Please give a warm welcome to Women United committee member, Carrie Williams. Growing up on a farm in North Dakota taught Carrie the value of community, partnership and hard work. So, it seemed fated that Running Valley Farm would serve as the namesake for her financial coaching and tax preparation business – Running Valley Financial…
It was a beautiful day in August as volunteers from Women United and Young Leaders’ Society gathered for a fall day of service at the Royal Theater Club of the Suncoast in St. Petersburg. Opened in 1948, The Royal Theater (nee Theatre) served as a cultural hub for nearly two decades in the historically African…
An elementary education background and memories of childhood challenges anchors Jane Egasti’s dedication to early learning initiatives. “As a slow reader in childhood, I have a special place in my heart for those who struggle in any school capacity,” Jane says. “I have spent much time volunteering to help young readers. Whether it was a…
The desire to help others and impact the community has lived in Lauren Gstalder’s heart since her childhood days in upstate New York, but after earning a University of Tampa degree in Government and World Affairs, she started her career in the corporate world. But when Lauren gave the American Cancer Society her time, she…
A Tax Supervisor at Kerkering, Barberio & Co., Erin Fuller has lots of experience working under pressure; experience which served her well as she became a first-time campaign coordinator in the midst of a global pandemic. Like many of us, Erin and her team were busy adjusting to the challenges of remote work environments and…
UNITED WAY SUNCOAST’S ASSISTANCE GUIDELINES TO BE ADOPTED BY FPL CARE TO SHARE PROGRAM TO HELP MORE CUSTOMERS IN NEED BRADENTON/SARASOTA – United Way is committed to ensuring that our community has access to basic everyday needs, especially households that may be in crisis. To further help families in need, United Way has partnered with…
It is no exaggeration to say that this year was the most complex and challenging VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) season in history. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic created challenges to providing in-person tax assistance, but our VITA team was determined to find solutions. With careful planning and creative thinking, a variety of methods were implemented…
The second grader’s blue octopus drawing was replete with eight tentacles, and all eight of those tentacles touched Janet Bowers’ heart. “I thought this was the sweetest thing,” Bowers smiled, noting the drawing’s accompanying note included proper punctuation. “They just benefit so much with one-on-one attention.” The picture reflects the connection Bowers had made with…
Women United and Young Leaders’ Society paired up with a United Way working group led by Joe Calinski, for a day of service on May 8. The volunteers cleaned and assisted with maintenance tasks including raking, planting seeds and harvesting fruits and vegetables at Sugg Middle School’s community garden. This unique program addresses equity issues…
It’s a melding of heartfelt appreciation and hands-on help, a pairing of community care and company goodwill, a teaming of inspiring energy and engaging efforts. It’s United Way Suncoast’s Week of Caring — a volunteer effort so impactful it can’t even be contained to seven days. Officially, it coincided with National Volunteer Week — April…
