns to its inspirational roots with the theme,
"Illuminate the Way" – an allusion to how United Way Suncoast and supporters help children in
our community to not only believe they can achieve more, but do it.
"Art of Giving is not just an event that the Tampa Bay
community looks forward to - it's an experience," said
Suzanne McCormick, United Way Suncoast's CEO.
"The Art of Giving is not only a fun evening, it’s one of
the key ways we bring attention to the importance and
impact of our Early Literacy Initiative and help fund
those community programs. In addition, we are able
to share how literacy programs play a critical role in
our strategic plan to break the cycle of generational
poverty in the Suncoast."
Amid a night of delectable delicacies and drinks, silent
and live auctions, and meeting-and-mingling with
some of Sarasota and Tampa Bay's philanthropic
leaders, the highlight is sure to be keynote speaker,
Wes Moore. Moore is a New York Times bestselling
author, host and executive producer of Beyond Belief
on the Oprah Winfrey Network and Coming Back with
Wes Moore on PBS, and has been featured in media
such as USA Today, People Magazine, Meet the Press,
The View, The Daily Show, MSNBC and NPR.
Moore's background and personal story aligns with
the support United Way Suncoast provides youth in the efforts of early literacy and keeping
children on the path toward graduation. Moore grew up in inner-city Baltimore, Md. The
opportunities to tumble down a dangerous path were ever-present - and Moore almost did just
that - but through the care and intervention of others, he was set down a different path; one that
led to Moore becoming a Rhodes Scholar, White House Fellow, and decorated combat veteran,
before penning three (and counting) best-selling novels and motivating countless people the
world over.

2. A series of faithful mentors coupled with the transformative power of education helped Mr.
Moore walk a path of educational success, financial stability and national acclaim. At the same
time, another peer in the same neighborhood, sharing the same exact name, walked a different
path: One that ultimately led to a life sentence in prison for felony murder. Moore's message is
simple: Had it not been for the presence of committed support networks, he could have easily
been the other Wes Moore. But instead, he's the Wes Moore he is because of the power of
education, early literacy, and mentoring, which perfectly parallels United Way Suncoast's work -
effort strongly supported by Art of Giving proceeds.
Moore's message of how decisions become destiny is powerful, and his personal story an eye-
opening look into the importance of education, mentoring and helping our children believe they
can achieve more. It's a story covered in his debut book, The Other Wes Moore, an instant New
York Times best-seller.
"We're absolutely delighted to have a person of Wes Moore's character speak about the
importance of putting youth in the position to succeed," said McCormick. "His story and insights
on what it takes to make a difference for a child will resonate and captivate. He is a shining
example of how access to opportunities can make key differences over a lifetime for youth."
The 11th annual Art of Giving is presented by Bank of America. It is also supported by platinum
sponsor, Publix Super Markets Charities. Art of Giving benefits United Way Suncoast’s Early
Literacy Initiative, which provides children with in- and out-of-school supports so they can
overcome barriers and stay on track to graduate. Individual tickets and table sponsorships are
available, but space is limited; interested parties should act quickly to reserve their spots. Please
visit www.unitedwaysuncoast.org/artofgiving to purchase tickets and learn more about the
event.
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast staff, volunteers and trusted community partners serve DeSoto,
Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by developing, enhancing and implementing
services and programs to help create a stronger, more vibrant community. United Way Suncoast
is changing the community’s story by helping to break the cycle of generational poverty through
educational programs that give children the skills to succeed and help adults achieve long-term
financial stability, as well as provide support services to those who need it most. For more
information, please call 941.366.2686 (Sarasota office) or 813.274.0933 (Tampa office), or visit
www.unitedwaysuncoast.org. To find Suncoast-area volunteer opportunities, visit
www.volunteersuncoast.org.
# # #
Media Contact:
Jamie Williams | Communications & PR Manager | United Way Suncoast
P: 813.274.0933 | E: JWilliams@UWSuncoast.org

3. EVENT ADVISORY
FOR NEWS PLANNING AND COMMUNITY CALENDARS
Please feel free to print or broadcast this information, or post it on your websites, blogs and social media.
**Credentialed members of the media are welcome to attend, but must RSVP to the media contact below
by 5 p.m., March 18.
Media Contact: Jamie Williams | Communications & PR Manager | United Way Suncoast
P: 813.274.0933 | E: JWilliams@UWSuncoast.org
UNITED WAY SUNCOAST'S ANNUAL "ART OF GIVING"
TAKING PLACE THIS THURSDAY EVENING
Event Raises Awareness and Funding for Early Literacy and Features
New York Times Bestselling Author, Wes Moore, as Keynote Speaker
WHAT: Art of Giving, 11th Annual: "Illuminate the Way"
WHEN: Thursday, March 19, 2015; 5:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
WHERE: A La Carte Event Pavilion, 4050 Dana Shores Drive, Tampa, 33634
WHY: To promote awareness of the importance of early literacy and raise funds to help support
United Way Suncoast literacy programs
TICKETS: $150 pp, available at http://bit.ly/AOG2015
SOCIAL MEDIA INFO:
• Event Hashtag: #AOG2015
• United Way Suncoast:
o Twitter: @UWSuncoast
o Facebook: @UnitedWaySuncoast
• Wes Moore:
o Twitter: @WesMoore1
o Facebook: @IAmWesMoore
WHO:
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast staff, volunteers and trusted community partners serve DeSoto,
Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties by developing, enhancing and implementing
services and programs to help create a stronger, more vibrant community. United Way Suncoast
is changing the community’s story by helping to break the cycle of generational poverty through
educational programs that give children the skills to succeed and help adults achieve long-term
financial stability, as well as provide support services to those who need it most. For more
information, please call 941.366.2686 (Sarasota office) or 813.274.0933 (Tampa office), or visit
www.unitedwaysuncoast.org. To find Suncoast-area volunteer opportunities, visit
www.volunteersuncoast.org.

4. About Wes Moore
Wes Moore is an Army combat veteran, national best-selling author, and social entrepreneur.
His first book, The Other Wes Moore, became an instant New York Times and Wall Street
Journal bestseller as a story that conveys the importance of individual decisions as well as
community support. He is also the host of “Beyond Belief” on the Oprah Winfrey Network and
Executive Producer and host of Coming Back with Wes Moore on PBS. Wes graduated Phi
Theta Kappa from Valley Forge Military College in 1998 and Phi Beta Kappa from Johns
Hopkins University in 2001. He completed an MLitt in International Relations from Oxford
University as a Rhodes Scholar in 2004. Upon graduation, Wes served as a paratrooper and
Captain in the United States Army, participating in a combat tour of duty in Afghanistan with
the 82nd Airborne Division. He has been featured by USA Today, People Magazine, Meet the
Press, The Colbert Report, The View, MSNBC, and NPR, among many others. More recently,
Wes is now the Founder and CEO of BridgeEdU, an innovative college completion platform that
addresses the college completion and career placement crisis by reinventing the freshman year
in a way that engages students in real-world internships and service learning opportunities. Wes
is committed to helping young people redirect their lives and supporting the parents, teachers,
mentors and volunteers who care for, and work with, our nation’s youth. A portion of the
proceeds from sales of The Other Wes Moore are being donated to the U.S. Dream Academy and
City Year.
# # #
Media Contact:
Jamie Williams | Communications & PR Manager | United Way Suncoast
P: 813.274.0933 | E: JWilliams@UWSuncoast.org