Q: How did you come to be involved with the United Way?
I went through the LANO board member training and met the Executive Director during the “speed dating” portion of the training. I knew the United Way did great work in our area, and I was looking to learn more about and get more involved with local non-profits, so I jumped at the opportunity to get involved with the United Way when it presented itself.
Q: If you could tell someone who doesn’t know about the United Way one thing about our organization, what would it be?
The United Way does so much it would be extremely difficult to narrow it down to just one thing, but the thing that is most important to me as a donor is something that I know the United Way does well, even though it isn’t something that many people even think about. The United Way is excellent at ensuring that funds that they grant to our local organizations are utilized properly, and for their intended purpose.
It’s comforting to me to know that my money is being well-utilized, and spent on the things that it was intended for, instead of being wasted as does sometimes happen with poorly run organizations. When the United Way follows up with all of these organizations, it helps keep them on track, and helps donors like me that want to make sure their money is well spent.
Q: If you could change one thing in this community, what would it be?
I’m an avid believer that financial education and stability can move mountains and change lives drastically. I would love to eradicate poverty from our community and educate everyone in it about the value of self-reliance and financial discipline.