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United Way of Central Alabama 2026 Campaign Kickoff
The Power of Us Begins Here.
Join United Way of Central Alabama as we launch the 2026 Campaign and celebrate the partnerships, generosity and shared commitment that make lasting change possible across Central Alabama.
Thursday, September 10, 2026
Sheraton Birmingham Hotel
11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Guest Speakers
Shark attack survivor and adaptive technology advocate Lulu Gribbin
Lulu Gribbin
Lulu Gribbin’s life was forever altered after surviving a shark attack in the summer of 2024. Her first words after waking up from the first of her lifesaving surgeries were, “I MADE IT.” Those words set the tone for her remarkable journey of recovery, strength and tenacity.
In addition to rising above her physical challenges, Lulu has worked to pass a bipartisan bill known as Lulu’s Law, providing an alert system for shark sightings and attacks. She also founded the Lulu Strong Foundation to improve access to advanced prosthetics and therapeutic solutions for amputees.
Currently a senior at Mountain Brook High School, Lulu has spoken before the Alabama State Legislature and at TEDx Youth. She has been featured on Good Morning America and Nightline and has shared her inspiring story with audiences of up to 19,000 people.
Professional adaptive golfer Chris Biggins
Chris Biggins
Chris Biggins is a highly accomplished professional golfer, skier and coach. Competitive tours have taken him as far as Australia, Dubai and Kenya, earning a ranking of 18th in the world and third in the United States among adaptive golfers.
Born with cerebral palsy, Chris’s drive and athleticism also earned him a spot on the U.S. Paralympic Development Ski Team based in Park City, Utah, where he trained from 2014 to 2022.
Chris currently serves as Director of Player Development at the Country Club of Birmingham. He has been recognized by Golf Digest as one of its Best Young Teachers and Best Teachers in Alabama and was recently named the 2025 Alabama and Northwest Florida PGA Teacher & Coach of the Year.
THE POWER OF US
Partner With Us to Create Lasting Change
Every United Way campaign event is made possible through the generosity of sponsors who believe in building a stronger Central Alabama. By becoming a campaign sponsor, your organization helps unite our community around a shared mission while demonstrating its commitment to making a difference.
Questions? Contact the Campaign Team.
