United Fund: Harry Akin

Duration: 0:31

Year Published: 1960s

Format: 16mm

Sound: sound

Description: In the 1960s, the United Community Funds and Communities of America (later known as United Way of America and now United Way Worldwide) produced promotional television spots with prominent Austinites voicing their support for the civic organization and its fundraising campaign. This spot features restauranteur Harry Akin, founder of the Night Hawk restaurant chain and Mayor of Austin from 1967 to 1969. With nearly 1,800 offices around the globe, United Way is a non-profit organization that mobilizes a coalition of local charitable communities in order to pool efforts in fundraising and support. Their focus largely rests on matters of education, income, and health.