In a year full of challenge, United Way of Brevard campaign pulls in more than $5 million

Britt Kennerly, Florida Today
·4 min read

United Way of Brevard President Rob Rains faced the crowd and put it simply: In the grip of a global pandemic that's hit home in devastating ways since 2020, it's been "a strange couple of years" for fundraising.

COVID-forced challenges for residents and in the workplace pushed United Way, its partner agencies, and volunteers countywide to adapt in ways they might never have faced.

But adapt they did: The 2021 United Way campaign raised $5.6 million — funds that will help Space Coast neighbors meet basic needs and build an even better life for themselves and their families.

At a Tuesday awards ceremony at Hilton Melbourne Rialto, the nonprofit celebrated the hundreds of organizations and thousands of individuals who came together to make what might have seemed a daunting task a reality.

United Way of Brevard held the nonprofit's celebration for the 2021 campaign at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place Tuesday. The campaign raised $5.6 million
United Way of Brevard held the nonprofit's celebration for the 2021 campaign at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place Tuesday. The campaign raised $5.6 million

The money will flow to agencies helping people who've not only had a rough time because of the pandemic, but the day-to-day "just trying to get by in life," said Bart Gaetjens, the 2021 United Way campaign chair and Florida Power and Light external affairs manager.

His experience, he said, "makes me realize how many people out there need services," he said via video.

"I'm tremendously grateful for all the employees and campaign managers, the CEOs and their companies' employees, the whole community that came together to get us to this point," he said.

"Right about the peak of the campaign, COVID reared its head again, and set us back a little — yet people were still extremely giving."

Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard, right, and Jackie Barker, left, Sky Advertising and 2022 campaign chair, pose with Alby Powers, who received the Walk of Fame Award during United Way's 2021 campaign celebration at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place Tuesday.
Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard, right, and Jackie Barker, left, Sky Advertising and 2022 campaign chair, pose with Alby Powers, who received the Walk of Fame Award during United Way's 2021 campaign celebration at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place Tuesday.

L3Harris and its employees were the largest contributors, raising $1.5 million. Publix Super Markets and its associates again joined L3Harris in the million-dollar circle, making it the second-largest campaign.

The top annual recognition — the Chairman’s Award — went to Community Credit Union Florida. This annual award goes to an organization that supports the community through United Way. In addition to consistently running a quality annual campaign, the organization "must exhibit a strong commitment to Brevard through a variety of activities, involving their employees and stakeholder."

Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard, opens an awards celebration highlighting the United Way's 2021 campaign at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place Tuesday. The campaign raised $5.6 million.
Rob Rains, president of United Way of Brevard, opens an awards celebration highlighting the United Way's 2021 campaign at the Hilton Melbourne Rialto Place Tuesday. The campaign raised $5.6 million.

In addition to their volunteer efforts, the Community Credit Union team is instrumental in a grassroots effort aimed at educating and empowering the next generation toward achieving financial success, said Laura Chiesman of First Wave Financial.

"I want to thank Rob, Laura, the United Way board and all of our amazing community partners that help us live our mission," said Laurie Capelli, CCU president and CEO.

"We see firsthand the difference you are making in the lives of Brevard County residents."

Campaign awards of distinction went to Space Florida; MH Williams Construction Group Inc; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; FirstWave Financial; Lotane & Associates, P.A.; United Way of Brevard; and American Business Interiors. The honor is for those organizations that are consistently top performers, typically achieving more than $150 per capita and 60% participation for at least two years.

Alby Powers, whose story was highlighted in a United Way video kicking off the 2021 campaign, received the Walk of Fame Award. Powers, who was hit and severely injured by a drunk driver as a teenager, earned a standing ovation from the crowd.

Additional recognition went to Space Coast Credit Union, named to a Campaign Excellence Award in recognition of their outstanding employee campaign.

Bridge Builder Awards were given to Karin Jamison, Sue Hann and Jim Clamons for their commitment and volunteer service to United Way Brevard.

Since 2002, 21 individuals have been honored with Bridge Builder Awards. This award recognizes volunteers who use their special talents to build bridges of care throughout the Space Coast community.

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The first, in 2002, was given to John Byron, a retired submarine captain and longtime community activist who died March 30. Typically, the award is given to individuals who help United Way beyond the campaign — in finance, community impact and other areas, said Rains.

"He was one of the first board members I brought on when I got here, and he really led in our strategic plan — he was so gifted ," Rains said.

"He would be happy to welcome these members into the Bridge Builders club."

Contact Kennerly at 321-242-3692 or bkennerly@floridatoday.com. Twitter: @bybrittkennerly Facebook: /bybrittkennerly. Local journalism like this needs your support. Consider subscribing to your local newspaper. See our current offers.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Challenges aside, United Way of Brevard campaign pulls in $5.6 million