The United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) this week announced that its 2020 campaign raised a total of $36 million, which was a record-breaking $1.5 million over the goal amount.
This total reflects pledge estimates and not the final results of companies still conducting campaigns or individuals who have not renewed pledges in writing, so the number may increase by the end of this month.
UWCA’s region covers Jefferson, Shelby, Walker, Blount, St. Clair and Chilton Counties. A release noted that the Birmingham metropolitan area is one of the most generous communities in the country, with UWCA continually ranking among the nation’s top 10 United Way chapters.
“The 2020 campaign is one for the records, exceeding our goal by more than any other campaign in UWCA’s 97-year history,” stated 2020 UWCA campaign chair Greg King, regional president at IBERIABANK.
With COVID-19 impacting the way UWCA has historically connected with donors, digital efforts replaced the traditional in-person touchpoints the organization typically relies on. Although this year’s campaign raised $825,000 less than 2019 in total, the 2020 final amount still exceeded expectations by $1.5 million — even amid the pandemic.
“We are proud of how the United Way campaign team adapted to the realities of 2020 and wrote a new playbook for success to make hope happen. Everything had to be done differently, and our team, volunteers and donors rose to the challenge,” King added.
During a virtual press conference announcement, appreciation poured in from partner agencies that receive support, resources and assistance from UWCA, such as The Salvation Army, The Day Program, Children’s Aid Society, Childcare Resources, American Cancer Society, Shelby Emergency Assistance, Blount County Children’s Center, Workshops Inc., Better Basics and Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama.
In all, UWCA’s mission and network supports more than 80 member agencies and programs. Each gift to UWCA is a direct investment in Central Alabama’s future and is put to work in ways that align with the community’s greatest needs.
“At United Way, we have the belief that we are a community asset – owned by the community, led by volunteers and managed by staff,” said UWCA president and CEO Drew Langloh. “I’m humbled by everyone that came together to lend their time, talent and treasures during a time when it’s not easy to do and the needs of the community are incredibly great.”
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
