SOCIAL SCENE | United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades launches Pacesetter campaign

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Jay Santos, Lisa Chlumsky, and Nick Chlumsky. PROVIDED

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Angelo LaSpia, Dan Peterson, James Crouch, and Bill Hahn. PROVIDED

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Amy Pinter, Marissa Houston, Tina White, and Ashlee Harmon. PROVIDED

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Nancy DuBois and Andrew Banyai. PROVIDED

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Lauren Bernard and Todd Cordisco. PROVIDED

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Carolyn Rogers, Jeannine Joy, and Will Prather. PROVIDED

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Amy Price, Alicia Shannon, Nancy Cote, and Melanie Regan. PROVIDED

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Bob Shearman and Gail Lamarche. PROVIDED

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Aimee McLaughlin, Pleshette Mims-Roberts, and Matt Barr. PROVIDED

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Teresa Baranecky, Chris Reynolds, and TJ Watterson. PROVIDED

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Sarah Bullock, Delia Degner, and Amanda Smelker. PROVIDED

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Kevin Andersonabd Kevin Karnes. PROVIDED

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Shannon Messner, Christine LoConte, and Mary Buttrey. PROVIDED

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Alysha Colon and Denise Gergley. PROVIDED

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Michelle Sutherland, Stacey Cook, Jessica Plazewski, and Mary Gray. PROVIDED

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United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades launched its 2025-26 campaign season with its second annual Pacesetter Launch Breakfast Aug. 4 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.

With the theme “United is the Way” as the rallying cry, nearly 300 people came together for the event that sets the stage for October’s fall campaign launch. Attendees enjoyed a morning of inspiration, community spirit and learning what it takes to become a Pacesetter – a vital role in jumpstarting the campaign’s momentum.

“We have a hefty goal,” said Jay Santos, Pacesetter campaign co-chair. “Everyone here today is committed to reaching that goal and helping our partner agencies. The more we can do for the agencies, the better our community becomes.”

Pacesetters are companies and nonprofits that launch their campaigns early, setting the tone for the season. These organizations contribute $1,000 or more, often through employee payroll deductions, and are recognized in a special video at the fall kickoff.

The goal of this year’s annual campaign is $11,512,716 – a goal that reflects the critical needs identified by United Way’s 90-plus Partner Agencies. Organizers are hopeful that the Pacesetters will help lead the way, with their campaign — running through the Oct. 10 — anticipated to contribute approximately half of that total.

Local businesses and organizations interested in becoming a United Way Pacesetter can email United Way at RD@UnitedWayLee.org or visit UnitedWayLee.org/Pacesetters.

About United Way

Founded in 1957, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all people in the community. In addition to raising funds for local human service organizations, United Way fosters collaboration among non-profit agencies, helping them work together to address critical issues and create lasting impact. To date, more than $243 million has been raised and distributed to support vital programs and services throughout the region.

For more information, please call 239-433-2000 or visit UnitedWayLee.org.