The United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee counties kicked off their 2018-2019 Hendry & Glades Campaign on October 25 at Hope Connections in LaBelle. The goal for this year is $334,900. The money raised will be distributed to 28 Partner Agencies and 64 programs right here in Hendry and Glades counties.

“United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee counties is a fund-raiser and distributor… but it’s also much more than that. The critical needs of our community require more than just quick fixes. In this new era, we must work together with our partners in the community to realize a shared vision for change. In turn, we allow for new partners, new collaborations, and new resources, while bringing our community together to focus on issues and build solutions that will continue to improve lives. No single group can address the complex problems that matter most. In Hendry and Glades counties, United Way partners with 28 agencies that provide over 60 programs in the community to address the issues that matter most in our community by improving lives and delivering meaningful results,” Lisa Sands, Hendry/Glades Manager, LaBelle United Way House Coordinator.

The event started with the Pledge of Allegiance by the Boys Scouts of America. Cliff Smith, President of United Way was next and he spoke about the orgranization. Margaret England updated everyone on the work being carried out by the Unment Needs Coalition for the long term recovery from Hurricane Irma.

Marci Van ‘D’Huynslager of the Clewiston Police Department spoke about the Allocations. (Caloosa Belle/Dale Conyers)[/caption]

Marci Van ‘D’Huynslager of the Clewiston Police Department spoke about the Allocations process: The Allocations process is the cornerstone of our United Way. It ensures fiscal and program accountability for all agencies receiving United Way funds while meeting the social services needs of the community. In the process, volunteers challenge each agency’s effectiveness at providing services, review the need for those services in the region, and analyze the impact of United Way funding in meeting those needs. Local Volunteers in Hendry and Glades Counties are divided into five teams and review agencies throughout the community.

This years Pacesetter results were announced by Mali Gardner, Campaign Co-Chair and Lisa Sands.

This years Pacesetters are:

Glades School District Employees $1,656

Hendry School District Employees $8,593

City of Clewiston Employees $3,380

Johnson-Prewitt $7,000

Monsanto $10,000

RCMA Glades $696

Verandah $2,500

Florida Community Bank $1,500

US Sugar $10,000

Hilliard Brothers $44,000

First Bank Employees $2,700

The Pacesetters moved the United Way 50 percent closer to their goal. Local buinesses can help with payroll deductions from their employees or by running a fund raising campaign with your employees. The public can also help the United Way meet their 2018-2019 goal by dropping off donations at the United Way House in LaBelle at 133 North Bridge Street, LaBelle, FL 33935.