Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) recently announced that Shawn Bartelt, Vice President & General Manager of WFTV-Channel 9 and WRDQ Central Florida’s TV 27, will be leading its 2012-2013 fundraising campaign, which officially kicks off in September.
Bartelt said she is honored to lead the campaign, which last year raised nearly $19.4 million to help Central Floridians in need. “As a business leader, parent, youth mentor and someone who is greatly concerned about the serious challenges facing today’s children and families, I have witnessed firsthand how Heart of Florida United Way is making a difference in Central Florida,” Bartelt said. “In order for our community to recover and prosper, we must all join together to ease the burden of those who are still struggling.”
Robert H. (Bob) Brown, HFUW President and CEO, said Bartelt’s decision to lead the campaign reflects the tremendous dedication that has made her one of Central Florida’s most highly respected business executives. “Shawn is an influential leader and communicator, who has a unique talent for bringing people together,” Brown said. “Her personal passion for our community, as well her extensive media background will help ensure that our campaign message is clearly heard in every home, workplace and neighborhood across Central Florida.”
Bartelt has enjoyed a successful 36-year career in television. Since joining WFTV in 2006, she has significantly expanded WFTV 9 Family Connection and launched WRDQ TV 27 Community Connection. Prior to that, she served as the director of sales for WSOC 9 and WAXN TV 64 in Charlotte, NC, and as national sales manager for WESH 2 in Orlando.
Active in the community, Bartelt serves on boards for the Metro Orlando Economic Development Commission, Florida Citrus Sports and the After-School All-Stars program for at-risk youth. She also co-chaired United Way’s 2012 Chef’s Gala, which raised a record-setting $219,175, and she serves on the organization’s marketing committee.
Last year, nearly 400 tri-county businesses ran United Way workplace campaigns. Dollars raised through the campaign helped improve the lives of more than 347,500 Central Floridians in need.
For more information about HFUW or how to get involved, visit www.hfuw.org.
