During a virtual press conference on Dec. 15, the United Way of Central Alabama announced that its 2020 fundraising campaign has reached a total of $36 million. The total amount thus far is $1.5 million over the organization’s fundraising goal for this year, according to officials.
The total reflects pledge estimates and not the final results of companies still conducting campaigns or individuals who have not renewed pledges in writing.
“The 2020 campaign is one for the records, exceeding our goal by more than any other campaign in UWCA’s 97-year history,” said 2020 Campaign Chair Greg King, regional president at IBERIABANK. “We are proud of how the United Way campaign team adapted to the realities of 2020 and wrote a new playbook for success to make hope happen. Everything had to be done differently, and our team, volunteers and donors rose to the challenge.”
King noted that, with COVID-19 impacting the way UWCA has historically connected with donors, digital efforts replaced the traditional in-person networking efforts that the organization typically relies on.
Though the current fundraising total is $825,000 less than the 2019 campaign, officials noted that amount has exceeded expectations amidst the obstacles of a global pandemic.
The UWCA consists of a network of more than 80 member agencies and programs. Donations are a direct investment in the more than 80 member agencies and programs that make up the UWCA, each adressing some of the Central Alabama community’s greatest needs.
A video shown at the conclusion of the virtual press conference showcased words of thanks from representatives of UWCA partner agencies, including The Salvation Army, The Day Program, Children’s Aid Society, Childcare Resources, American Cancer Society, Shelby Emergency Assistance, Blount County Children’s Center, Workshops Inc., Better Basics and Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama that receive support, resources and assistance from UWCA.
“At United Way, we have the belief that we are a community asset – owned by the community, led by volunteers and managed by staff,” said UWCA President and CEO Drew Langloh. “I’m humbled by everyone that came together to lend their time, talent and treasures during a time when it’s not easy to do and the needs of the community are incredibly great.”
For more information on UWCA or ways to get involved, visit www.uwca.org.
