United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades celebrated its 2025-26 Campaign Kickoff at the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall in Fort Myers, where United Way announced that 50.5% of their annual fundraising campaign goal of $11,512,716 has already been met.
This significant contribution was raised through Pacesetter contributions along with early Alexis de Tocqueville Society giving (individuals who contribute $10,000+ annually) and Keel Club giving (individuals who contribute $1,000-$9,999 annually). Event sponsors included B&I Contractors, Inc., Cypress Cove, Florida Trust Wealth Management, Publix Super Markets and Sanibel Captiva Community Bank.
“The 2025-26 campaign is underway and we’re excited about our efforts moving forward,” said United Way Board Chair Kevin Karnes. “Our nearly 100 partner agencies provide key services to individuals and families across Southwest Florida, and this campaign is critically important to support their needs and unite the community.”
Campaign Co-chairs Carolyn Rogers and Will Prather spoke about the $11.5 million goal for this year’s campaign and the theme, ‘United is the Way.’
“The United Way annual campaign is a powerful reminder that we’re strongest when we stand together,” said Prather. “This year’s ‘United is the Way’ theme embodies the belief that together, we can overcome challenges, create opportunities and make a lasting difference in people’s lives.”
Pacesetter Co-chairs Matt Humphreys and Jay Santos gave updates about companies and organizations that ran their United Way campaigns early to set the pace for the rest of the community. There are currently 184 Pacesetters with 472 individuals who give at the Keel Club level (donations of $1,000+ annually), including 47 who are Alexis de Tocqueville donors. The total raised thus far is $5,813,033.
The top 10 Pacesetter companies are:
- Publix – $910,250
- Beesley's Paw Prints – $350,000
- Lee Health – $258,198
- Uhler Vertich White Advisors – $218,224
- LCEC - $205,000
- Susanne and Larry Pickering – $175,000
- United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades employees – $157,363
- O'Donnell Landscapes, Inc – $151,500
- Lee Board of County Commissioners – $130,142
- FineMark National Bank & Trust – $85,891
“Our Pacesetters are a great group, and we’re thrilled with the support and effort they put in each year,” said Rogers. “Starting the campaign like this is important and makes great strides in helping to reach our goal of $11.5 million dollars that will ensure that our coworkers, friends and neighbors continue to get the assistance they need.”
In addition to learning about the impact the funding has on the community, attendees also heard about an exciting chance to win one of several staycation packages in 2026. By contributing $240 or more per year to the 2025-2026 campaign, individuals will be automatically entered to win one of the staycation prizes.
The ‘Staycation Passport to Paradise’ courtesy of Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach includes:
- Grand Prize
- Five-night stay for up to four people
- $500 resort credit
- Sightseeing or sunset cruise for up to four people
- Five-night stay for up to four people
- Four Runner Up Prizes:
- Two-night stay
- $50 resort credit
- Two-night stay
All money raised through the United Way campaign stays in the community to help support the local human service network of partner agencies. United Way Partner Agencies such as Better Together, Boys & Girls Club of Lee County, Cancer Alliance Network, Harry Chapin Food Bank, Lee County Legal Aid Society, Partners for Breast Cancer Care, and The Dubin Center serve a diverse range of needs in the community.
In addition to raising funds for human service organizations, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies, helping them work together to focus on issues that continue to improve lives. United Way’s mission as a volunteer-driven organization is to improve the quality of life for all people in our community.
Opportunities for the community to engage and support the 2025-26 campaign will continue throughout the year with special fundraising events like the Celebrity Bartender Battle on Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Bay Street Yard, 2136 Bay St. in Fort Myers. The Celebrity Bartender Battle will pit local “celebrities” against each other as they set up behind the bar to serve drinks and engage with guests to see which team can raise the most money. All tips and 20% of proceeds from that night benefit United Way and its programs. To donate in support of your favorite bartender, visit UnitedWayLee.org/Events/Celebrity-Bartender
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades was established in 1957 and has raised and distributed more than $272 million since its inception. To contribute to this year's campaign visit UnitedWayLee.org/Donate.