United Way to kick off 2025-26 campaign
Goal is to raise $11.5 to support partner agencies
Tickets are now available for the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades 2025-26 Campaign Kickoff at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW in Fort Myers on Oct. 29. The event will bring together local businesses, nonprofits, and the community to generate awareness and excitement as they launch this year’s annual campaign.
The goal for this year’s “United is the Way” campaign is $11,512,716 which will provide vital funding to support more than 90 United Way Partner Agencies.
This year’s Lee County campaign is being led by two outstanding community leaders, Carolyn Rogers of Florida Trust Wealth Management and Will Prather of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.
Attendees of the kickoff will learn about the campaign’s tremendous impact on local charitable organizations and their funding priorities for the coming year.
In addition to learning about the impact the funding has on the community, attendees will also hear more about how they can win one of several great staycation packages in 2026. By contributing $240 or more per year to the 2025-2026 campaign, individuals will be automatically entered to win one of the staycation prizes.
The Staycation Passport to Paradise courtesy of Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach includes:
• Grand Prize
~ Five-night stay for up to four people
~ $500 resort credit
~ Sightseeing or sunset cruise for up to four people
• Four Runner Up Prizes:
~ Two-night stay
~ $50 resort credit
All money raised through the United Way campaign stays in the community to help support the local human service network of partner agencies, which include organizations such as Better Together, Blessings in a Backpack, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida, The Dubin Center, F.I.S.H. of Sanibel Captiva, Harry Chapin Food Bank of Southwest Florida, Lighthouse of Southwest Florida, and Visuality, Inc.
“The 90-plus partner agencies that work with United Way do an incredible job of assisting the residents of Southwest Florida when needed,” Rogers said. “We’re excited to once again launch this campaign to raise the money that will support those agencies.”
“To see the way the entire community comes together each year to raise the funds needed is just amazing,” Prather added. “I’m looking forward to being a part of the great effort that means so much to so many.”
Sponsors for the event include Florida Trust Wealth Management and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.
Sponsorships for the kickoff event are available and include seating, vendor table, social media recognition and name in the event program. To find out more about sponsorships please email Marissa@UnitedWayLee.org.
The annual United Way kickoff begins with networking at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. The program will begin at 9 a.m.
Tickets for the kickoff are $15 with all proceeds benefiting United Way. For tickets.
About United Way
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed more than $243 million since its establishment in 1957, with all funds staying local to support a vast network of partner agencies and community programs. Together, we serve the community by nurturing youth, strengthening families, helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering neighborhoods by delivering essential health and human services. Visit UnitedWayLee.org to learn more.