FORT MYERS — United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades launched its 2025-26 campaign season with its Second Annual Pacesetter Launch Breakfast Aug. 4 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.

With the theme “United is the Way” as the rallying cry, nearly 300 people came together for the event that sets the stage for October’s fall campaign launch. Attendees enjoyed a morning of inspiration, community spirit and learning what it takes to become a Pacesetter – a vital role in jumpstarting the campaign’s momentum.

“We have a hefty goal,” said Jay Santos, Pacesetter campaign co-chair. “Everyone here today is committed to reaching that goal and helping our partner agencies. The more we can do for the agencies, the better our community becomes.”

Pacesetters are companies and nonprofits that launch their campaigns early, setting the tone for the season. These organizations contribute $1,000 or more, often through employee payroll deductions, and are recognized in a special video at the fall kickoff.

The goal of this year’s annual campaign is $11,512,716 – a goal that reflects the critical needs identified by United Way’s 90-plus Partner Agencies. We’re hopeful that our pacesetters will help lead the way, with their campaign —running through the October 10 —anticipated to contribute approximately half of that total.

Local businesses and organizations interested in becoming a United Way Pacesetter can email United Way at RD@UnitedWayLee.org or visit UnitedWayLee.org/Pacesetters.