The sun rose in Arcadia on Tuesday, giving those who care another day to help those in need.

It was another day for All Faiths Food Bank to initiate its programmatic work to help community members at its DeSoto County Food and Resource Center on Oak Street. It was another day for All Faiths Director of Strategic Initiatives Heather Ferjuste to boast about her burgeoning team and the services they deliver on a daily basis.

It was another day for South Florida State College DeSoto Campus Director Asena Mott to beam about the holistic wraparound services it extends to its students. It was another day for Mott, a United Way Suncoast board member, to describe the Traveling Closet that transfers nicely donated clothes to those who may need to dress for a job interview. It was another day to champion the Lunchbox, a collaborative effort with All Faiths that fills the gap for students searching for a meal in between classes.

It Was A Good Day

It was another day for Mosaic Florida Operations to again strengthen its ties to DeSoto County by donating $10,000 to United Way Suncoast. It was another day for the company to detail how its philanthropy has long aided nonprofits and the Arcadia residents who rely on their services. It was another day for Mosaic Director of Government and Public Affairs Director Heather Nedley to explain how her company often gives, but doesn’t often boast. 

And it was another day for United Way Suncoast to emphasize that Mosaic’s investment will stay in DeSoto, and enhance the lives of its residents. It was another day for United Way Suncoast education manager Maria Castillo-Aguilar to connect with partners and share how our emphasis on early learning and education serves to put so many on a path of promise.

Make It A Million Campaign

It was another day for United Way Suncoast to explain how it’s investing $500,000 in mid- and long-term disaster recovery for areas ravaged by Hurricane Ian, and how it hopes donors will match those dollars during its “Make It A Million” campaign.

It was another day, but it wasn’t just any day. It was two days before Thanksgiving, a perfect time to express gratitude for successful programs, life-changing efforts and personal blessings. It was a day to give thanks for the collaborative work that brought all these entities together. It was a day to celebrate why we always say: United We Rise, United We Win. 

All and all, it was a good day.