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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: ECC/CEO BREAKFAST, AFFINITY GROUPS, ORAL HEALTH AMERICA

It’s nearing the end of the summer and Ms. Camps leaves an urgent message for Check & Connect Coordinator Norinda Yancey. Students are not due back in school until

mid-August, but she is worried about getting school supplies for her grandchildren. Because her oldest grandson Tavarus has participated in the Check & Connect program for the last two years, Camps knows she has an ally in the United Way and it’s the first place she turns for help.

According to Camps, Tavarus has had some rough spots, but has really come a long way. “I think the program is awesome,” she says adding, “Tavarus has really matured; he’s done a complete 180. He’s even better at home and has better control with what he says and does. Now he can accept responsibility for his own behavior.”

This is no surprise; changed behavior is the ultimate goal of the Check & Connect program. As Check & Connect mentors collaborate with family and school to regularly monitor attendance, grades and behavior, not much can fall through the cracks.

Despite the initiative’s great success, at the beginning of the summer the Check & Connect program’s future was uncertain.

Just a few weeks ago, United Way leadership was contemplating creative staffing scenarios in an attempt to maintain some semblance of the program. While a grant from AT&T helped launch the initiative, the program has now been switched to private funding thanks to a local citizen who has offered to fund the next year of the program.

Thankfully, our 73 students are already back on campus “checking-in” with their mentors and receiving much needed academic and personal support to make a positive impact in their education thereby ensuring their high school graduation. Thank you for your continued support.

THE FUTURE OF OUR PROGRAMTHE FUTURE OF OUR YOUTH

Plans to double the number of students served as well as add career mentoring, motivational speakers and financial literacy are underway thanks to a local donor.

The ongoing success of Check & Connect is a living example of the power of one person who can imagine the possibilities, invest in the future of our community, and inspire a generation to come. For more information or to contribute to the Check & Connect program, please contact Dana Clayton at dclayton@unitedwayncfl.org or 352-333-0846.

Check & Connect students at Gainesville High School enjoying a social activity with United Way’s Young Leaders Society.

Recently, United Way held two annual events that indicate the kickoff of our campaign season: the CEO/Community Leader Breakfast on June 27 and

the Employee Campaign Coordinator Appreciation Breakfast on July 24.

Held at the Gainesville Country Club, the CEO/Community Leader Breakfast welcomed more than 200 local CEOs, elected officials and other important individuals in the community to hear the latest information from United Way. United Way Board Chair, Kay Ayers of AvMed led the morning’s program. Other event speakers included Brad Pollitt of UF Health Shands, and Hershel Lyons of Alachua County Public Schools. Jay Larsen of Nationwide gave the keynote speech: Learn how to better engage your employees, customers, and your community through corporate citizenship.

The event allowed individuals to come together to learn about how they can get more involved with United Way, some tips for leading their employees in a workplace campaign, and how smaller businesses can get involved through a Small Business Partnership.

Sponsored by Nationwide, the Employee Campaign Coordinator Appreciation Breakfast was an opportunity to show our ECCs how much we value them. More than 120 individuals from workplace campaigns all over North Central Florida attended the event to get inspired for and excited about this year’s campaign theme: Imagine, Inspire, Invest.

The event’s program was focused on the campaign. The attendees were first asked to imagine all the people who need help from United Way. They were then inspired by Mileka Glanville, who was responsible for the 2013 Alachua County Administration campaign doubling their participation and dollars raised. Finally, the attendees received an over-view of the Community Investment Process in order to understand how United Way volunteers select which programs to fund. The event ended with a fun activity and the attend-ees gathering United Way swag to bring back to their offices.

Thank you to everyone who attended these events and made them a success!

THANK YOU ECC/CEO BREAKFAST

Interim President & CEO Dana Clayton with Jay St. Pierre from North Florida Regional Medical Center, an event sponsor for the CEO Breakfast

CEO Breakfast speakers (from left to right), Board Chair Kay Ayers, Hershel Lyons, Brad Pollitt, Jay Larsen, and former President & CEO Debbie Mason

The team from Nordstrom at the ECC Breakfast

The Alachua County Tax Collector’s Office campaign team at the ECC Breakfast

PRESENTING THIS YEAR’S THEME!

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UPCOMING EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 17 | 5:30–7:30 P.M.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL GIRLS NIGHT OUT FUNDRAISER

Join the WLC for their next Girls Night Out at Corks and Colors. Paint a wine or margarita glass for a great cause!

R.S.V.P. to: www.wlcglasspainting.eventbrite.com or Mary Broadfoot at mbroadfoot@unitedwayncfl.org or 352-331-2800.

SEPTEMBER 18 | 6–8 P.M.

YOUNG LEADERS SOCIETY BOOT CAMP: NETWORKING

R.S.V.P. to: www.ylsbootcamp.eventbrite.com or Britt Pearson at bpearson@unitedwayncfl.org or 352-333-0855.

OCTOBER 16 | 6–8 P.M.

YOUNG LEADERS SOCIETY BOOT CAMP: PROFESSIONALISM & GROWTH

R.S.V.P. to: www.ylsbootcamp.eventbrite.com or Britt Pearson at bpearson@unitedwayncfl.org or 352-333-0855.

OCTOBER 24 | 8 A.M.–12 P.M.

DAY OF ACTION

Join United Way of North Central Florida to weatherize and beautify public schools throughout Alachua County.

R.S.V.P. to: Mary Broadfoot at 333-0841 or mbroadfoot@unitedwayncfl.org

NOVEMBER 20 | 11 A.M.–1:30 P.M.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Join us at the Gainesville Country Club for this fun and meaningful event! Attendees will enjoy a delicious lunch, get a head start on their holiday shopping, and hear an outstanding speaker.

R.S.V.P. to: www.4thannualwlcluncheon.eventbrite.com or 352-333-0855.

SMALL BUSINESS IS MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE

Small Business Partners Carly Asse of Zen Fitness, Brenna Delony

of Paychex, and Chris Dyer of Conference Catalysts at the Small

Business Partner Breakfast.

Interim President & CEO Dana Clayton, Chris Wells, Board Vice Chair Nick Banks, Erica Castano, and Debbie Sorgi at the Small Business Partner Breakfast.

In 2013, United Way introduced an exciting new opportu-nity for local small business owners who were looking for a unique way to give back to the community. The Small

Business Partnership was formed when several local busi-nesses were interested in holding a workplace campaign or becoming an Academy Sponsor, but could not quite make that type of commitment.

A Small Business Partnership with United Way allows the business owner to become a partner for only $100 per month. By amortizing their gift over 12 months, we make it simple and affordable for small businesses to assume a place of leadership in the community. Small businesses play a critical role in maintaining a thriving local economy. With nearly 20 small businesses already signed on, the list is growing rapidly.

On August 21, we held a breakfast introducing Small Busi-ness Partnerships to a selected group of business owners. We are working very hard to engage local small businesses in a leadership capacity in our community investment work, and that breakfast was only the beginning. At the breakfast, Erica Castano of A Personal Elf and Debbie Sorgi of Katsu Dojo Karate both spoke about why they became United Way Small Business Partners.

To find out more information about becoming a Small Business Partner, please contact Chris Wells at cwells@unitedwayncfl.org or 352-333-0856.

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August 14 marked the beginning of the 2014 Young Leaders Society Boot Camp Series. Attendees

between the ages of 21–45 gathered at the United Way office to learn about being an Agent of Change in their community. United Way board member, Jenna White, spoke about her experiences as a board member and answered pressing questions from the group.

AmeriCorps Vista Member and Volun-teer Select Manager, Lauren Martin, also gave a presentation on how to use Volunteer Select to get more involved with your community and to find opportunities to become a nonprofit organization board member.

There are two sessions remaining in the 2014 Boot Camp series on Septem-ber 18 and October 16. The September session will focus on Networking and the October session will focus on Professionalism and Growth. Both of the sessions will be held from 6:00–8:00 p.m. and food and drinks will be provided.

Please contact Britt Pearson at bpearson@unitedwayncfl.org for more information. Please RSVP at www.ylsbootcamp.eventbrite.com or 352-333-0855.

YOUNG LEADERS SOCIETY BOOT CAMP SESSIONS ARE BACK

The Young Leaders Society enjoying Boot Camp Session 1: Agent of Change.

We are now RECRUITING VOLUNTEERS to be

READINGPALS during the 2014–15 school year! Contact volunteer@unitedwayncfl.org for more information.

THERE ARE TWO SESSIONS REMAINING IN THE 2014 BOOT CAMP SERIES

September 18October 16

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On September 18, the Women’s Leadership Council will gather for a fun evening of painting, food

and drinks, and helping a great cause at Corks & Colors. This event is just one of the many Women’s Leadership Council events held in order to raise money and awareness for United Way’s mission.

The Women’s Leadership Council strives to “increase philanthropy among women in support of United Way and their objectives in service to the community.” In addition to supporting United Way’s mission, the money they raise also funds their personal project, Elementary Essentials, which ensures children are equipped with the most basic items, like socks and underwear, which prepare them for school and life.

Since education and school prepared-ness are the WLC’s main focuses, they also work closely with the ReadingPals

initiative. “The Women’s Leadership Council has been immensely helpful with the ReadingPals Initiative,” said ReadingPals Coordinator, Angela Hutchings. “They’re always eager and enthusiastic to help read books to children, fundraise to prevent Summer Learning Loss, and they really care about the children in our community. We literally could not help children in our program without the WLC’s help,” said Hutchings.

“ReadingPals’ funder and Publix owners, Carol and Barney Barnett, really believe in the power of women truly making a difference in our communities. It’s no surprise that our WLC has been very enthusiastic and passionate about helping the children in our community, especially with the ReadingPals Initiative” explained Hutchings. The Women’s Leadership Council is open to all female leadership donors.

The Women’s Leadership Council at a fundraising event at Corks and Colors last April.

WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP COUNCIL RAISES MONEY AND AWARENESS

Leadership donor donates $750 or more to United Way per year. To find out more information or to become a member

of the Women’s Leadership Council, please contact Britt Pearson at bpearson@united-wayncfl.org or 352-333-0855. To volunteer with the ReadingPals initiative, please contact volunteer@unitedwayncfl.org.

“ We literally could not help children in our program without the WLC’s help.”

— Angela Hutchings, ReadingPals Coordinator

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WE INVITE YOU TO…

This year’s workplace campaign season has an exciting new program to offer, United Way has

paired up with Gator Domino’s to introduce: Campaign-In-A-Box. While helping build a stronger community, you can also have the chance to enjoy complimentary pizza!

Campaign-In-A-Box is a fun and easy way to support United Way and your community. Through the generosity of Gator Domino’s, United Way delivers this easy to implement United Way Campaign Kit in a pizza box to selected workplace campaigns.

HOW IT WORKS• Check with United Way staff

to determine eligibility

• Secure the support of management to run a United Way campaign

• Announce your fundraising goal to win a pizza party and the date you intend to run your campaign

INTRODUCING CAMPAIGN-IN-A-BOX

thank you (left) Carol Wang and Martha LaTour of Carr, Riggs, and Ingram dropping off their generous donations. (center, left) The generous donations collected by the team at BBI Construction Management. (center, right) Carole Herndon of UF Health dropping off their generous donations. (right) Mark Wyant of Gainesville Chevy presenting a check for the purchase of toiletries and diapers.

Campaign Associates Devra Mathis, Kim Huebner, and Mel Hanks delivering Campaign-In-A-Box.

• Gather your employees for a kickoff rally and distribute United Way materials

• Collect all of the employee pledge cards and contact United Way for a pick up

• Any company who completes their campaign by November 1 and achieved their pizza goal will receive a free Gator Domino’s pizza party for their staff

For more information, contact Dana Clayton at dclayton@unitedwayncfl.org or 352-333-0846.

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our Day of Action Toiletry and Diaper Drive! The donated items were given to organizations all over north central Florida such as Partnership for Strong Families, Healthy Families, Early Learning Coalition, Peaceful Paths and more!

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United Way is happy to announce our Seal and Smile School-Based Dental Sealant Program has been awarded a national Oral Health America capacity

building grant for our new Adopt-A-School private dentist initiative. Beginning in 2013, the Adopt-A-School initiative was developed to expand free sealant services in Alachua County by partnering local volunteer dentists with high-need elementary and middle schools. In its first year, the Adopt-A-School initiative expanded sealant services to 103 additional elementary school children at Archer Elementary School and Newberry Elementary School. Thanks to local dentists, Dr. Rick Parent of Parent Dental Group and Drs. Patricia Tapley and Janet Pappas of Pappas and Tapley Orthodontics, over $24,480 in free oral health services were generated.

The Seal and Smile School-Based Sealant Program has provided free sealants, fluoride varnish and oral health exam services in Alachua County since 2010. The program began as a collaborative effort between United Way of North Central Florida and University of Florida College of Dentistry to address children’s oral health needs in the community. Services are provided at little to no cost in a school-based setting by student dentists from University of Florida and student dental hygienists from Santa Fe College receiving educational credit and community experience. The benefit is twofold—while dental and dental hygiene students increase their skills and experi-ence by working with patients, elementary and middle school children receive critical oral health treatment as patients. For many children, Seal and Smile provides their first oral health treatment and experience.

A PROGRAM YOU CAN SMILE ABOUT

Tooth decay is the number one childhood disease in America.

52% of Alachua County 3rd graders have experienced tooth decay.

32% of Alachua County 3rd graders have untreated cavities.

Children with dental pain are three times more likely to miss school, four times more likely to have a failing GPA.

AS THE PROGRAM

GROWS MORE CHILDREN

ARE SERVED

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YOUR UNITED WAY TEAM

Special thanks to our Academy Sponsors

6031 NW 1st PlaceGainesville, FL 32607-2025(352) 331-2800www.unitedwayncfl.orgwww.facebook.com/unitedwayncflwww.twitter.com/UnitedWayncfl

NON-PROFIT ORG. US POSTAGE

PAID PERMIT # 375

GAINESVILLE, FL

Staff/LeadershipDana Clayton, Interim President & CEORhonda Johnson, Director of OperationsMary Broadfoot, Executive Assistant

Community Impact TeamKaren Slevin, VP Community ImpactJennifer Stojkovic, 2-1-1/Health & Income Impact ManagerNorinda Rosario Yancey, Education and School-based Initiatives Manager Angela Hutchings, ReadingPals CoordinatorBarbara Brady, Check & Connect SpecialistAnnetta McCloud, Check & Connect SpecialistStephanie Bennett, Check & Connect SpecialistLauren Martin, AmeriCorps VISTAJoAnn Roberts, AmeriCorps VISTA

Development TeamDana Clayton, VP Resource DevelopmentChris Wells, Development Director of Residential & Individual GivingBritt Pearson, Development Associate & Affinity GroupsSylvia Waldman, Donor Database ManagerGregory Fabiano, Campaign AssociateMel Hanks, Campaign AssociateKim Huebner, Campaign AssociateDevra Mathis, Campaign Associate

Communications & Marketing TeamAmy Azoulay, Communications Manager

Board of Directors Executive CommitteeKay Ayers, AvMed, ChairNick Banks, Front Street, Vice Chair

Carolyn Lukert, Dementia Education, Inc., Past Board ChairEd Bonahue, Santa Fe College, Member-At-LargeDennis Gies, Community Volunteer, Member-At-LargeKenneth Kurdziel, James Moore & Company, Finance ChairMelanie Ross, UF Health, Communications Chair

Board MembersRob Chapman, PublixBill Gair, University of FloridaSam Goforth, Wells FargoJennifer Hunt, CAMPUS USA Credit UnionJames Larsen, Allied/Harleysville InsuranceShaney Livingston, Alachua County Library DistrictHershel Lyons, Alachua County Public SchoolsBrad Pollitt, UF Health & Shands, Campaign ChairDoug Ray, Gainesville Sun/Ocala Star BannerAndy Sherrard, O2BKids!Dr. Patricia Snyder, University of FloridaAdrian Taylor, Gainesville Chamber of Commerce, Public Policy ChairLynda Tealer, University Athletic Association, Inc.Scott Thomas, Infinite EnergyJenna White, Enterprise Holdings, Inc., CIT Chair

2014–2015 Campaign Cabinet Brad Pollitt, Chair, UF Health & ShandsRory Causseaux, Causseaux, Hewett and Walpole, Inc.Robert Deese, SunTrustBill Gair, University of Florida Monica McMillen, Law Offices of Steven MillerJohn Power, Alachua County Tax CollectorJason Shank, Enterprise Rent-A-CarJay St. Pierre, North Florida Regional Medical Center

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