United Way launches 2027 campaign
‘The Greatest Hits: 70 Years of United Way’
Community champions Joe Catti, Jim Nathan and Cliff Smith to chair campaign with goal to raise $10.4M
Celebrating 70 years of dedicated impact and the best still yet to come, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is proud to announce the beginning of its 2027 campaign season under the theme “The Greatest Hits: 70 Years of United Way.”
Featuring a 70s-inspired theme, this year’s campaign reflects on the many ways United Way has evolved over the decades to meet the changing needs of the community, while looking ahead to a future that’s filled with possibility. The campaign has set a fundraising goal of $10.4 million, which will support critical services and programs throughout the community.
Leading the 2027 campaign are three dynamic community champions, Joe Catti, Jim Nathan and Cliff Smith. With decades of professional leadership and tremendous impact across the region, the co-chairs will work together to rally the community in support of local individuals, families and programs.
Joe Catti, founder and CEO of FineMark National Bank & Trust, brings over 40 years of banking experience to his role. Beyond his accomplished professional career, the Florida native is a committed community leader that serves on several influential boards, including Lee Health, Lee Health Foundation, Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation and Community Cooperative, among others. He has held leadership positions with United Way, including serving as board chair and led the organization’s annual fundraising campaign in 2009.
“The most meaningful investments are the ones that make life better for others,” Catti said. “We all have people and causes that matter to us, and this campaign gives us an opportunity to invest in a stronger, more caring community for all.”
Jim Nathan spent nearly 35 years at the helm of Lee Health, the region’s largest health care system, before retiring as President and CEO in 2017. He continues to serve the community as an adjunct professor at Florida Gulf Coast University, mentors, volunteers on several local boards, including Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, is the founder of Floridians for Democracy and is a longtime supporter of United Way.
“This campaign is about neighbors helping neighbors, and strengthening the people, families and organizations that make this place home,” Nathan said. “When all of us give what we can, those gifts add up to make a lasting difference for our community.”
Cliff Smith is the retired longtime president of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades, where he served 26 years before his retirement in 2019. His tenure with United Way included helping raise more than $166 million to serve individuals and families across the community and establishing a range of impactful United Way programs such as Mission United, WeCare, United Way 211, Beesley’s Pawprints and more.
“While we’re celebrating 70 years of impact, this campaign is really about the next 70 years,” Smith said. “For decades, I’ve seen how our community has continued to invest in one another, and we have an opportunity to ensure our neighbors continue to receive this support for years to come.”
All money raised in the United Way campaign stays in the local community to help support local programs providing essential services – from food security and healthcare to education and crisis response. Collectively, these human services programs improve the lives of more than 500,000 people in the community. United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed $283 million since being established in 1957.
“United Way has been a dedicated partner in this community since 1957, and we have much to celebrate as we look back on 70 years of impact. But looking back also reminds us that every generation brings new needs, and we must continue to evolve alongside them,” said Hannah Pelle, interim president and CEO of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. “That’s why we’re excited to have three powerhouse community leaders stewarding this year’s campaign. Their expertise and leadership will help us build momentum for another year of impact as we remain focused on what needs lie ahead for our community and the thousands of people and families who rely on these critical programs and services every day.”
For the 2027 campaign, United Way is again partnering with Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach for its Passport to Paradise prize giveaway. Donors who contributed $240 or more toward the 2027 campaign will automatically be entered into a drawing for the chance to win a staycation prize, courtesy of Margaritaville. The grand prize includes a five-night stay at Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach with a $500 resort credit and sightseeing or sunset cruise for up to four people. Four runner-up prizes will also be awarded and include a two-night stay and $50 resort credit.
Businesses and organizations are encouraged to support the 2027 campaign as Pacesetters, helping set the pace for community-wide giving. United Way is hosting a series of informational webinars Sept. 8-10 for organizations interested in learning more. To become a Pacesetter company or launch an employee workplace campaign, contact RD@unitedwaylee.org.
Details, tickets and sponsorship opportunities for United Way’s campaign kickoff event will be announced in the coming weeks.