Jump into January

On the day United Way Suncoast celebrated its 101st birthday, the Business Observer published a story about how my husband, Owen LaFave, and I choose a challenge to test our physical and mental resolve.

In recent years, we've chosen to take on unique hiking challenges, run marathons and even participate in a Dancing With The Stars-styled competition. Every single time we do something like this, I learn a different thing about myself, about our relationship, about the bounds which are always expanded. Give the article a read. You'll learn how these daunting challenges create competition between Owen and I, but also bring us closer.

One aspect not covered in the article, however, is how the same determination fueling my annual personal challenges drives my daily work at United Way Suncoast. I push myself to deliver for the community members striving to overcome circumstances and leaders looking to our organization to galvanize their desire to create lasting change.?

I may have shared this with you before, but it bears repeating: I live to serve as a source of strength for others. I am stronger because of the people and organizations who fueled my strength. That is why I do what I do every single day.

101 Years

On January 10th, we celebrated 101 years of creating impact and building brighter futures in our community!

As we honor this milestone, we continue to reflect on our century of service, including the incredible legacy of Ruth W. Atkinson, the first executive director of the organization we proudly know as United Way Suncoast.

Watch her story and join us in celebrating the journey, the impact, and the community that makes it all possible. Together, we remain committed to empowering lives and creating pathways to success.

R.I.S.E.& Roast

Support your community with every sip! The Rise Roast latte, featuring White Mocha and Hazelnut, is available at all Blind Tiger locations now through the 20th. $1 from each purchase will go directly to United Way Suncoast, helping to empower lives and strengthen our community.

Spirit of Tocqueville Luncheon

On Jan. 10, United Way Suncoast’s 3rd Annual Spirit of Tocqueville Appreciation Luncheon saluted groundbreaking donors and generous corporations while providing a look at some of the community's biggest challenges.

Al and Barbara Siemer highlighted the day as recipients of the 2024 Spirit of Tocqueville Award. Through its SIEMER INSTITUTE , the couple has initiated a national game-changing educational effort that started in Sarasota when they joined the local Tocqueville Society.?

PAR, Inc. , 安永 , First Horizon Bank and Ferman Motor Car Company, Inc. were honored with Spirit of Suncoast Awards. Posthumous recognition was given to former United Way Suncoast chair and Florida Blue West Florida market leader Dave Pizzo, as well as long-time contributor Marianne Moyer.

The luncheon also allowed State College of Florida President Tommy Gregory, Tampa Bay Partnership CEO Bemetra Simmons and Florida Center for Early Childhood CEO Kristie Skoglund to share insights on the interconnected education pillars of early learning and higher education.?

United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff offered remarks that crystalized the discussion and illuminated our role in convening and collaborating leadership.

Staged on the day United Way Suncoast celebrated its 101st anniversary, the event proved inspiring and the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens shared the spotlight as a beautiful backdrop.

VITA

Mark your calendars! Starting January 16, you can schedule your appointment for FREE tax preparation at locations across our five-county region. Tax preparation services officially kick off on January 27. Let us help make tax season stress-free! ????

BeSpoke

The name is Suncoast. United Way Suncoast. And we love James Bond-themed events where our organization will serve as one of the beneficiaries. BeSpoke and Company presents its 9th annual signature event, For Your Eyes Only, on Jan. 31 at The Motor Enclave. But this gala is for anyone eying a way to have a good time while supporting two great causes. Take a look as BeSpoke's David Braun and United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff illuminate the intent.

FAFSA Events in DeSoto County

?? DeSoto Families: Start the New Year by Investing in Your Future!

United Way Suncoast is partnering to bring you two can’t-miss events for high school students and parents:

?? Funding Your Dreams Workshop

Learn about scholarships, application tips, and more!

?? Turner Center Annex (2250 NE Roan St.)

?? January 22, 2025?? 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

?? Free dinner + prizes (including a $100 gift card!)

? Register now: https://lnkd.in/eKAcnYQm

?? FAFSA Night

Get personalized help to complete your FAFSA and unlock financial aid!

?? DeSoto County High School - Lab 248

?? January 29, 2025?? 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Admiral Society Power Luncheon

Join us for the Admiral Society Power Luncheon! ??

?? Friday, February 7, 2025 ? 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM ?? The Tampa Club

Network with fellow Admiral Society members and enjoy a plated lunch while hearing from distinguished panelists on leadership and hurricane recovery. This luncheon celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion while highlighting our impact and achievements.

RSVP by Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to secure your spot!

JANUARY ENGAGEMENT: UNITED WE SERVE

January is the ideal time to begin the year with purpose and unity. This month, and throughout the year, we encourage volunteers to come together to support and uplift our community. By serving others, we create meaningful connections, inspire lasting change, and lay the foundation for a brighter future. Let’s set the tone for the year ahead by embracing service and building a stronger, more connected community together.

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MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. WEEK OF SERVICE

United Way Suncoast invites you to honor Dr. King by making his holiday “a day on, not a day off.” Our volunteer projects embody Dr. King’s wisdom, focusing on addressing food insecurity and supporting education in our community. In the Suncoast region, two out of five families struggle to meet basic household needs, with many ALICE families relying on food assistance to ease financial burdens. As Dr. King reminded us, “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”?View our 2025 volunteer opportunities today.

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VOLUNTEER

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) As a?United Way Suncoast VITA volunteer, you will receive training to assist low-to-moderate income families in preparing their tax returns at no cost. Site coordinators, Tax preparers, and Greeters are needed for this upcoming 2025 VITA season.?View this link?to learn more about the volunteer positions and the steps to sign up.
• Home Plate Market at Campbell Park Resource Center Volunteers will support staff while the pantry is open?with various tasks?such as sanitizing, stocking shelves, assisting individuals/families, and other duties as needed.?View available shifts. Volunteers are also needed during delivery days when Feeding Tampa Bay drops off the donated food. Volunteers will support staff in unloading the truck and?restocking the market.?View available shifts.
• View our opportunity?calendar for other ways you can volunteer in our community.?View calendar.

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SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Corporate or civic partners are invited to sponsor and create one of the below kits as an engagement opportunity for their team of volunteers:

• Children's Financial Learning Kits
• CNA Graduation Kits

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DIY OPPORTUNITIES

Community volunteers are invited to create the below kits that would be distributed to individuals in the Suncoast region.?

• Snack Kits
• Children's Activity Kits