COMMUNITY CELEBRATES UNITED WAY OF WEST FLORIDA’S 2018-19 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT ANNUAL MEETING
Pensacola, Fla. – August 8, 2019
Nearly three hundred community members, business leaders, and nonprofit agency representatives joined United Way of West Florida today at Sanders Beach – Corinne Jones Resource Center for the organization’s 2019 Annual Meeting. CatCountry 98.7’s Brent Lane kicked the event off on an inspiring note. “The thing about United Way of West Florida,” Lane started, “is [that it provides] the opportunity for you to dream and to help your community.”
Christine York, Creative Director at Vivid Bridge Studios, also offered remarks about why the studio values investing in the community and supports United Way, before sharing their newest production for the organization. “I challenge you to think boldly,” she stated, “about how you can help United Way of West Florida write the next chapter of this story.”
The event’s keynote address featured United Way Wordwide’s Senior Vice President of Network Strategy, Tina MacVeigh. She discussed the evolution and growth of United Ways at a local and network level, as well as market changes in philanthropy. “We talk about change and what’s shifting in our marketplace,” MacVeigh said, “but one thing that hasn’t changed in 95 years for this United Way, is its mission and vision. Those haven’t changed and they aren’t changing.”
UWWF President and CEO, Laura P. Gilliam shared the successes and changes over the past year, as well as recognizing incoming Board Members, and presenting awards to the organizations Diamond Sponsors and Diamond Media Partners.
Director of Development, Kelly Jasen, spoke of the giving power of the United Way of West Florida’s Donor Networks, as well as every individual who contributes to the organization. “United Way is built on the notion that we are stronger together,” she said. “When we combine our efforts and align our focus on shared community goals, we can start to move the needle in a positive direction.”
Brent Lane brought the event to a close by recognizing numerous awardees for their generosity and exceptional community service, while giving special recognition to retiring Board Member, David Peaden, for his 9 years of service, and Yvette McLellan, who just completed her term as Board Chair.
For more information on how to get involved with United Way of West Florida, visit https://uwwf.org, follow the organization on social media at @UWWFL, or call 850-434-3157. UWWF will host its Campaign Kickoff, presented by KIA AutoSport of Pensacola, at the Pensacola Bay Center on September 17. For more information, or to RSVP, visit https://uwwf.org/kickoff.
2018-19 ANNUAL MEETING RECOGNITION AND HONOREES
DIAMOND SPONSORS:
Kia AutoSport of Pensacola
Gulf Power Company
Publix Super Markets
Baptist Health Care
Regions Bank
West Florida Healthcare
Vivid Bridge Studios
DIAMOND MEDIA SPONSORS:
Pensacola News Journal
CatCountry 98.7
NewsRadio 92.3FM/AM1620
WEAR TV3
COX Communication
AWARD RECIPIENTS:
Rayell Irish “Color a Brighter World”: Laurie Rodgers, PACE Center for Girls
United Way Partner Agency of the Year: Capstone Adaptive Learning and Therapy Centers
Business Partner of the Year: Ascend Performance Materials
United Way Service Award: Wes Hudgens, Gulf Power Company
Distinguished Community Service Award: Julian and Kim MacQueen
UWWF TOP 5 CAMPAIGNS:
5) Armstrong World Industries 4) Navy Federal Credit Union 3) Ascend Performance Materials 2) Publix Super Markets 1) Gulf Power Company (Fifth consecutive year)
UWWF 2019-19 BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Yvette McLellan, City of Pensacola (Chair); Jack Lowrey, Community Volunteer (Chair-Elect); Tammy Davies, Wells Fargo (Treasurer); Patrice Whitten, Pensacola State College (Secretary); Amy Miller, Port of Pensacola (Campaign Chair); Wes Hudgens, Gulf Power Company (Community Investment Chair); Tim Stronko, Gulf Power Company (Advocacy/211 Chair); KC Gartman, Baptist Health Care Foundation (Community Impact); Meri Asmar, Lewis Bear Company (Human Resources); Oliver Sumlin, Underwood Anderson & Associates (Nominating Committee); Brian Wyer, Gulf Coast Minority Chamber of Commerce; Carlton Ulmer, West Florida Healthcare; Cathy England, ServisFirst Bank; Cedric Durre, Saltmarsh Cleaveland & Gund; Chris Scales, Publix Super Markets; Clare Haenszel, Warren Averett; Daniel Joyner, Synovus Bank; Donna Edwards, Community Volunteer; Jo McArthur, Pensacola State College Foundation; John Floyd, Gulf Power Company; Johnathon Taylor, LandrumHR; Michael Collette, Publix Super Markets; Todd Phillips, Navy Federal Financial Group; Trip Maygarden, Shell Fleming Davis & Menge.
2019-20 INCOMING BOARD MEMBERS: Barbara MacNeil, Central Credit Union of Florida; Chris McFarland, Escambia County School District; Denise Seabert, University of West Florida; Joe Harris, Ascend Performance Materials; Marla Purvis, Lighthouse Health Plan; Peter Dyson, Becah Community Bank; Susan Peaden, Pensacola State College Foundation.
United Way of West Florida is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that fights for the health, education, and financial stability of every citizen in our community. UWWF has operated locally for 95 years with a vision of a community United to create better opportunities for all. By investing in programs, participating in partnerships, and leveraging resources, UWWF works to meet a mission of Uniting our community to improve lives.
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