Our Workforce is Our Community
By Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer
One year ago this week, I stood in a room filled with employers, community leaders, and people who care deeply about the future of our workforce as we hosted our second annual United at Work Summit. I can still feel the energy in that space—the hope, the urgency, and the belief that we can do better for the people who keep Charlotte County running. As a community we have weathered storms, literal and figurative, and we have learned just how resilient our community can be when we stand together. As I reflect on that day, I’m filled with gratitude and nostalgia, but also with renewed purpose. Because the work we began there is alive and growing.
One of the most meaningful partnerships to emerge from that movement is with The Gasparilla Inn. While many see this resort as a world-class destination—recently recognized by The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2026—we at United Way Charlotte County (UWCC) see something equally extraordinary: a company that truly takes care of its people. The employees who make this destination exceptional are Charlotte County residents. They are our neighbors, our friends, and our ALICE workers—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—doing essential jobs while working hard to make ends meet.
We began conversations with The Gasparilla Inn in 2023, and from the beginning, we were impressed by the depth of their commitment to employee well-being. General Manager Brent Cross was slated to speak at our United at Work Summit, prepared to share his philosophy of caring for employees holistically—mentally, emotionally, and financially. Then came the hurricanes of 2024. Like so many in our community, this organization faced real tragedy and disruption. Although Brent was unable to attend the Summit, the values he leads by were already evident in action. Through the storms, employees continued to receive pay, food was provided, and leadership demonstrated what it looks like to lead with compassion.
It is precisely this commitment to people that makes the United at Work program resonate so strongly with them. Today, through our partnership, we are actively supporting their employees to ensure complex needs are met. Their team is leveraging the tools and resources from United at Work to invest in their workforce in meaningful, lasting ways. This is not a one-time effort—it is a partnership that has been more than two years in the making, built on shared values and trust.
The roots of this work stretch back even further. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, the original seed funding for United at Work came from the Elsa and Peter Soderberg Charitable Foundation. Their commitment to Charlotte County employees helped plant what has now grown into a powerful model of workforce support. Today, that spirit continues.
UWCC is proud to announce that The Gasparilla Inn has contributed $10,000 to our annual campaign, strengthening programs that empower families, support employees, and engage seniors throughout Charlotte County.
In their words, “The Gasparilla Inn is proud to partner with UWCC. We believe that UWCC aligns with our values, to build strong communities through empowering and engaging the people of Charlotte County in impactful ways.”
You can be part of this story. When we invest in people—especially those working behind the scenes—we strengthen our entire community. We invite you to schedule a conversation to learn more about the impact in our community, explore ways to get involved, or make your own gift. Please visit: unitedwayccfl.org/Gasparilla
For more information about United Way Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community so all can thrive, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Chief Executive Officer. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.