A CELEBRATION OF IMPACT, PARTNERSHIP AND THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE THIS WORK POSSIBLE

On Tuesday, June 16, United Way of Florence County gathered with donors, nonprofit partners, board members, volunteers and community leaders for our 6th Annual Awards & Allocation Luncheon at St. Luke Lutheran Church.

Each year, this event gives us the chance to pause and say thank you. Thank you to the companies and individuals who give generously. Thank you to the nonprofit leaders doing hard, hands-on work every day. Thank you to the volunteers and campaign coordinators who help rally support. Thank you to every person who believes Florence County is stronger when we work together.

$475,000 REINVESTED INTO FLORENCE COUNTY

Photo Credit: Harmon Park Photography

During the luncheon, United Way of Florence County announced $475,000 in funding to local nonprofits through our Collective Impact grant process.

These investments will support 12 organizations and 13 programs working in the areas our community helped identify as most urgent: kindergarten readiness, youth activities, mental health, home rehabilitation and basic needs.

This Year's Funded Agencies

As Rich Rowlett, chair of our Community Investment Committee, shared during the program, this funding process is about being good stewards of donor dollars. Applications are reviewed carefully, programs are vetted and sites are visited to help ensure funds are going where they can make the greatest impact.

REMOVING BARRIERS. CREATING STABILITY.

Jeanette Altman, Jeanette Altman, executive director of The Continuum and a member of United Way’s Board of Directors, shares a story from the Barriers to Employment program.

Photo Credit: Harmon Park Photography

One of the most powerful moments of the luncheon centered on United Way of Florence County’s Barriers to Employment program.

The program provides one-time, short-term assistance to Florence County residents who have a documented job offer or employment need but are facing a temporary financial obstacle. That might mean help with work uniforms and shoes, tools, childcare, auto repairs, training fees or required health screenings. To date, Barriers to Employment has served 58 households and helped clients see an estimated $1.36 million in increased annual income.

That is what happens when we stop asking whether people want to work and start asking what is standing in their way.

Jeanette Altman, executive director of The Continuum and a member of United Way’s Board of Directors, shared a firsthand story from the program during the luncheon, in which United Way of Florence County provided a brand new bicycle and lock to her colleague who was walking to work every day.

CELEBRATING THOSE WHO LEAD BY GIVING

Photo credit: Harmon Park Photography

Throughout the luncheon, we also recognized the businesses, individuals and teams whose generosity powered this year’s work.

We are proud to recognize this year’s award recipients:

Top Corporate Giver: PGBA/BlueCross BlueShield

Platinum-Level Campaign Excellence Award: Pepsi of Florence

Gold-Level Campaign Excellence Award: McLeod Health

Runner-Up: City of Florence

Silver-Level Campaign Excellence Award: Assurant

1st Runner-Up: Florence County

2nd Runner-Up: Field Fastener

Bronze-Level Campaign Excellence Award: Orr Company

Partnership Award: Honda

Campaign Advancement Award: Florence County

Grew its campaign by 440%

Positive Impact Award: Drs. Bruce & Lee Foundation

Campaign Coordinator of the Year: Florence County Campaign Team

Board Member of the Year: Dwayne Brockington

HONORING A LASTING LEGACY

This year’s luncheon also gave us the opportunity to honor the memory of Roger Hux, a cherished friend, dedicated advocate and longtime supporter of United Way of Florence County.

To honor his memory, birdhouses were placed on each table, and United Way plans to build a permanent birdhouse at our office as a tribute to one of the things that brought him joy. It will serve as a lasting reminder of his kindness, his love for beauty and life, and the difference one person can make when they choose to give from the heart.

UNITED IS THE WAY

At United Way of Florence County, we believe lasting change happens when a community comes together around a shared purpose.

That belief has guided our transition into the Collective Impact model. It's why we listen to local data, community conversations and nonprofit partners. It's why we focus on deeper investments in priority areas. It's why we continue working to connect generosity with the places where it can do the most good.

To every donor, sponsor, workplace partner, volunteer, board member, grant recipient and community partner: thank you.

Because of you, children are finding opportunity. Families are finding support. Workers are finding stability. Nonprofits are finding stronger partnerships. And Florence County is seeing what is possible when we choose to move forward together.

United is the way.