United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has made significant strides in its One in a Million Campaign, but still needs to raise $1 million more to reach its goal.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are doing well. The community has really stepped up. We are proud of this generous community. We are still a little shy of a million dollars to go,\u201d interim United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades President and Chief Executive Officer Hannah Pelle said. \u201cWe hope to have this wrapped up by the middle of July.\u201d<\/p>\n
The One in a Million campaign has raised $600,000 of its $1.6 million shortage toward this year\u2019s goal of $11.5 million to support numerous community programs and initiatives.<\/p>\n
She said United Way will be in the community for 70 years next year.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe last time we didn\u2019t meet our goal was 1991 \u2014 35 years ago,\u201d Pelle said, adding they have to meet their goal. \u201cOur agencies count on these dollars.\u201d<\/p>\n
United Way supports 92 agencies and 260 programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese funds are critical. This is what is feeding people in our current economy,\u201d she said. \u201cEveryone is hurting and people need a hand-up \u2014 they need food. Food pantries are busier than they have ever been. People need help. We have to raise these funds. They support so many efforts throughout the community through senior citizens, youth development, feeding the hungry and our veterans \u2014 the whole community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pelle said they have a fund distribution process where volunteers throughout the community participate in reviewing applications from agencies \u2014 financials and vetting them to make sure they have good quality programs. The volunteers make the decisions on the agencies that United Way funds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey make a recommendation to the board of directors, and that is how they receive United Way funding,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
One of the benefactors is Family Initiative, the first agency to step forward through a delivered letter from the board of directors on May 15.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor decades, the United Way has been a cornerstone of our community, convening partners, funding so many critical nonprofit programs, and ensuring that children and families across Southwest Florida have access to the support they need. Family Initiative has been proud to stand alongside you in that work, and we want you to know that our partnership and commitment are unwavering,\u201d stated the letter from President David Brown and Vice President Anjali Van Drie. \u201cIn solidarity, Family Initiative is pleased to contribute $2,500 to your annual fundraising effort.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pelle said the letter meant a great deal to United Way.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince then, our partner agencies have been fundraising, hosting events. They are just incredible partners,\u201d she said. \u201cThey don\u2019t look at us as a funder, but a partner. It\u2019s a family network.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pelle said they are really hoping to meet their $1.6 million campaign goal by the middle of July.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is an urgent cry. An urgent need. We need our community, as they have always done, to step up and bridge the gap,\u201d she said. \u201cLet\u2019s close the gap together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pelle said they have two match challenges step up since the campaign started \u2014 a private foundation of $100,000, and the second from longtime Board Members Tom and Linda Uhler with an also $100,000 match.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery dollar we bring in, no matter what the amount is, we can double that gift. Because we have $200,000 right now with this challenge, if you give $20, we can make it $40. If you give $100, we can make it $200. Every dollar counts,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Tom Uhler said he and his wife have had a long history with the United Way. He said when Cliff Smith was hired, his wife was on the selection committee and was a big advocate for Smith.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe asked her to be his first campaign chair. That was way back 30 years ago,\u201d Uhler said of the campaign that was $1.8 million. \u201cWow, look how far we have come.\u201d<\/p>\n
He now chairs the allocation effort.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe believe the work of the United Way and the 200 plus programs that it pays for is critical to the health of this community. There is no doubt in our mind that our match will go to help close the gap. When I did my campaign in 2008, we had to go through the same thing. It was a tough year in 2008 with the economic depression. We did it and we are going to do it again,\u201d Uhler said.<\/p>\n
He added if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem.<\/p>\n
More than $272 million has been raised and distributed by United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades since its establishment in 1957. To make a donation, visit UnitedWayLee.org\/Donate<\/a>.<\/p>\n