Nearly 275 community partners joined United Way of Northern Arizona at today’s Annual Meeting and Recognition Event to celebrate a successful campaign and look forward to the coming year.
Keynote Speaker Paul J. Luna, President and CEO of Helios Education Foundation emphasized the importance of enriching lives through education by cultivating strong community relationships and initiating and supporting strategic partnerships.
The luncheon, held at Little America Hotel, recognized the numerous companies, partners and volunteers whose donations of money and time helps improve lives by mobilizing communities to make lasting changes in area conditions.
United Way of Northern Arizona President & CEO Steve Peru thanked the Chair of this year’s campaign, Coconino County Manager Cynthia Seelhammer, for her enthusiastic support and skillful leadership.
“Whether it was playing on the floor with a group of pre-kindergardeners to show the importance of our KinderCamp™ initiative, or staring in our videos to encourage donations to the campaign, Cynthia always had the goals of our United Way front and center,” Peru said.
Ken and Kara Kumon from W.L. Gore and Associates were awarded United Way’s Community Building Award in recognition of their volunteerism that increased the efficiency of the process and contributed to the growth of participant’s supporting the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
Several individuals were given the Outstanding Volunteer Award including; Susan Helms, Veronica Wilson, Jamey Hasapis, Shelly Hall, Dinah Gillette, Gaye Knight and Coconino County Public Works Department for their generous support of the Weekend Backpack Program during the 2014/2015 Flagstaff Unified School District school year.
The Spirit of United Way Award went to the City of Flagstaff and the Growth and Leadership Award was presented to Coconino County.
Summit Society Co-Chairs Bryan and Amanda Loveless, along with Pacesetter Co-Chairs Jim Wine and Dinah Gillette were among the dedicated individuals who helped raise nearly $1.225,426 million dollars through their collective leadership.
Retiring Board members David Abeyta, Lena Fowler, Susanna Maxwell and Bert McKinnon were recognized followed by the slate of new board members that were approved: Joselyn Beard, Bruce Blankenship, Barbara Goodrich, Veronica Hipolito and Mike Kelly.
Chairman Andy Bertelsen passed the gavel to incoming Board Chairman Mark Carroll of Arizona Healthcare Cost Containment System (AHCCCS). “United Way fills a unique role in our community, as a convener, collaborator, funder and leader in addressing health and human services issues that are helping to improve lives every day. I’m honored to serve as this year’s Chairman of the Board and look forward to carrying forth the mission, vision and impact of United Way,” Carroll said.
To be a part of this positive community movement visit www.nazunitedway.org to make your contribution today and join us in LIVING UNITED.
About United Way
United Way of Northern Arizona advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.nazunitedway.org