A NOTE FROM KAYLA

Greetings, Tanana Valley!

We are in the midst of our 70th Campaign season, and as we visit workplaces and build connections to benefit our nonprofit community, I am inspired by the relationships and generosity that have supported our organization for decades. Thank you all. It takes our entire community to LIVE UNITED.

In this issue, we share how we're giving, advocating, and volunteering together to bridge the gap between needs and resources. Since our campaign kicked off in September, we've witnessed nonprofits share their challenges in providing critical human services, and businesses with resources step forward without hesitation to help fill those gaps.

This collective support is the inspiration behind our 70th Campaign goal: Uniting 700 Champions. We believe that 700 Champions participating at any level of support can help build the foundation for the next 70 years. As you read through this issue, you'll find stories and smiles that capture our momentum, along with fun and creative ways to get involved.

The generosity we've witnessed so far gives me great optimism for our future.

UNITED IS THE WAY to a stronger Tanana Valley, and perhaps you'll be inspired to become one of our 700 Campaign Champions!

-Kayla - Executive Director - United Way of the Tanana Valley - Kayla.Smith@UnitedWayTV.com

We have officially recruited 50 of our 700 Campaign Champions!! From dessert auctions that raise donations to fashion shows that raise awareness, momentum is building as workplaces kick off their campaign activities!

As we celebrated 56 years of partnership with Alyeska Pipeline, their team raised over $6,500 during a single fundraising event benefiting our 2026 Campaign! Another longtime supporter, Design Alaska, kicked off its campaign with an employee breakfast, leading by example with a dollar-for-dollar match on every employee donation.

Even the very agencies that benefit from the United Way network are participating in Campaign season, demonstrating the value of coming together to support the community we all serve.

CAMPAIGN MOMENTUM

70^TH Campaign Kickoff

Dessert Auction

An incredible $12,730 raised for the Community Care Fund! Special thanks to our Honorary First Champion, Golden Heart Waste Management dba Shredway, for matching auction proceeds up to $2,500!

Workplace Campaigns Underway

Workplaces are rallying employees through campaign presentations, fundraising activities, and payroll giving opportunities. Every participant brings us closer to 700 Champions!

UAF Community

Chili Cook-Off

Things are heating up at UAF! Their upcoming Chili Cook-Off invites the whole community to sample chili, vote for their favorites, and enjoy some friendly competition—all while supporting United Way!

AND WE'RE JUST GETTING STARTED!

UNITED IS THE WAY...

...WE GIVE

...WE ADVOCATE

...WE VOLUNTEER

STRONGER PARTNER AGENCIES

"United Way supports the supporters - those of us working very hard to support people in our community." - NAMI Fairbanks

15 PARTNER AGENCIES 4 FOCUS AREAS

Financial Security – Supporting individuals and families in achieving financial stability and independence.

Healthy Community – Improving health, wellness, and access to essential care.

Youth Opportunity – Helping children and young people learn, grow, and succeed.

Community Resilience – Strengthening our community through essential services, emergency assistance, and support during challenging times.

YOUR GIVING. YOUR VOICE. YOUR TIME.

IT ALL ADDS UP TO IMPACT YOUR COMMUNITY

WHAT'S NEXT?

2026 COAT DRIVE DISTRIBUTION

Pickup Location: Fairbanks Wellness Coalition Community Center 645 8th Avenue

UWTV Partner Agency Early Access (UWTV PARTNER AGENCIES ONLY)

• October 19: 10 AM – 3 PM, drop in, no appointment required.
• October 20–22: Appointment required. Call 907-452-7211 to schedule.

Open Public Distribution (OPEN TO EVERYONE)

• October 23: 10 AM – 3 PM, drop in, no appointment required.
• October 26–30: Appointment required. Call 907-452-7211 to schedule.

BEHIND THE MISSION

United Way of the Tanana Valley's Behind the Mission radio program highlights the people, organizations, and stories making a difference throughout Interior Alaska. Each week, we sit down with local nonprofits and community partners to share their missions, celebrate their impact, and help our neighbors connect with the resources and opportunities available right here at home.

Airing Saturdays at 11:30 AM on KFAR 660 AM and 97.5 FM.

www.unitedwaytananavalley.com/give | PO Box 74396, Fairbanks, AK 99707 | 907.452.7211 | admin@unitedwaytv.com