Funds raised during the 2022 campaign will help expand United Way of Marion County programs and increase funding to other local nonprofits in 2024.
OCALA, FL – September 2, 2022 – Annual Giving Chair Jared Konstanty, CEO of Signature Brands, announced the Annual Giving Cabinet's goal to raise $1.61 million for United Way of Marion County's 2022 Campaign. Funds raised during the campaign will benefit the organization's mission of providing resources to local neighbors.
During the organization's Annual Meeting and Campaign Kickoff on August 31, Konstanty stated, "United Way does an amazing job of rising to the occasion to help meet as many needs as possible every year. But this work could not be done without the vital funds raised by the Annual Giving Campaign. I am honored to serve as this year's Giving Campaign Chairman. However, as we all know, it takes a village to get important work done."
Konstanty's team of 18 volunteers serving on the Annual Giving Cabinet have met with countless community leaders over the past month; most leaders have already launched workplace campaigns at their businesses. Additionally, several businesses that moved to Marion County over the last few years will be hosting their first-year of workplace campaigns.
"We are grateful to have such a wonderfully talented team of volunteers who are making terrific early progress in this year's effort," Konstanty commented.
To date, $326,000 have been pledged by individual donors and organizations which the cabinet members have met.
Publix Supermarkets and Marion County Public Schools are consistently the top two organizational contributors. Collectively, they raised more than $500,000 during the 2021 campaign.
United Way of Marion County offers a myriad of direct services designed to enhance lives and local resources within areas of education, financial stability, and health. Programs include ReadingPals, Strong Families, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, A Community Partnership School™ at College Park Elementary, and Success by Six. Each program has a proven track record of success.
In addition to direct service programs, the organization is funding 26 programs at 24 local nonprofits through June 2024. United Way of Marion County's Vision Councils has allocated $627,000 among agencies in varying quantities.
The 2021 campaign, chaired by Shane Alexander, raised nearly $1.4 million.
To help United Way of Marion County achieve the $1.61 fundraising goal, visit www.uwmc.org.