United Way Sets 2016 Campaign Goal & Thanks Community Volunteers
In front of roughly 200 donors, volunteers, community leaders, and community partners, United Way leaders kicked off the United Way of Southwest Alabama’s (UWSWA) 2016 campaign this afternoon.
Don Keeler, Vice President of Human Resources at Austal USA and UWSWA’s Immediate Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees, opened the program by sharing some updates that occurred at UWSWA over the summer, including the development of a five-year strategic plan.
“Celebrating 90 years of service this year and understanding our unique vantage point at the intersection of business and industry, government, and nonprofits, we recognized the need for a self-assessment to better identify potential for future growth,” said Keeler. “At the conclusion of the process, several bold goals will be identified to guide the work of United Way in the near future.”
Charles Hyland, Director of MAWSS and UWSWA’s 2016 Campaign Chair, also spoke about the upcoming campaign and the creation of the Campaign Cabinet to assist with this year’s campaign.
“Every United Way Campaign Chair must have a team of individuals on whom he can count on,” commented Hyland. “I am fortunate enough to have recruited an outstanding team of ten community volunteers who will help lead us to victory this fall. These Campaign Cabinet volunteers are top executives and community leaders who serve as Division Chairs to set benchmarks, implement strategies, and monitor outcomes within their respective areas of expertise.”
Hyland also officially announced the 2016 campaign goal of $3,725,127.
To assist in reaching this year’s goal, UWSWA conducted their pacesetter campaign throughout the summer. Pacesetters are the companies and individuals who run their campaigns early and, as a result, set the standard for leadership and give a commitment to improving the quality of life in the community. Since April, the pacesetter campaign raised more than $1,153,323.80, which is approximately 31% of the total campaign goal for 2016.
“This is an outstanding start to our 2016 United Way Campaign,” stated Hyland. “Let’s keep the momentum going; let’s do something great; let’s meet the challenges facing our community; let’s meet and exceed our goal.”
UWSWA also recognized volunteers from organized Labor and Mobile County. The Mobile County Heart of Gold community volunteer awards are focused on the four building blocks for a better life: health, education, financial stability, and essentials. Choctaw, Clarke, and Washington counties will be presenting awards to local volunteers during their county kick-offs later this month.
- Labor awards:
- O. Mozingo Community Service Award: Antonie M. Maiben, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 770
- Red Leachman Award: International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers
- Volunteer Heart of Gold Awards (Mobile County)
- Education: Judy Boswell with Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast
- Health: Crittenton Youth Services Ambassadors
- Financial Stability: Regions Bank
- Essentials: Jill Borden with Mulherin Custodial Home
- UWSWA Volunteer Awards:
- Outstanding Community Partner: Mulherin Custodial Home
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- Volunteer of the Year: Don Keeler
UWSWA’s President and CEO, Clifford Grimes, closed the event with a few remarks.
“Somewhere in Southwest Alabama, someone who has been through a tough time is standing tall once again,” said Grimes. “All over our community, United Way of Southwest Alabama is giving kids, families, and individuals the hope of a better tomorrow and the help they need to get there. You can change the story. You can help children and families build a stable and lasting foundation. You can help individuals rebuild their lives and help seniors live with dignity and support. I invite you to join me in helping make this campaign a success.”
The event was sponsored by AT&T, AM/NS, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Kimberly-Clark, and Thames Batre, and it was free of charge to all in attendance. It was held at UWSWA partner Goodwill Easter Seals of the Gulf Coast.
UWSWA’s 2016 campaign will be conducted until mid-November. If you are interested in participating in this year’s campaign or learning more about UWSWA, please contact the UWSWA office by calling 251-433-3624.