December 4, 2019
“It’s a new day, with a new mission.” So says Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director of the United Way of Charlotte County, as she describes the presence of an inaugural group of business leaders known as the Campaign Cabinet.
Charlotte Miller, FPL, and Sue Sifrit, retired Charlotte County School Board member, serve as cabinet co-chairs. The Chairs of this inaugural Cabinet will serve one-year terms. The co-chairs will serve two-year terms which will enable them to “learn the ropes” in their first year, and then share their knowledge with the next co-chairs.
Professionals have committed their time and energy to reinforce the success of United Way of Charlotte County’s annual fundraising campaign. Leading the efforts are your friends and neighbors:
Carrie Aissaoui, Publix
Ceres Austria, Assistant to Charlotte County Attorney
Bobbi Bevis, The Bevis Group
Courtney Buckles, City of Punta Gorda
Keith Callaghan, Florida SouthWestern State College
Fred Cort, Retired
Alfred Current, Rowley Insurance Agency
Sandy Darna, Charlotte County Event & Conference Center
Debbie Fitzgerald, SunTrust Bank
Laura Frantz, Coastal Living Team, Nix & Associates Real Estate
Mark Houston, Tampa Bay Rays
Linda Howard, Area Agency on Aging
Stacy Jones, Kays-Ponder & Uselton Funeral Homes
Cheryl LaPorta Edwards, Charlotte County Public Schools
Melissa Lockhart, Helping Hands of SWFL
Mike Martin, State Farm Insurance
Kaley Miller, Punta Gorda Airport Authority
Cassandra Monnier, Port Charlotte Rehabilitation Center
Kathy Nash, State Farm Insurance
Kim Pennell, Keller Williams-Peace River Partners
Julie Price, Medtronic
Tom Rice, Retired
Kristy Sandrock, Court Administration 20th Circuit
Cyndi Shelton, Solaris Healthcare
Brett Sifrit, Farr Law Firm
Amanda Stacey, Trilogy Home Healthcare
Eve Sweeting, Charlotte County Government
Kelsey Veitengruber, Farr Law Firm
Nick Vitti, Bank OZK
Geri Waksler, McCrory Law Firm
Christine Walker, Suncoast Credit Union
Katie Wallace, Wallace Law Firm
Bob White, Sunseeker Resorts
Nicholas Worden, Centennial Bank
The United Way of Charlotte County’s mission of mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty is a huge undertaking. That’s why the Campaign Cabinet members are sharing the story of the United Way of Charlotte County across the community with a deep commitment to helping achieve the mission.
The Campaign Cabinet will provide an organic outreach which will grow new relationships. “Thanks to the Campaign Cabinet volunteers,” Sifrit explains, “we’re able to share the story to a greater audience, raise more money and have a significant positive impact on our goals in the areas of education, health and financial stability. That impact will improve the overall health and vitality of this wonderful place we call home.”
United Way of Charlotte County is building on its 50+ year history by being more effective than ever. “We continue to commit to engage the community, engage the partners needed to solve our problems, and maintain the public trust.”
As part of their duties, Campaign Cabinet members hosted two hundred guests of the 53rd Campaign Kick-Off event at Charlotte Sports Park on October 23, most of whom sported “Live United” baseball shirts for the occasion. Also in attendance were over 100 community members who, after the festivities, set out to multiple county locations and perform much needed volunteer projects at various non-profit agencies during United Way’s 2019 Day of Caring.
The Campaign Cabinet and Day of Caring are just two of the numerous efforts United Way is mobilizing Charlotte County resources with hard work and dedication. “We need everyone to care,” Matthiessen reminds us. “And share. And spread hope. Join us, please. Change doesn’t happen alone.” If you are interested in being involved, please contact our office (941) 627-3539 or email us.