United Way set $4.65 million fundraising goal
The United Way of West Alabama kicked off the 2024 fundraising campaign
The United Way of West Alabama on Tuesday kicked off its 2024 campaign drive with a goal of raising $4,650,000.
Brock Jones, who was selected in May to lead this year’s campaign as chairman, said this represents the most ambitious fundraising goal in the history of the United Way of West Alabama, which dates back to 1946.
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“This is the largest campaign goal ever for the the United Way of West Alabama,” said Jones.
This year’s goal was increased to support the growing need in the community, said Jones, a philanthropist who is a partner at Thornhill Capital Management in Tuscaloosa.
“There’s no doubt that that we have these uncertain times, and despite that, we’re increasing our goal this year based on what we know and the increased needs we are seeing by visiting and talking to community leaders,” Jones said.
“…This is why it is so critical we succeed in making our campaign goal this year to address the growing needs. It’s not going to be easy, and it will take all of us working together, but we can do it,” he said.
Jackie Wuska, the president and chief executive officer of UWWA, said the campaign will require a spirit of unity.
“The only way we can reach this goal and ensure that every neighbor in need is supported is by coming together as a community,” Wuska said in a news release.
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“With inflation continuing to impact the cost of groceries, housing, and health care, we know that many of our donors are feeling the pinch. But it’s also true that those who were already struggling are now facing even greater challenges,” she said.
The United Way of West Alabama supports more than 30 nonprofit agencies that work to improve the quality of life in nine counties. A news release states that one out of every four West Alabamians receives assistance through United Way of West Alabama and its partner agencies.
Last year, Chris Gunter of Buffalo Rock Pepsi served as the United Way campaign chair. The 2023 campaign raised $4,555,703.
In the past, United Way officials said the campaign money is used to address critical health, education and income stability needs throughout West Alabama.
During the ceremony, the Arc of Tuscaloosa won this year’s Homer S. Butler Jr. Agency of the Year Award. Founded in 1957, the organization serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Tuscaloosa County.
Sounds of Joy, the Arc of Tuscaloosa’s choir, also performed during the luncheon.
Jones also showed off his musical skills during the luncheon with a performance by the Brock Jones Band featuring the Rockin’ ReUniters, a group of people from UWWA’s ReUnited retiree network.
Reach Jasmine Hollie at [email protected].
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Publish date : 2024-08-13 22:12:00
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