Community members joined United Way of Escambia County Thursday, June 25, for a campaign and community investment celebration that highlighted community improvement efforts. City employees were among those awarded for these efforts and for their spirit of giving.
Rebecca McClellan, Pensacola International Airport Marketing Manager and Erik Wortendyke, Parks and Recreation Special Event Supervisor were awarded Coordinators of the Year in the government division. City of Pensacola employee Dena Faessel, Pensacola Energy Administrator of Operations won a 2015 Kia Soul that was generously donated by Pensacola’s Kia AutoSport. She has been a United Way donor for 9 years.
Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward opened the evening by welcoming guests to the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Community Center. “United Way is an incredible force for good in our community,” said Mayor Hayward. “I am so proud of everyone on my team at City Hall and throughout our community that gives their time and money so that as one, we can make a difference in the lives of many." In addition to the Mayor, key community leadership was represented by Stan Connally of Gulf Power, Debbie Calder of Navy Federal Credit Union and Escambia County Superintendent of Schools, Malcolm Thomas.
In fiscal year 2014-15, United Way’s campaign totaled $2,190,000. When added to other fundraising efforts to support the community, the organization was able to invest $1,605,250 with agency partners and other nonprofit efforts to solve community problems. Of this $2.19 million, over half ($1,247,000) was raised by 10 campaigns.
The work of United Way’s partner agencies and the support of its donors prove that when we give as one, we improve the lives of many.