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United Way Signs on as Member of Orbitz Worldwide's Not-for-Profit Affiliate Program
United Way Signs on as Member of Orbitz Worldwide's Not-for-Profit Affiliate Program
Published 12-17-08
Submitted by Orbitz Worldwide
CHICAGO and WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW), a leading global online travel company, today announced that United Way has become a member of its not-for-profit affiliate program.
As an Orbitz Worldwide affiliate, United Way enables its members and supporters to book travel on www.liveunited.org and support the organization's national mission, helping provide revenue to advance the common good in communities across the United States.
"In these challenging economic times, people are gratified to be able to support a good cause without having to spend extra to do so," said Steve Barnhart, CEO and president, Orbitz Worldwide. "As we work together to increase volunteer vacations across the country, our partnership with United Way now gives consumers an opportunity to give back to their communities when they book travel with Orbitz Worldwide through the United Way's website."
Both Orbitz.com and CheapTickets.com affiliate booking links will appear throughout United Way websites at the national and local level. When customers book travel on these affiliated websites, a portion of the profits of each booking supports United Way's mission to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities.
"Even in a tough economy, we want everyone to see themselves as part of the change needed in our communities," said Randy Punley, director of corporate partnerships at United Way of America. "LIVE UNITED(TM) is our call to action for all people to join this movement through giving, advocating and volunteering. Through our partnership with Orbitz Worldwide, those who are planning to travel have the opportunity to give simply by booking on our affiliate site."
A weakened economy has some trends reflecting an overall decline in charitable spending. A recent survey conducted by Capital One found that 83 percent of respondents have become more concerned about finances, and the survey says more than half say they're either unable to donate or have reduced their donations to charities due to financial concerns.
Orbitz Worldwide-affiliated United Way websites give consumers an automatic and simple means to support the charitable organization when booking travel. Additionally, while traveling, they’ll receive customer care and support from either the Orbitz.com or CheapTickets.com customer service teams.
Those who book through Orbitz.com will also have access to OrbitzTLC customer care and Orbitz Price Assurance. With Orbitz Price Assurance, travelers can rest assured they're getting the best price for a flight, because if anyone subsequently books the same itinerary on Orbitz.com for less, they’ll automatically receive a cash refund for the difference.
Other not-for-profits interested in becoming a member of Orbitz Worldwide's affiliate program can send inquiries to affiliates@orbitz.com.
About Orbitz Worldwide
Orbitz Worldwide (NYSE: OWW) is a leading global online travel company that uses innovative technology to enable leisure and business travelers to research, plan and book a broad range of travel products. Orbitz Worldwide owns and operates a portfolio of consumer brands that includes Orbitz (http://www.orbitz.com/), CheapTickets (http://www.cheaptickets.com/), ebookers (http://www.ebookers.com/), HotelClub (http://www.hotelclub.com/), RatesToGo (http://www.ratestogo.com/), the Away Network (http://www.away.com/), and corporate travel brand Orbitz for Business (http://www.orbitzforbusiness.com/). For more information on how your company can partner with Orbitz Worldwide, visit http://corp.orbitz.com/.
About United Way
United Way is a global network in 47 countries and territories, including nearly 1,300 local organizations in the U.S. that advance the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. The United Way movement creates long lasting community change by addressing the underlying causes of problems that prevent progress in these areas. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: LIVEUNITED.org.
