New Campaign Cabinet Hosts Annual Kick-Off

December 4, 2019

“It’s a new day, with a new mission.” So says Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director of the United Way of Charlotte County, as she describes the presence of an inaugural group of business leaders known as the Campaign Cabinet.

Charlotte Miller, FPL, and Sue Sifrit, retired Charlotte County School Board member, serve as cabinet co-chairs. The Chairs of this inaugural Cabinet will serve one-year terms. The co-chairs will serve two-year terms which will enable them to “learn the ropes”  in their first year, and then share their knowledge with the next co-chairs.

Professionals have committed their time and energy to reinforce the success of United Way of Charlotte County’s annual fundraising campaign. Leading the efforts are your friends and neighbors:

Carrie Aissaoui, Publix

Ceres Austria, Assistant to Charlotte County Attorney

Bobbi Bevis, The Bevis Group

Courtney Buckles, City of Punta Gorda

Keith Callaghan, Florida SouthWestern State College

Fred Cort, Retired

Alfred Current, Rowley Insurance Agency

Sandy Darna, Charlotte County Event & Conference Center

Debbie Fitzgerald, SunTrust Bank

Laura Frantz, Coastal Living Team, Nix & Associates Real Estate

Mark Houston, Tampa Bay Rays

Linda Howard, Area Agency on Aging

Stacy Jones, Kays-Ponder & Uselton Funeral Homes

Cheryl LaPorta Edwards, Charlotte County Public Schools

Melissa Lockhart, Helping Hands of SWFL

Mike Martin, State Farm Insurance

Kaley Miller, Punta Gorda Airport Authority

Cassandra Monnier, Port Charlotte Rehabilitation Center

Kathy Nash, State Farm Insurance

Kim Pennell, Keller Williams-Peace River Partners

Julie Price, Medtronic

Tom Rice, Retired

Kristy Sandrock, Court Administration 20th Circuit

Cyndi Shelton, Solaris Healthcare

Brett Sifrit, Farr Law Firm

Amanda Stacey, Trilogy Home Healthcare

Eve Sweeting, Charlotte County Government

Kelsey Veitengruber, Farr Law Firm

Nick Vitti, Bank OZK

Geri Waksler, McCrory Law Firm

Christine Walker, Suncoast Credit Union

Katie Wallace, Wallace Law Firm

Bob White, Sunseeker Resorts

Nicholas Worden, Centennial Bank

The United Way of Charlotte County’s mission of mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty is a huge undertaking. That’s why the Campaign Cabinet members are sharing the story of the United Way of Charlotte County across the community with a deep commitment to helping achieve the mission.

The Campaign Cabinet will provide an organic outreach which will grow new relationships. “Thanks to the Campaign Cabinet volunteers,” Sifrit explains, “we’re able to share the story to a greater audience, raise more money and have a significant positive impact on our goals in the areas of education, health and financial stability. That impact will improve the overall health and vitality of this wonderful place we call home.”

United Way of Charlotte County is building on its 50+ year history by being more effective than ever. “We continue to commit to engage the community, engage the partners needed to solve our problems, and maintain the public trust.”

As part of their duties, Campaign Cabinet members hosted two hundred guests of the 53rd Campaign Kick-Off event at Charlotte Sports Park on October 23, most of whom sported “Live United” baseball shirts for the occasion. Also in attendance were over 100 community members who, after the festivities, set out to multiple county locations and perform much needed volunteer projects at various non-profit agencies during United Way’s 2019 Day of Caring.

The Campaign Cabinet and Day of Caring are just two of the numerous efforts United Way is mobilizing Charlotte County resources with hard work and dedication. “We need everyone to care,” Matthiessen reminds us. “And share. And spread hope. Join us, please. Change doesn’t happen alone.” If you are interested in being involved, please contact our office (941) 627-3539 or email us.