2024 Campaign Kickoff
Campaign Kickoff looked a little different for United Way of Central Florida this year. The organization retooled the event, gearing it more towards workplace campaign coordinators and CEO’s, sharing tips and creative ideas on how to engage their organizations during their campaigns. United Way staff also awarded the 2023 Summit Award winners and announced the campaign goal for 2024.
Campaign Chair Greg Littleton, and Resource Development Chair Lauren Feaster, announced that the total fundraising goal for 2024-2025 is $13,393,014.87!
“This goal is made possible in large part by the work that you do in your workplace campaigns,” Feaster said. “Thank you for helping us create a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
To help achieve this goal, companies and organizations choose to run their campaign early to help kickoff the year. These companies are called “Pacesetters”.
Additionally, workplace campaign awards were announced. Congratulations to the following winners:
Outstanding Campaigns:
Small Business; Rodda Construction – CC: Lisa Miller
Medium Business; ITW Professional Automotive Products – CC: Dave Mahoney
Large Business; Polk County Clerk of Courts – CC: Taylor Carson
Campaign Coordinator Award; Virginia Bermeo – Talbot House Ministries of Lakeland
Spirit of Central Florida Award; Saddle Creek Logistics Services Campaign Coordinator, Valerie Rodriguez
Board Chair State Attorney Brian Haas shared about the ALICE population and gave some sobering statistics about the community we live in. “As someone that works in the public sector, I see the difference that United Way of Central Florida makes every day… Over half of the residents in our counties struggle with the basics of daily life.”
One of the new elements for the event included a panel of campaign coordinators that shared creative ideas and tips to the other workplaces in the room. John Williams from City of Lakeland, Jeannette Crowley from Polk County Public Schools and Megan Donley from Citizens Bank & Trust shared best practices and answered questions from Senior Director of Corporate Philanthropy, Jordan LeVine.
She then shared four tips:
- Share Your Story: Tell your employees why you support United Way. Share your personal connection to our mission and the impact you’ve seen firsthand.
- Make it Fun: Host engaging events and activities that get employees excited about giving back.
- Set a Goal: Challenge your workplace to reach a fundraising goal and celebrate your successes along the way.
- Lead by Example: Show your employees that you’re committed to United Way by making a personal donation and volunteering your time.
Criser Jackson thanked the attendees, “Each of you are a driver of change – helping the work of United Way serve as a beacon of hope, and a guiding light for others to follow. You are Leading the Way toward a brighter future for Central Florida. Your commitment to United Way is a testament to your belief in the power of collective action.”
