Put Your Giving Shoes On
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director
For most nonprofit organizations in Charlotte County, the Giving Challenge is an energizing time. Every two years the Community Foundation of Sarasota County presents the Giving Challenge – a day of giving. We are honored to be a part of Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto counties’ 2024 Giving Challenge. The giving campaign runs from noon-to-noon April 9-10. A key factor in the Giving Challenge’s success has been the Community Foundation of Sarasota County’s collaboration with The Patterson Foundation.
What makes this giving day so spectacular? First, the funds raised infuse dollars into important mission work. Let’s face it, the last four plus years have been hard, with the pandemic and then Hurricane Ian. Most are working twice as hard, doubling efforts to raise the same amount of funds all at a time where there are lingering effects from the last several years. Consequences of these traumas are really showing their face. The Giving Challenge invites a space to stop, reflect and boldly ask for the needs.
For some people, it can be difficult asking for money to fund their cause. Wherever I’ve worked or volunteered, I have stood behind the mission, and I can see the need. It is easy for me to share my passion and goals with people. In a sea of needs with numerous organizations addressing them, I realize there are many places where you can choose to give.
As the Executive Director at United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC), serving this organization and community for now close to ten years, I am asking you today, “For those who can’t, we are asking those who can, to give on the Giving Challenge Day”.
The vision has never been clearer. The need blaring and urgent. For Brianne and Liz navigating motherhood with the help of Cyndee; Angie the little girl receiving guidance from her Reading Buddy; Patricia working hard every day while in fear of losing her home; and Mary receiving free tax assistance from compassionate and dedicated volunteers.
From childbirth to the ageless, we strategically invest in, partner with, and mobilize local community partners to solve the most complex social issues while serving the most vulnerable in Charlotte County.
UWCC is focused with four bold priority areas.
- Family Empowerment – Investing in the success of every family, fostering their ability to thrive, building a legacy of achievement across generations.
- United at Work – Uniting employers, employees, and community partners to foster resilience and collaboration in the workplace.
- Ageless Engagement – Combating isolation in seniors, providing opportunities for connection.
- Financial Empowerment – Empowering our precious Charlotte County residents in their finances and access to resources.
We invite you to be a part of this collective effort. Every gift during the Giving Challenge makes a difference and is multiplied. For the 2024 Giving Challenge, The Patterson Foundation will be a 2:1 match for all donations $25-$100 per donor. Florida Power & Light is also providing a $5,000 match.
Put your giving shoes on and join us on the Wyvern Sky Deck on Tuesday, April 9 from 5:30-7:30pm. Connect, Collaborate and Come Together for music, complimentary appetizers, cash bar and more. Meet us under the Ignite HOPE VIP Tent and make a monumental impact. We appreciate Matt Nemec and the team at the Wyvern for hosting UWCC for a fun event.
I humbly ask you to take a moment and consider how you will help us IGNITE HOPE IN OTHERS.
Dan Pallotta, author of The Everyday Philanthropist, notes “You don’t have to be a billionaire or a millionaire to be a philanthropist. When you demonstrate your love for others by making an investment in the quality of their lives – no matter what the amount – you’re being a philanthropist.”
With you by our side, we are mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty. Please visit www.unitedwayccfl.org/ignite for all the details on how to GIVE. Call our office at 941-627-3539 to make a donation or make your gift online from noon-to-noon April 9-10.
P.S. Many folks worry that their gift to UWCC is not being invested locally. In fact, 99 cents out of every dollar stays right here in Charlotte County to invest in those who need it most.
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.