United Way of Central Florida is spellbound by the work the Orlando Magic is doing in our community. Not only has the Orlando Magic agreed to purchase an NBA Development League and operate it out of Lakeland,

We know you’ve heard us say it countless times in the past. United Way of Central Florida works with community organizations to fill gaps of service and improve the lives of everyone in Polk, Highlands and Hardee counties in the areas of Education, Income and Health. But what does that mean? How are we doing that? 

Formed in 1987, the Leadership Giving Association brings together community leaders through a range of philanthropic, volunteer and networking activities. During the past 30 years, the LGA has grown from 64 generous individuals and families who invest $1,000 or more annually to more than 2,200.

Polish those boots and dust off that hat, it’s time for the sixth annual Belt Buckle Bash! All of our leadership members are invited out to Rocking H Ranch on Saturday, January 14 at 5:30 p.m. for casino-style games, photos, hayrides and more. 

Nod to Nonprofits is the final installment in the chamber’s 2016 Friday Forum Breakfast Series and will feature a “Power Panel” with three representatives of the area’s leading charitable organizations.

Santa Claus is coming to town Saturday, Dec. 3! He and Mrs. Claus are making a special appearance at Family Fundamentals from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

ITW holds events like golf tournaments, barbecue competitions and more every year to raise money for UWCF as well as an entire week of festivities in September.

With another season of United Way of Central Florida’s Loaned Executive Program coming to a close, we held a thank you lunch in honor of Whitney Bell, Thomas Costello, Estefania Mendoza, Jennifer Northway, Emily Plank, Kristie Rovira and Lauren Winkle.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library provides children who might not otherwise have any books with the opportunity to explore brand new books with their parents while building school readiness skills. Newborns through 5-year-olds receive a free, age appropriate book mailed directly to their home every month.

Reading with young children improves language proficiency, the primary predictor of academic success or failure in kindergarten. This program is truly a gift to the at-risk children in our community.

At the sound of the starter pistol, United Way of Central Florida - Highlands County Division Campaign Kickoff went full speed ahead.

Guests at the event, hosted at the home of Alan Jay Wildstein, were greeted with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and even friendly, yet competitive go cart races. But the main event was the presentation of this year’s Pacesetter Awards.

Tax season can be a confusing time for some people in our community and United Way of Central Florida is once again working to relieve some of that stress. But we need your help.

UWCF is looking for volunteers to help families and individuals save money. Starting now, you can sign up for a free course to be a certified tax volunteer.

A-C-T Environmental & Infrastructure, Inc. is hosting its seventh annual Chili Cook Off to benefit the United Way of Central Florida on Nov. 4.

Tickets are only $10 for unlimited chili, toppings, beverages and dessert. And if you would like to enter your own chili recipe

Understanding the vexing nature of early childhood education, Layla Cribb may have cracked the code on how to deal with the stress.
A Master Teacher for United Way of Central Florida, Cribb has set out to instruct educators on the LMNOP’s while they teach children their ABC’s.

Success Coaches review weekly reports generated by the district’s database to identify students who are struggling with their ABC’s – Attendance, Behavior or Course grades. Specific interventions for students and their families help to stabilize potential crises and get students back on track. Interventions include those provided by Polk County Public Schools as well as services provided by United Way partners, government and faith-based programs. Individual tutoring, mentoring, counseling, assistance with food, job training and housing are just some of the services considered.

In front of more than 500 donors and supporters, the United Way of Central Florida kicked off its 2016 annual campaign at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. This year’s Co-Chairs of the campaign, Wesley and Ashley Barnett, announced that the United Way of Central Florida’s goal for the 2016 campaign would surpass the 2015 total, and would be the largest campaign ever for the organization.

Winter Haven, FL, September 8, 2016 – In front of more than 500 donors and supporters, the United Way of Central Florida kicked off its 2016 annual campaign at LEGOLAND Florida Resort in Winter Haven. This year’s Co-Chairs of the campaign, Wesley and Ashley Barnett, announced that the United Way of Central Florida’s goal for the 2016 campaign would surpass the 2015 total, and would be the largest campaign ever for the organization.

As the 2016 - 2017 campaign approaches and gets started on September 8th at Legoland, there are some new board members and officers. The new officers on the board are Deric Feacher (Executive Committee Chairman), Jennifer Kincart Jonsson (Chair-Elect), Don Selvage (Vice Chair), Joe Tedder (Treasurer), Greta Dupuy (Secretary), Jeff Dodson (Investments Chair), Ashley and Wesley Barnett (Campaign Co-Chairs).

The Young Leaders Society will be collecting items for Polk State College's My Brother's Keeper, an initiative to help Polk State College students who are in need or homeless. Please consider bringing single serving items and products that are individually wrapped or travel sized.

Join us for a continental breakfast as we kickoff our 2016 campaign on September 8th at Legoland Florida. Breakfast will begin at 7:30 am in front of the Legoland 4D theatre. 

A child who starts behind, stays behind and may never graduate from high school. By volunteering 1 hour a week as a ReadingPal, you can help a kindergarten student learn to read. Research shows that students working with a ReadingPal are promoted more frequently and score higher on standardized tests than similar students who have not had this special opportunity.

Thank you to all who participated in the 2015 United Way of Central Florida campaign. Together, we raised over $9 million and made a difference in the lives of children, families and seniors in our community.

Join us for a continental breakfast as we kickoff our 2016 campaign on September 8th at Legoland Florida.

United Way of Central Florida Completes Record Campaign. Thanks Volunteers and Donors at Annual Meeting. Successfully raised $9,081,997, the LARGEST AMOUNT EVER for an annual campaign. Find out more!!