Join United Way and the Gates Family for the Mary M. Gates Learning Center dedication

Join us virtually as Bill Gates, Sr., Bill Gates, III, Libby Gates, major donors and United Ways across the globe come together to open the Mary M. Gates Learning Center at United Way Worldwide in Alexandria, VA. The dedication takes place on Wednesday, October 12 at 10:30 am EDT and will stream live around the world at www.liveunited.org/mglc.

The dedication event will showcase the beautiful new center, and use its state-of-the-art technology to connect virtually with United Ways in Mumbai, India; San Francisco, California; and Vaal Region, South Africa as we explore their efforts to engage stakeholders in addressing income and financial stability issues in their communities. The session, hosted by Dr. Michael Sherraden, a microfinance expert and social development professor who was named one of Time Magazine’s 2010 Top 100 Most Influential People, represents a step forward for relationship building and learning in the NGO sector. The Center’s technology offers real-time access to ideas and relationships, and will connect United Ways around the world for learning and best practice sharing.

The Mary M. Gates Learning Center was made possible through a generous gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in honor of their late wife and mother.  Mary M. Gates provided leadership in volunteering, advocacy and giving for United Way on a local, national and international level. The Center is built on her belief that learning, sharing and working together will make the world a better place.  

Other major contributions for the Mary M. Gates Learning Center came from Deloitte, Nationwide Insurance Foundation, the Principal Financial Group and several individual donors. Microsoft Corporation gave a generous donation of technology and software.