On Wednesday, December 11th, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) wrapped up its 101st annual campaign with a celebration at The Fennec in Birmingham. The event, complete with live music and a photo booth, brought together donors, volunteers, partner agency leaders, UWCA staff and the 2024 Loaned Executives in the grand finale to a year marked by extraordinary generosity and community support.
With a fundraising goal set at $37.5 million, the campaign surpassed expectations by raising a total of $38,700,502 — an impressive $1.2 million more than the original target. These funds will support 100-plus local partner agencies, programs and services that help people in need throughout our community, addressing education, hunger relief, mental health services and more.
Stewarding the Funds
The evening featured powerful speeches from key community leaders who reflected on the hard work and dedication behind this campaign’s success. Dr. Tracey Morant Adams, Chair of UWCA’s Community Impact Committee and an executive at Renasant Bank, spoke passionately about the tangible difference these funds will make.
She emphasized the role of the Visiting Allocations Teams, which are made up of community volunteers who are trained to visit partner agencies and objectively assess their programs, services, operations, results and plans for the future. This process not only ensures proper stewardship of funds but also helps UWCA better support its partners and understand the outcomes of their important work.
“Our partner agencies stand ready to channel these resources into initiatives that will improve our community in vital areas such as education, healthcare, mental health, housing and other essential services,” she said.
Leroy Abrahams, Executive Vice President of Community Affairs at Regions Bank and Chair of this year’s United Way campaign, also took the stage to share the campaign results and express gratitude to the nearly 200 volunteers, staff and partners in attendance who contributed to its success.
“This $38.7 million is a direct reflection of your hard work and commitment to changing lives,” Abrahams said. “At United Way, we are dedicated to improving the lives of people throughout Central Alabama, and your efforts make that mission possible.”
Recognizing Outstanding Community Contributions
During the event, UWCA presented the prestigious Mervyn H. Sterne Award to Ron and Kelly Morrison, a husband-and-wife duo, for their significant contributions to the campaign. The Morrisons were honored for their tireless efforts in recruiting more than 80 new members to UWCA’s Tocqueville Society, a group of donors who contribute $10,000 or more annually. As Chairs of this year’s Tocqueville Cabinet, the Morrisons have played a pivotal role in expanding UWCA’s reach and ability to bring about positive change in our community.
Although the 2024 campaign has concluded, the work is far from over. “Today, we celebrate what has been accomplished,” said Drew Langloh, President and CEO of UWCA. “But our true focus remains on continuing to come together as a community to support our neighbors in their times of need.”
To learn more about UWCA’s impact, click here.