FORT MYERS, Fla. - eTradeWire -- United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades celebrated its 2024-25 Campaign Kickoff at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, where United Way announced that 51.6% of their annual fundraising campaign goal of $11,271,181 has been raised through Pacesetter contributions along with early Alexis de Tocqueville Society giving (individuals who contribute $10,000+ annually) and Keel Club giving (individuals who contribute $1,000-$9,999 annually). Event sponsors included Lake Michigan Credit Union, Uhler Vertich White Advisors, O'Donnell Landscapes, The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, and Publix Super Markets.

Campaign Co-chairs Dr. Scott Nygaard and Dan O'Berski spoke about the $11.3 million goal for this year's campaign and the theme, "United We're Stronger." "'United We're Stronger' highlights the incredible impact we can make when we work together," said O'Berski. "When we unite, we can overcome challenges, create lasting change, and build a brighter future for the whole community."

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Pacesetter Co-chairs Carolyn Rogers and Will Prather gave an update about companies and organizations that ran their United Way campaigns early to set the pace for the rest of the community. There are currently 154 Pacesetters with 479 individuals who give at the Keel Club level (donations of $1,000+ annually), including 43 who are Alexis de Tocqueville donors. The total raised thus far is $5,819,884.

The top 10 Pacesetter companies are:

• Publix – $1,000,000 (2023)
• Beesley's Paw Prints – $325,000
• Lee Health – $261,812
• LCEC – $203,000
• O'Donnell Landscapes, Inc. – $162,500
• Lee Board of County Commissioners – $145,000
• FineMark National Bank & Trust – $140,042
• United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Employees– $125,893
• Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. – $122,947
• Uhler Vertich White Advisors – $100,574

All money raised through the United Way campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network of partner agencies. United Way Partner Agencies such as Harry Chapin Food Bank, Blessings in a Backpack, Cancer Alliance Network, Family Initiative, Community Cooperative, Abuse Counseling and Treatment, and Children's Advocacy Center serve a diverse range of needs in the community. Additionally, three new partner agencies will be joining United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades in January. They are:

• Bonita Senior Center (Lee County) – Seniors Programs
• Fort Myers Police Athletic League (Lee County) – T.R.U.S.T. Program
• Trailways Camps (Lee and Hendry County) – Outreach Operations

In addition to raising funds for human service organizations, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies, helping them work together to focus on issues that continue to improve lives. United Way's mission as a volunteer-driven organization is to improve the quality of life for all people in our community.

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