MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Greetings!


As we move through the heart of summer, I am reminded of how much can be accomplished when people come together with a shared commitment to helping our community thrive. July is an important month for reflection, gratitude, and preparation as we look ahead to our upcoming Annual Community Meeting and the next chapter of United Way’s work.


Our Annual Community Meeting will be an opportunity to celebrate the progress we have made together, recognize the partners, volunteers, donors, and advocates who make this work possible, and share priorities for the year ahead. It is also time to reaffirm our responsibility to be thoughtful stewards of the resources entrusted to us and to keep our focus where it matters most: improving lives in measurable and lasting ways.


United Way’s impact is visible every day: in families who receive support during difficult times, children who gain access to resources that help them learn and grow and older adults and individuals who are connected to needed services. 

 

As we are preparing for the Annual Community Meeting, I want to thank each of you for your continued trust and partnership. Together, we are building a stronger, more connected community, one investment, one partnership, and one life changed at a time.


With gratitude,

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2026 LEGACY AWARD WINNER MARK O'BRYANT

Following years of support of United Way of the Big Bend and a proven track record of caring for our community, we're honored to present Mark O'Bryant, President & CEO of Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare, with this year's Legacy Award.


The annual Legacy Award celebrates an individual in the Big Bend who has shown a unique and dedicated level of care for our community through United Way of the Big Bend.


Want to watch the presentation live? Join us for our Annual Community Meeting next month on August 25th! Tables are available now, click the button below to secure yours!

KIMBERLY PRICE NAMED CHAIR OF WOMEN UNITED

Please join us in welcoming Kimberly Price, President, MBP Engineering and Consulting, as our Women United chair for 2026-27. A member of the UWBB Board of Directors, Kim brings years of experience in the private sector and a unique dedication to the Big Bend. We're excited to welcome such an accomplished professional to Women United!

ADD UP FOR MATHPALS CAMPAIGN CONTINUES

Missed our newest fundraiser in your inbox? We're aiming to raise $2,500 for our MathPals program before it resumes in September. Want to contribute to the Math education of the Big Bend's next top minds? Head to the link below to learn more!

WELCOME TO THE TEAM!

Please join us in welcoming the two newest members of the United Way of the Big Bend team, Tatianna Martinez and Taylor Donnelly!


Tatianna joins us as our new Community Impact Associate, and will be working with our Reality Store program as well as Reading and MathPals. Originally from New York, her athletic career as a track athlete took her first to Texas Christian University and then Florida A&M University.


A lifelong Florida State fan and legacy student, Taylor is a recent FSU grad who joins us as our new Donor Engagement Manager. She enjoys spending time with her dog, Bowden, and is excited to get to work!

UWBB ATTENDS STATE OF EDUCATION EVENT IN WAKULLA COUNTY

Our VP of Philanthropy & Communications, Angela Gibbs, attended the inaugural State of Education event hosted by the Wakulla County Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, July 16th. This special luncheon featured Superintendent Rick Myhre who provided an update on the current state of education in Wakulla County, highlighting the district's achievements, and provided an opportunity to learn how education and workforce development are working together in Wakulla County.

MATHPALS AND READINGPALS TRAININGS BEGIN SOON!

Ready to join the ranks of the Big Bend's most elite volunteers?ReadingPals and MathPals trainings begin soon for the 2026-27 school year. Stay tuned for more information and training dates, and head to the link below to learn more about the programs.

JOIN MATHPALS TODAY!

MathPals creates a creative and encouraging environment for learning math by matching caring mentors one-to-one with students who are in need of extra help developing essential mathematical skills.


We're looking to make the 2026-27 school year our most successful ever! To learn more about MathPals, click the button below for signup and other program information.

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