Jeff Stone, Executive Vice President, Brasfield & Gorrie and the 2019 United Way of Central Alabama Campaign Chair today challenged more than 400 UWCA volunteers and donors attending United Way’s annual fundraising kickoff to help raise $36.5 million to meet increasing community needs.
“It’s much more than a number,” said Stone, “United Way is the largest health and human service network in Central Alabama. It’s about the over 100 agency partners and programs and their clients who rely on United Way’s annual allocation.” The funds raised during the campaign impact lives in the areas of health, education, and financial stability.
This year’s campaign message, BE AN EVERYDAY HERO, is a call to action to consider who the heroes have been in our own lives and how they have impacted our lives.
Jill Deer, Vice President, Planning, Administration and Risk, Brasfield & Gorrie, served as this summer’s Pacesetter Chairman. Deer, her team of Loaned Executives, and campaign volunteers along with more than 66 corporations, businesses, hospitals, and non-profits exceeded their campaign goal and raised $13,591,150. Those pledges will put United Way over one-third of the way toward meeting its overall goal.
Ashley Rhodes-Courter, a New York Times bestselling author, headlined today’s event. Rhodes-Courter was born to a single mother and by age three was in Florida’s foster care system where she spent ten years.
“Thank you for all you’re doing through United Way because you’re saving lives like mine,” said Rhodes Carter.
The 2019 Class of Loaned Executives is made up of 32 community leaders that multiply the capacity of United Way’s resource development staff to reach out to local businesses that participate in the annual fundraising campaign. Each LE serves as United Way’s liaison for the 13-week campaign.
United Way of Central Alabama serves Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount, and St. Clair counties by providing solutions for the most critical needs in the community. Through our partner agencies and community initiatives, we improve lives and community conditions by building and mobilizing resources. United Way fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. For more information visit www.uwca.org.