(Shreveport, LA) – United Way of Northwest Louisiana (UWNWLA) and area businesses celebrated $1.8 million raised for Northwest Louisiana programs Thursday night. These funds have an impact value of nearly $6 million for our community, helping more than 100,000 lives in need in our region. Allocations will be made to UWNWLA programs and nonprofit services that work to serve ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) citizens.
Each year, UWNWLA unites with businesses to implement change in our community through workplace campaigns, volunteer engagement, and advocacy. The largest fundraising initiative is its annual campaign, where UWNWLA partners with companies to conduct workplace fundraisers. Campaigns allow employees to give back each year and come together to help those most in need.
UWNWLA’s Tails & Ales: A Celebration of Impact event shares fundraising and impact results from the previous year and acknowledges the supporters that made it possible, including approximately 100 partner companies. The top five companies that raised the most dollars include Williams Companies, AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO), Caddo Parish Public Schools, Zachry Group, and International Paper Mansfield Mill. Williams Companies received the Life of the Party Award for encouraging its employees to give by hosting a golf tournament that supported its workplace campaign.
The distinguished Clyde E. Fant Award recognizes an individual who has contributed to the community and UWNWLA through leadership, campaign, or other volunteer efforts. This year, UWNWLA honored President and CEO of Willis-Knighton Health System, Jaf Fielder, for his long-time support of United Way and his yearly donation of office spaces for the organization, valued at $60,000. The Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award has been awarded to community philanthropists since 1949. Former recipients include Virginia K. Shehee in 1975 and Mary Ann Selber in 2001.
The 2023 LIVE UNITED Award was given to Coca-Cola Bottling Company for its advocacy, volunteerism, fundraising, and generous in-kind donations over the years. The company with the largest increase in total campaign donations was Raymond James, which was recognized with the Movers and Shakers Award. AEP SWEPCO was also recognized for being one of UWNWLA’s largest fundraisers for 20 years and received the Milestone Award. Servant’s Heart Awards were given to companies and individuals who showed outstanding volunteerism. In addition, Outstanding Ambassador Awards went to several individuals who dedicated their time, effort, and passion to incorporating the United Way spirit within their company by hosting an annual campaign, coordinating special events, and working as an advocate for the organization.
“Part of a true United Way Campaign goes beyond the pledge form,” said UWNWLA President & CEO LaToria Thomas. “We are grateful to have supporters who truly know what it means to Live United and embody the United Way spirit through their advocacy, volunteerism, and support. They preach, live, and breathe our mission and are the reason for our success. We are honored and eager to celebrate them every year.”
In 2022, more than 100 presentations were made to 70 companies running workplace campaigns. More than 2400 donors gave, and 74 of these were leadership donors who donated $1,000 or more. United Way of Northwest Louisiana is honored to have such generous supporters and looks forward to another year of changing lives in 2023.
2022 TAILS & ALES: A CELEBRATION OF IMPACT AWARD RECIPIENTS
Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award
Jaf Fielder, President & CEO of Willis Knighton Health System
Life of the Party Award
Williams Companies
Servant’s Heart Award
Christy Clark, Greenacres Middle School
Servant’s Heart Award
Charles Rugg II, Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
Servant’s Heart Award
International Paper Mansfield Mill
Outstanding Ambassador Award
Lyndon Johnson, Calumet
Outstanding Ambassador Award – 1st Runner Up
Mary Wood, Caddo Parish Public Schools
Outstanding Ambassador Award – 2nd Runner Up
Pam Bollman, Purina Animal Nutrition
New Campaign Award
Gibsland Bank & Trust
LIVE UNITED Award
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Shreveport
Lifetime United Way Supporter
Willis Knighton Health System
Milestone Award
AEP SWEPCO
Trailblazer Award
The Thomas H. & Mayme P. Scott Foundation
Movers & Shakers Award
Raymond James
###