Lancaster, PA (June 20, 2008) – At a private reception this evening, United Way of Lancaster County announced a $1,000,000 gift from Tocqueville Society member Elva Boyd Wilson. The contribution is United Way of Lancaster County’s first-ever million dollar gift, and makes her a member of United Way of America’s distinguished Million Dollar Roundtable.

Mrs. Wilson first became involved with United Way when her son, Norris Boyd, served as United Way’s Vice Chair of Agency Relations and Fund Distribution almost 20 years ago. Boyd invited his mother to volunteer in United Way’s evaluation process. Inspired by the organization’s work, she subsequently created an endowment to help women and girls, became one of United Way of Lancaster County’s first Tocqueville Society members, and joined United Way’s Women’s Council.

Mrs. Wilson’s investment of $1,000,000 will fund United Way’s efforts to combat poverty and promote financial stability. Her gift will provide a continuum of services for asset building, assess barriers that limit a person’s ability to take the first step of increasing their income, and fund gaps in service. Additionally, $200,000 of her contribution will endow her Tocqueville Gift, so that the annual work of United Way will benefit in perpetuity.

“With this ground-breaking gift, Elva sets an example for others who are looking for a way to make a significant impact on one of our community’s most pressing issues. We are grateful for Elva’s vision and confidence, and we thank her for the example she has set, for her leadership, her dreams and her passion,” says Susan C. Eckert, United Way of Lancaster County President.

A native of Columbia, Pa., Mrs. Wilson moved to Port Deposit, Md. after marrying. She was widowed when her three children were young, returned to Lancaster County, and began work as a rental agent in an apartment complex. After learning the business, she approached two brothers, Clyde and Abe Horst, and asked them to build a small complex of 12 apartments. Her real estate development and management career has now spanned 50 years, and has included such successful ventures as the Village of Olde Hickory. Elva remarried forty years ago; she and her husband, Sandy, make their home in Lancaster and Naples, Fla.