United Way 2011 Campaign Blasts Off

More than 350 supporters helped the United Way of Central Florida launch its 2011 annual campaign at events held last Wednesday in Bartow, Lakeland and Winter Haven. All three events featured an inspiring presentation by former NASA astronaut Dr. Story Musgrave, the only person to have flown missions on all five space shuttles.

Dr. Musgrave complimented the United Way for creating opportunities for people within the community and urged the crowd to pursue the same “mission spirit” that guided him to success throughout his career.

The day started with a breakfast gathering at the Peace River Country Club in Bartow. Cindy Alexander, 2011 campaign chair, welcomed the audience and praised local United Way donors and volunteers for their commitment to meeting this year’s fundraising goal. Lori Bradner, an award-winning teacher at the Central Florida Aerospace Academy in Kathleen High School, also took the stage to thank attendees for supporting community education programs.

Later, Dr. Musgrave visited the aerospace academy where he addressed the student body on his life experiences in business and science. His visit was followed by a luncheon at the Florida Air Museum in Lakeland. That evening, he also spoke at a reception hosted by Polk State College in Winter Haven.

The campaign launch was also an opportunity to recognize the 34 pacesetter organizations that support the work of United Way with summer workplace campaigns. The pacesetters included DSM Technology Consultants, QMI and Watson Clinic, among others.

United Way would also like to thank the following launch event sponsors:

A-C-T Environmental and Infrastructure, Inc.
CCC Group, Inc.
CF Industries, Inc.
Central Florida Aerospace Academy
Ledger Media Group
Moretrench
Mosaic
Polk State College
Publix Super Markets, Inc.
USF Polytech