It is with great pleasure that we recognize the newest winners of the Campaign Coordinator Hall of Fame Award. Given annually since 2018, the award recognizes Campaign Coordinators who have spent at least one year running their workplace campaign. This year’s winners are: Erin Fuller – Kerkering Barbario Megan Townsend – Thomas Howell Ferguson Ligia…
When word first went out that United Way Suncoast would offer a phlebotomy certification program at its North Greenwood Resource Center, it didn’t take long for community members to express an interest. A lot of community members. “Someone who regularly comes to the center said, ‘I’ve never heard your phone ring so much,’” senior community…
A collaborative effort between United Way Suncoast and the IRS drew the attention of Congresswoman Kathy Castor, popped up in the Twitter feed of Tampa Mayor Jane Castor and earned coverage from several media outlets. When two agencies team up to help families access dollars that can lift children out of poverty, it’s big news….
Please give a warm welcome to Women United Mission and Volunteerism Chair, 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…
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…
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…
