United has been my way of supporting the Southwest Florida community for nearly 30 years. With the recent kickoff of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades\u2019 annual campaign, I know that \u2018United is the Way,\u2019 once again. Here\u2019s why.<\/p>\n
Nearly 30 years ago, I was introduced to United Way and quickly came to appreciate the broad and lasting impact it has on our community. What impressed me most was the rigorous vetting process behind every dollar spent. Through a well-established Fund Distribution process, organizations formally apply for funding to support targeted social service programs that address identified needs within our community.<\/p>\n
The application process is thorough. <\/p>\n
Each program is carefully evaluated by a team of approximately 15 dedicated community volunteers. These volunteers invest significant time reviewing agency financials, analyzing program details, touring facilities, and interviewing agency staff and board members. This rigorous vetting ensures that every dollar awarded is directed toward programs that demonstrate measurable impact and fiscal responsibility.<\/p>\n
Funded agencies are required to provide detailed documentation annually that shows allocated funds were used as intended. This ongoing oversight reinforces accountability and ensures continued alignment with community needs.<\/p>\n
With more than 90 local partner agencies, United Way distributes millions of dollars annually to support over 260 social service programs through this careful and transparent process. It\u2019s one of the many reasons I continue to support United Way and the vital assistance it provides to those in need throughout our community.<\/p>\n
Additionally, some of those in need have been my own employees at Broadway Palm. Like many others in Southwest Florida, Hurricane Ian was devastating for my employees. They lost their homes, cars, clothes and more. As a company, we were able to help out in some ways, but United Way, through its Partner Agencies, was able to provide for more sustainable needs. These needs, and others like them, were met thanks to the support of the amazing community that gives each year to the annual campaign.<\/p>\n
As the campaign continues over the next several months, with a goal of raising $11.5 million, I will be encouraging people across our community to become donors to United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. It has an immediate impact on people\u2019s lives by providing food, shelter, clothing, healthcare and a number of other services. <\/p>\n
With this annual campaign donors have a sense of pride in supporting United Way. They know how widely accepted the nonprofit is in the community and that every dollar given to the organization is going to make a difference. <\/p>\n
Donors know it will be carefully allocated; its use verified and followed up with, and all steps in the process will be transparent.<\/p>\n
United Way is the umbrella organization that brings our entire community together in a way that meets needs at the very basic levels, and that\u2019s why I will always be a supporter of United Way. That\u2019s why I give to United Way. That\u2019s why my employees give to United Way\u2026 and we know, \u201cUnited is the Way.\u201d<\/p>\n