Previously known as the Community Chest, the United Fund, and United Way of Escambia County, the organization will now operate as United Way of West Florida (UWWF). On June 12, the organization received notice from the Florida Department of State that the name change amendment had been processed.
In April, United Way of West Florida expanded its service area to incorporate Santa Rosa County. “We have been serving Escambia County for 95 years, and as we move forward, it was important to have an identity that represents every person in every community that we serve,” said President and CEO, Laura Gilliam. “We look forward to engaging new people in our work and the opportunity to ensure that everyone within Escambia and Santa Rosa counties knows that we fight for them.”
“We’ve been able to serve our community for as long as we have because of our organization’s willingness to evolve and adapt,” Gilliam added. “As our community changes, so do the issues it faces. We will continue to grow to meet those most pressing needs.”
There are countless ways to get involved with United Way of West Florida throughout the year. If your workplace is interested in learning more about hosting an employee giving campaign, or for individuals already leading annual campaign efforts at their workplace, attend a Campaign Captain Training Session. These sessions are designed to help employees and businesses learn more about the work of United Way of West Florida and the ways your business can be involved. To view dates, locations, and RSVP, visit uwwf.org/campaigncaptain or text CAPTAIN850 to 41444.
In July, United Way of West Florida will Stuff the Bus in advance of the 2019-20 school year. Last year, over 35,000 school supplies worth over $60,000 were donated to support children in Escambia County, in addition to $22,800 in monetary gifts. In partnership with WEAR TV3, Cat Country 98.7/NewsRadio 1620, and the Escambia County School District, Stuff-A-Thons will be held in Escambia County on July 17 at the Mobile Highway and Creighton Road Walmart locations. On July 18, they will be held at the Navy Blvd., and Pensacola Blvd. locations.
The Santa Rosa County Stuff the Bus efforts, in partnership with the Chambers of Santa Rosa County, the Santa Rosa County School District, and Levin Rinke Realty will take place on July 24 at the Pace, Tiger Point, and Navarre Walmart locations. Stuff-A-Thons in both counties will run from 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. on their respective dates.
United Way of West Florida will again host the single largest day of volunteerism in Northwest Florida, as the 27th Annual Day of Caring will take place on October 4. Last year over 900 individuals rolled up their sleeves to complete 122 service projects at over 55 agencies and schools in Escambia County. Interest forms for agencies and volunteer groups are due by July 12. Please visit uwwf.org/DOCInterestForm.
On August 8, United Way of West Florida will host its Annual Meeting at Sanders Beach – Corinne Jones Resource Center. This event will highlight the organizations accomplishments over the past year, feature a catered lunch from Culinary Productions, and Tina McVeigh, Senior Vice President of Network Strategy at United Way Worldwide, will offer a keynote address.
“It’s an exciting time for our organization,” said Gilliam. “We are thrilled to see what’s to come, and look forward to the opportunity to serve this great region as United Way of West Florida for 95 more years.”
For more information, visit the organization’s new web address, uwwf.org, or follow United Way of West Florida on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram: @UWWFL.
