Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) recently announced its fundraising goal of $18 million for the 2013-2014 campaign – a 3 percent increase from last year. Hundreds of local employers and community leaders convened for the official kick-off aimed at raising millions of dollars for Central Florida’s most vulnerable citizens. As the area’s largest funder of health and human services, HFUW relies on giving through local workplace campaigns as its primary fundraising function.
Keynote speaker Stan Van Gundy, an education advocate, shared his philosophy on the impact education has – not only for the child, but for the community as a whole.
“An investment in a child’s early years pays off in higher graduation rates, a better trained workforce, a higher income level and, ultimately, less money spent on intervention services down the road,” said Van Gundy. “This is the basis of United Way’s preventative theory of change and why investing in education early is key.”
Also as part of the program, CNL Financial Group’s CEO Tom Sittema accepted the symbolic red jacket, indicating his role as the 2013-2014 Campaign Chair. He believes that the business community has a responsibility to step up and aid Central Floridians in need.
“More is required from those who have been given more opportunities,” said Sittema. “I’m motivated for the challenge ahead, but we’ll also need the compassion and generosity of our community to hit the $18 million mark.”
Last year’s campaign, which wrapped up in May, raised more than $17.5 million. Funds from workplace giving and other avenues are strategically allocated to results-driven partner agencies to support programs impacting one or more of HFUW’s focus areas – education, income, health, and alleviating hunger and homelessness.
