UNITED WAY LAUNCHES 2025-2026 CAMPAIGN: “UNITED IS THE WAY”
Community Leaders Carolyn Rogers and Will Prather to Co-Chair $11.5M Goal
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is proud to announce the launch of its 2025-2026 campaign season under the theme: “United is the Way.” This year’s campaign will be led by two dynamic community champions, Carolyn Rogers of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and Will Prather of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Together, they aim to unite the community in raising $11,512,716—a goal that reflects the critical needs identified by United Way’s 90+ partner agencies.
To kick off the season, United Way will host a Pacesetter Launch Breakfast:
Date: August 4, 2025
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Location: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre
This high-energy breakfast event will set the stage for the fall campaign kickoff. Attendees will enjoy a morning of inspiration, community spirit, and the learning what it takes to become a Pacesetter - a vital role in jumpstarting the campaign’s momentum. To RSVP or learn how your organization can become a Pacesetter, please visit UnitedWayLee.org/Pacesetters.
Pacesetters are companies and nonprofits that launch their campaigns early, setting the tone for the season. These organizations contribute $1,000 or more, often through employee payroll deductions, and are recognized in a special video at the fall kickoff. Past Pacesetters include LCEC, Uhler Vertich White Advisors, Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A., Lee Health, Publix, Midwest Food Bank, F.I.S.H., and Child Care of SWFL among many others.
The annual United Way kickoff is scheduled to be on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at 8:30 am with networking, and the program begins at 9 am.
Meet the Campaign Co-Chairs
Carolyn Rogers, Senior Vice President of Wealth Services at The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, brings over three decades of experience in philanthropy, fund development, and nonprofit leadership. A Cape Coral native and Fort Myers resident, Carolyn has served in key roles at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Canterbury School, and Lee Memorial Foundation. “Cape Coral is where I grew up, and Fort Myers is where I have raised my family,” said Rogers. “I’ve seen how United Way steps up when it matters most, supporting the nonprofits that lift up our neighbors every day. It’s an honor to co-chair this campaign with Will Prather and help ensure our community continues to thrive.”
Will Prather, Executive Producer and CEO of Prather Productions, oversees Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Pennsylvania, and APEX Touring. A passionate advocate for the arts and community development, Will has been a United Way supporter since Broadway Palm opened nearly 30 years ago. “Nearly 30 years ago, I joined United Way’s campaign as Broadway Palm opened its doors” Prather says, “and now, co-chairing this year’s effort feels like coming full circle. Our community has grown tremendously and so have its needs. United Way has met those challenges every step of the way. It’s an honor to lead this campaign alongside my friend Carolyn Rogers. May the force be with you!”
Why United Way?
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed $243 million since being established in 1957. All money raised in the United Way campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network that provides essential services—from food security and healthcare to education and crisis response.
United is the Way—and together, we will mobilize the community so all can thrive.
