Showing Much Devotion To Our "SMD" Friends

Last Wednesday, I attended my third commencement ceremony in the last 30 days. After watching two of my children graduate from high school in May, I enjoyed the honor of seeing my husband receive a degree from Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the University of Pennsylvania. All three events reminded me of the importance of continuing learning. Commencement is about a new beginning arising out of an ending, and in the workplace, we always have to seek new learning opportunities. At United Way Suncoast, we put an emphasis on professional development because it often leads to greater efficiencies and improved performance. We also encourage team members to engage in such opportunities because we want them to thrive. Our radical candor approach requires us to care personally and provide opportunities for growth. Whether its executive leadership programs, degree pursuits or certificate attainment, I hope to attend ceremonies with team members that are as inspiring as the events that honored my husband and kids. After all, we are family.

SMD Week

When we ask the community members of Sarasota-Manatee-DeSoto — the SMD — to engage with United Way Suncoast, we’re asking them to Show Much Devotion. SMD Week gave us an opportunity to highlight what we've done in the SMD for more than 80 years: elevate education and empower families. Whether its our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, our 211 referral service or our Quality Childcare Initiative, we're committed to extending our legacy of service to Arcadia, Bradenton, Sarasota, Myakka City, Palmetto and every community in between. Check out how we spread the word last week about our love for the area.

Check out all the great content from our busy week spreading the word about our work and impact in the SMD.

GTE Financial Business Banking Manager, Gerhard Toth highlights the incredible work we've done in the Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto communities, and the crucial role of our 211 service. 211 is a lifeline for so many, connecting people with essential resources and support. Hear from Gerhard about the difference we’re making and the importance of this service.

Watch as United Way Suncoast VP's of Philanthropy, Kristin Piccolo and Amy Bott share how UWS SMD (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto) regions SMD (Show Much Devotion) and engage in Centennial Celebrations with the Tampa Bay Rays.

As we wrapped up our Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto week, we gave you a chance to hear from United Way Suncoast Chief Impact Officer Bronwyn Beightol and Individual Philanthropy Vice President Kristin Piccolo as they let the "Suncoast View" audience know about our mission work and remind everyone that we'll be joining the Rays at Payne Park on Saturday.

United Way Suncoast loves when its Sarasota/Manatee/DeSoto partners Show Much Devotion. Take a look at this Suncoast Snapshot and learn how Manatee County Government, Work That Matters did just that.

United Way Suncoast culminated its SMD (Show Much Devotion) week by gathering with its partners, the Tampa Bay Rays , for a City Connect Watch Party at Sarasota's Payne Park. Fans not only got a chance to watch the Rays plays the Atlanta Braves under cooling skies, but they learned more about United Way Suncoast's engagement and impact in the community. Kids received books, parents got sunglasses and a few fans won $25 gift certificates to the 1905 Family Of Restaurants (Columbia and Cha-Cha Coconuts), all courtesy of UWS.

Summer Care

This week we're proud to showcase our efforts surrounding Summer Care. Follow along this week on social media as we share more information about reversing the "Summer Slide" and elevating literacy for more than 600 students this summer. UWS Community Impact vice president Nicole Brown will appear on WFLA's Daytime on Tuesday, and Hillsborough County Public Schools Superintendent Van Ayres will share his thoughts in our weekly Suncoast Snapshot.

Last week, we celebrated Summer Care with a kickoff event at the Lealman and Asian Neighborhood Family Center in Pinellas County. We rewarded students who have have committed to staying on track this summer with books and Kona Ice treats. It was a sweet treat for a group that's treating itself to the wonders of books. If your student is not enrolled in Summer Care, encourage them to read at least two books this summer. Reading takes students on journeys like no other activity.

Volunteer Opportunities

United Way Suncoast has a long history of commitment and proudly values serving every person in our community. We advocate for diverse, equitable, and inclusive practices that unite, rather than divide, our community providing all the freedom to rise because United We Rise, United We Win.

June is full of reasons to celebrate, such as Juneteenth and Pride Month, and a month to begin preparations for the hurricane season. We seek to empower individuals and families within the Suncoast region to prepare, succeed and live the most authentic life available to them. Through these opportunities, you can provide additional support to community members served by United Way Suncoast programs.