United Way annual fundraiser underway with more than half of $11.3 million goal raised
United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades began its annual giving campaign Wednesday, with a goal of $11.3 million for the year, and thanks to some company fundraisers that kicked off early, it's already raised more than half that amount, per press announcements.
“We are so blessed here in Lee County, to have heroes walking among us every single day. Anyone can be a hero,” said Board Chair Noelle Branning, in a news release. “We all have a capacity to help someone else, to know when someone needs that hand, and to recognize that we can do better."
The organization hopes to fund 262 programs in over 96 local United Way partner agencies, according to the release.
Last year, United Way agencies provided services that affected one in two people in Southwest Florida, the release said.
The organization's goal is set at $11.3 million, which was the goal amount in 2021 and 2022. The funds go to help local communities through the use of partner agencies and initiatives. These include organizations like The Alvin A Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Partners for Breast Cancer Care, Boys and Girls Clubs, the Midwest Food Bank, United Way 211, and more.
The organization says more than 95.5% of each dollar is spent on services thanks to its heavy volunteer corps.
Publix tops fundraisers so far
The top eight "pacesetters" –– a term the organization uses for companies that have already launched their own internal fundraisers for The United Way –– for 2023 are:
Publix Super Markets 2021 - $1,007,172
Carol Beesley’s Paw Prints - $298,000
LCEC - $210,000
Lee Health - $204,903
Lee Board of County Commissioners - $140,000
O’Donnell Landscaping, Inc. - $135,013
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Employee Campaign - $112,076
The School District of Lee County - $100,075
These eight early fundraisers alone total more than $2 million. Per the organization, 175 "pacesetters," along with more than 600 individual contributors have raised $5.9 million already.
“We cannot thank our Pacesetters enough for the great start to this important campaign,” said campaign co-chair Kevin Karnes. “The $11.3 million dollar goal is essential to making sure our coworkers, family, friends and neighbors continue to get the help they need.”
In 2022, the top 8 "pacesetters" were:
Publix Super Markets 2021 - $1,100,000
Bonita Bay Group - $696,924
Carol Beesley’s Beesley’s Paw Prints - $278,000
FineMark National Bank & Trust - $215,000
LCEC - $200,000
Lee Health - $184,255
Lee Board of County Commissioners - $159,630
O’Donnell Landscaping, Inc. - $112,500
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed almost $221 million since being established in 1957. All money raised in the United Way campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network.
Visit https://unitedwaylee.org/donate to donate to the campaign.
Former News-Press reporter Erica Van Buren contributed to this story.
Kate Cimini is the Florida Investigative Reporter for the USA Today Network-Florida, based at The News-Press and Naples Daily News. Contact her at 239-207-9369 or at kcimini@news-press.com.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades launches annual fundraiser
