September 2024 Newsletter

Two Years After Hurricane Ian: A Story of Resilience

As we approach the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Ian, we’re reminded of

the strength and resilience of survivors like Greg and Gretchen Saunders.

Living in Naples, Greg cares for his mother Gretchen, who is battling cancer.

They had experienced hurricanes before, but nothing like Ian.

“It happened so fast... the water was just gushing into the house.

For three days, we were walking in water up to our knees,” Greg shared.

Through it all, the Saunders stayed strong. With help from UWCK and other

agencies, their home was renovated, allowing them to return to a sense of

normalcy. “I’m grateful that I have a roof over my head because

I know there’s a lot of people that don’t,” Gretchen reflected.

Kitchen before

Kitchen after

Their story is one of perseverance, love, and community support

—values that continue to inspire all of us.

HURRICANE IAN DISASTER STATISTICS

Direct Assistance	$1,753,951.80
Interviews	19,762
Referrals Made	1,425
People Helped	13,960

Support Our Disaster Resiliency Fund

Help UWCK provide immediate relief and long-term recovery after storms.

Your donation strengthens our community’s resilience this hurricane season and beyond.

To hear more Hurricane Ian recovery stories, check out our YouTube page.

You can also find hurricane season resources here.

Hurricane Ian: Vendor Appreciation

UWCK recently hosted a Vendor Appreciation Event to recognize the incredible vendors who helped our communities rebuild.

A heartfelt thank you to Paradise

Coast Builders Inc., ZERPA

Maintenance and Service, and

R&J Martinez Services for your tireless efforts in helping local families.

Community Champion Award

Ashley Jones, UWCK’s Vice President

of Community Impact, was recently recognized with the Community Champion Award at Collier County's inaugural Emergency Readiness Summit. Her dedication, especially during and

after Hurricane Ian, has made

a lasting impact on our community.

2024 Publix Campaign

Celebrating Publix and United Way's 45-Year Partnership

UWCK staff, board members, and partner agencies recently visited Publix

stores across Collier and Monroe counties to celebrate the 2024 Publix

campaign and the incredible generosity of Publix associates. This year

marks the 45th anniversary of the Publix and United Way partnership!

Deadline Approaching for UWCK Marine Science Education Grant!

The application process for the

annual UWCK Marine Science

Education Grant is now open.

Now in its fourth year, UWCK’s five-year commitment aims to provide

$180,000 to schools and educational

facilities throughout the Keys.

In the 2023-2024 cycle, a total of $41,729 was awarded to 17 recipients.

The annual Marine Science Education Grant program is part of UWCK's commitment to creating the next generation of reef stewards, in partnership with the

United Arab Emirates.

Grants of up to $2,500 are available per application for Monroe County School District schools and Monroe County-based marine science nonprofit education centers or organizations. Additionally, up to $500 per application is available for Monroe County licensed childcare facilities and preschools.

Applications are due

by September 30th!

Apply Now!

Tiffani Mensch Named Top Nonprofit Executive

United Way of Collier and the Keys President and CEO Tiffani Mensch

has been recognized as one of

Southwest Florida’s Top 30

Nonprofit Executives of 2024!

Her tireless dedication and passion

for leading UWCK has earned her

this well-deserved honor.

Making Connections

You're Invited to Join Women United!

We had an amazing time at Bad Ass Coffee of Hawaii connecting with

incredible women to discuss the launch of Women United! This group

harnesses the power of women to make a real impact in our community,

using their passion, skills, and resources to create lasting change.

We’re looking for champions ready to strengthen our community and make a difference.

Interested in joining? Visit our website to fill out the form and

don’t miss our Pre-Kickoff Event on October 10th!

Record-Breaking Beach Cleanup!

Nearly 100 volunteers participated in a beach cleanup at Naples Pier, hosted by The Healthy Earth Org and supported by United Way of Collier and the Keys. This event saw the highest attendance ever for a beach cleanup, resulting in the collection of 148 pounds of debris. Thank you to everyone who made this success possible!

Thank You for Supporting Dolly Parton's Imagination Library!

Thanks to everyone who supported our Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

event—we raised $1,498! Big shoutout to Hard Rock Key West for hosting

and to Jordan Upchurch for emceeing in fabulous Dolly fashion!

Another Successful

Florida Keys Nonprofit Day!

On September 11th, professionals from charitable organizations across Monroe County gathered for the third annual Florida Keys Nonprofit Day.

Presented by the Florida Keys Funders Alliance—comprising the Community Foundation of the Florida Keys, Ocean Reef Community Foundation, and United Way of Collier and the Keys—the event featured sessions on presentations, branding, and finance, culminating in a reception sponsored by First State Bank of the Florida Keys.

Women of Steel Conference

UWCK Vice President of Philanthropy Brittni Brown, along with Board Members

Janet Pogar and Nancy Limb, recently attended the Women of Steel conference.

A big thank you to Florida Blue for the invite! The conference focused on

leadership, empowerment, and finance.

Grace Place Visit

UWCK President and CEO Tiffani Mensch and VP of Philanthropy Brittni Brown recently visited Grace Place to see the fantastic improvements to the Bright Beginnings playground, made possible by UWCK funding.

Updates include a resurfaced trike track, and new additions like a balance beam, art easel, and discovery center.