Class Project to Benefit Charlotte County Children
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director - United Way Charlotte County
Recently, I had the joy of attending a few senior dance recitals to watch my daughter perform. There’s something mesmerizing about the way she moves—graceful, powerful, and completely captivating. As I watch, I’m consumed with pride, marveling at the incredible woman she has become.
Dance has been more than just a passion for her; it has shaped her life—and ours. It’s been countless weekends on the road, long hours of practice, and the inevitable injuries that come with dedication. Through it all, dance has defined her, molding her into the strong, determined person she is today.
Beyond skill and discipline, being part of a team has instilled confidence in her. She has built lasting friendships, learned the value of commitment, and developed resilience through challenges. Extracurricular activities like dance offer so many benefits—personal growth, discovering passions, academic enrichment, and physical health. They expose young people to diverse experiences, helping them connect with peers and supportive mentors. Whether it’s a club, a sport, or an art form, being part of something bigger fosters a sense of belonging and shapes them in ways that extend far beyond the stage or the field.
Unfortunately, not every child has access to these opportunities and our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) recently presented this barrier to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2025 (LC25). During the presentation, PAC mothers courageously shared their struggles as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families—working tirelessly but still unable to afford extracurricular activities for their children. Their stories were heartfelt reminders that financial barriers often keep kids from participating in the very activities that help them grow.
This year, LC25 took those stories to heart. As part of their commitment to community impact, they have chosen to dedicate their Leadership Charlotte project to creating and funding The Children’s Enrichment Fund of Charlotte County Scholarship. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers and ensure that children can engage in sports, arts, music, and other enriching experiences. No child should have to sit on the sidelines because of cost, and thanks to LC25’s dedication, more children will have the chance to discover their passions, build confidence, and thrive.
Another incredible aspect of this project is that Leadership Charlotte is trusting the United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC) to manage the funds they raise. UWCC will accept applications from families in need and distribute the funds directly to the youth organizations the children wish to participate in. It’s an honor to see our organization being entrusted with this vital work.
This initiative is especially close to my heart. Kristen Szych, UWCC Development Director, began her journey with Leadership Charlotte as part of the Class of 2025, and I couldn’t be prouder. I was part of the LC 2014 – Go Red, and Jen Wolfe, UWCC staff member, LC Class of 2024. One of the special things about Leadership Charlotte is that each class picks a project to champion, fundraising for it all year long.
The Leadership Class of 2025 has two exciting upcoming events to support The Children’s Enrichment Fund of Charlotte County. Pickleball Poker Tournament – Friday, April 25
Are you a Pickleball fan? This event is only $75 per player, including six round-robin games and a fancy swag bag! Mystery on the Harbor – Saturday, June 7 at TT’s Tiki Bar
Step into a night of mystery and intrigue at this thrilling Murder Mystery Dinner.
Plus, take your chance on a Caribbean vacation drawing or a Booze Wagon raffle!
To support The Children’s Enrichment Fund of Charlotte County and the events hosted by the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce Class of 2025, please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/2025Leadership
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.