Community asked to be ‘One in a Million’
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is calling on the community to help close a $1.6 million funding gap in this year’s campaign so the agency can provide continued support for critical programs and services.
“For nearly 70 years, our community has come together through United Way’s annual campaign to support local families, individuals and partners agencies during times of need. Today, that support is more important than ever,” said Hannah Pelle, interim president and CEO of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. “Every donation, fulfilled pledge and additional contribution helps sustain hundreds of critical programs and services that thousands rely on every single day.”
A press conference was held Wednesday where community members and organizations were called upon to be “One in a Million,” to support the growing need in the community. The One in a Million campaign is to close the significant funding gap in United Way’s $11.5 million annual campaign.
It is critical the goal is meet, as the United Way supports 92 partner agencies and United Way operates programs that improve the lives of more than 500,000 people in the community, officials said.
United Way, like many nonprofit organizations across the country, has faced growing economic pressures and community needs, while receiving reduced grant funding.
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How to help
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is calling on the community to help close a $1.6 million funding gap in this year’s campaign so the agency can provide continued support for critical programs and services.
It is critical the goal is meet, as the United Way supports 92 partner agencies and United Way operates programs that improve the lives of more than 500,000 people in the community.
To contribute to the annual campaign, visit UnitedWayLee.org.
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United Way officials said they are encouraged by the growing response from across the community, as many businesses, foundations, individual donors, partner agencies and community leaders are giving in meaningful ways to help close the gap.
“One example of community leaders helping build momentum toward the campaign goal is a significant $250,000 commitment from Lee Health through the Lee Health Foundation,” officials said. “Of the total contribution, $132,000 will directly support United Way’s WeCare program, which provides access to specialty medical care and services for uninsured and underserved residents in Lee County. The remaining funds will support United Way’s broader mission. All of the funds provided align with the commitment made by Lee Health in its 2024 conversion to continue its 110-year mission of caring for Lee County’s residents.
United Way announced two major matching gifts that will help amplify community giving, including a $100,000 match from a private family foundation and another $100,000 match from Linda and Tom Uhler, longtime United Way supporters.
The combined $200,000 match is designed to increase the impact of every dollar contributed as the organization works to close the remaining gap.
“Despite the generous commitments announced today, a substantial funding gap remains,” officials said. “While these contributions have reduced the remaining need to approximately $1.3 million, community support remains more urgent than ever. United Way encourages residents, businesses and philanthropic partners to consider making a gift, fulfilling outstanding pledges or participating in workplace giving efforts as part of a community-wide effort to ensure programs and services remain available to thousands who rely on them.”
“There are a million reasons to give — and thousands of lives are depending on it,” said Carolyn Rogers, co-chair of the annual campaign. “We are calling on our community to be the one in a million to help us close the gap.”
To contribute to the annual campaign, visit UnitedWayLee.org.