Collective Power & Community Impact Focus of United Way’s Annual Meeting
In front of an audience of roughly 150 community leaders, volunteers, supporters, and other community partners at United Way of Southwest Alabama’s (UWSWA) annual meeting and campaign celebration, Don Keeler, UWSWA 2015 Board of Trustees Chair and Vice President of Human Resources at Austal USA, thanked the community for their continued support of United Way through a year of transition and highlighted the collective power of United Way and its 49 partner agencies.
“United Way is the only organization bringing people and nonprofits from across the region together to solve community problems,” said Keeler, “because we believe that a holistic approach leads to real, lasting change. We know our approach leads to thriving communities and healthier, happier lives. It is through the generosity and dedication of hundreds of volunteers and thousands of donors that we continue to see improvements across the four building blocks for a better life: health, education, financial stability, and essentials. We see students who are doing better in school because they want to be there, families that are more financially stable, and healthier people with social connections who feel part of the community, not isolated.”
Keeler also highlighted the various collaborative programs in which United Way partnered with other local nonprofits and organizations as a means of improving the community, including the Airbus Flying Challenge, the South Alabama Free E-file (SAFE) Coalition, Bank On South Alabama, and Project Homeless Connect. These collaborative efforts were in addition to the 78 programs run by 49 nonprofits partners that United Way funded in 2015.
“Be leveraging the power of volunteers and local nonprofits, United Way is able to ensure a safety net for those who are vulnerable,” stated Keeler, “to help our kids succeed in school, to create a pathway for families to achieve financial stability, and to take care of our neighbors, young and old. Because you care, volunteer and give, you make the difference.”
The event also announced the results of the 2015 campaign, which raised $4,214,477.
“While we did not make our goal, the number of lives impacted by the generosity of United Way’s donors make this campaign a success,” said Mark Fillers, UWSWA 2015 Campaign Chair and Co-Founder of Point Health. “Every gift to United Way, whether large or small, changes the lives of countless people. This year’s campaign was about uniting like-minded individuals to lift our neighbors and support them as we all pursue brighter futures and bigger dreams. A community of connected individuals, united and working together for the benefit of all, is at the heart of what United Way represents.”
During the event, the top contributing companies were recognized, awards for campaign achievements were presented, and special recognitions were given.
- Outstanding Small Business – Mobile Airport Authority
- Outstanding Mid-Size Business – First US Bank
- Outstanding Campaign Coordinator – Becky Neil, Alabama Bulk Terminal
- Outstanding Loaned Executive – Joan Baker, Alabama Power
Doctors Tony and Julee Waldrop, from the University of South Alabama, and DuPont were presented the top two awards, receiving the Philanthropists of the Year Award and the Spirit of the Gulf Coast Award respectively.
The Doctors Waldrop were honored for their years of civic engagement and as valued members of our community. These two individuals actively illustrate a deep commitment to human services as well as creative leadership and a spirit of volunteerism that inspires others to serve.
The Spirit of the Gulf Coast Award is the highest award United Way of Southwest Alabama can give a company. This award was presented to DuPont for consistently demonstrating a strong workplace campaign, diversity and depth in their community service, and energetic, bold leadership in addressing community issues and needs.
United Way of Southwest Alabama also announced their 2016-17 Board of Trustees and elected the organization’s new Board of Trustees Officers:
- Chairman of the Board: Mark Fillers, Point Health
- Vice Chair/Campaign Chair: Charles Hyland, MAWSS
- Finance Chair: Michael Menk, Regions Bank
- Secretary/Governance Chair: Merceria Ludgood, Mobile County Commission
Joining the board of trustees are three new community leaders:
- Raymond Bell, Bell Lawfirm, P.C.
- Michael Menk, Regions Bank
- Erin Jones, Wilkens Miller
Rejoining the board of trustees for a second three-year term are:
- Brandon Armstrong, First Community Bank
- Mark Fillers, Point Health
- Mike Fine, Mobile Gas, A Sempra Company
- Don Keeler, Austal USA
- Rick Lambert, Southwest Alabama Labor Council
- Rick Norris, Clarke-Washington Electric Membership Corporation
- Martha Peek, Mobile County Public School System
- David Trent, Airbus Americas Engineering
“Through United Way, we can do more together than we can individually,” stated UWSWA President and CEO Clifford Grimes. “We are stronger, our communities are stronger, and Southwest Alabama is more robust and resilient because of your caring. I would like to thank the community for their continued support of United Way. The generosity of the donors and companies who support us create extraordinary opportunities that allow us to help people lead more
productive, self-sufficient lives.”