Orange County Employees Exceed United Way Goal

Community & Services

Mayor Teresa Jacobs joined Orange County employees at the Orange County Convention Center for the 2015 Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) Campaign’s Victory Celebration luncheon.

There was much to celebrate because the County’s employees contributed an impressive $501,745 this year to the local nonprofit through fundraising efforts. This year’s campaign exceeded the previous year’s contributions by 16 percent. For 90 years, Heart of Florida United Way has been at the forefront of health and human care services in Central Florida.

“As always, Orange County Government has done a tremendous job in supporting this year’s campaign,” Mayor Jacobs said. “It is each of you and your staff that pours your heart and soul into this campaign, so we can help our neighbors in need and our community.”

Orange County departments and individuals were also recognized for their top money raising efforts, including:

  • 1st Place, County Administration Office: $77,612
  • 2nd Place, Utilities: $74,279
  • 3rd Place, Sheriff’s Office: $56,050
  • 4th Place, Convention Center: $40,388
  • 5th Place, Public Works: $40,384

Orange County Water Division Manager Jacqueline Torbert said the dedication and commitment of Orange County employees to the community is evident in its steadfast participation and collaboration with United Way.

“When you invest your time, talents, and dollars, they go to work in the community in a targeted, thoughtful way, and transform lives throughout our region,” Torbert said. “Supporting United Way is part of a strategic, collaborative approach to addressing our communities’ toughest challenges in the areas of Education, Income, Health and Basic Needs.”

In addition to payroll deduction, Orange County government employees worked together to raise money by participating in various activities such as sports tournaments, raffles, bake-offs, cook-offs and more.

Bob Brown, CEO and President of HFUW, said the organization benefits one in five people in Central Florida. Brown said the organization aids the community in different ways, and is essential to Orange County.

“Whether it’s helping a child with school readiness or helping a returning military veteran find stable employment, Heart of Florida United Way provides essential services and resources to people in Orange County,” Brown said. “Last year alone, we served more than 660,000 clients throughout Central Florida.”

HFUW has been involved in Central Florida since 1939. Since the beginning, the organization has been carrying on the tradition of helping those in need in Orlando, but has since changed its focus to prevention with a philosophy called Investing in Results. With a goal targeted toward finding a way to prevent problems affecting the community, HFUW is dedicated to focusing on education, income, health and basic needs.

Photos from the 2015 Heart of Florida United Way Campaign’s Victory Celebration luncheon may be found on Flickr for use by the media.

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