UNITED WAY'S DAY OF CARING BREAKFAST AND CAMPAIGN KICKOFF EVENT IGNITES COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Boaz, AL - The Boaz Rec Center came alive with hope and unity on the morning of Tuesday, September 12, as over 450 volunteers donned their blue "LIVE UNITED" shirts to participate in United Way of Marshall County's 26th Annual Day of Caring Breakfast and Campaign Kickoff event. This gathering, renowned as the largest one-day volunteer event in the county, was a resounding success, filled with heartwarming stories, captivating performances, and a shared commitment to making a difference.

The event's highlight was undoubtedly the touching and inspirational comments by the Butler Family, representatives of United Way’s partner agency the Marshall County Foster and Adoptive Parents Association. Mina and Justin Butler, adopted their daughter Becca through the foster care system several years ago. She was born with special needs and later diagnosed with Turner’s Syndrome that led to Becca completely losing her eyesight two years ago. Now 11 years old, Becca shared her story of resilience and triumph over adversity, narrated with unwavering optimism. In a heartwarming moment, Becca invited her friend, Sean Dietrich, most popularly known as “Sean of the South”, to join her on stage and perform renditions of "You've Got a Friend in Me" and "Smile”.

"Becca is truly an inspiration to us all," remarked Raquel Zavaleta, Marketing and Community Impact Director, capturing the sentiment of the audience.

Cade Smith, this year's Campaign Chair, unveiled the goal for the 2023/2024 campaign as $755,000, with the rallying theme, "United in Purpose." In a testament to the community's commitment, it was announced that 23 companies served as Pacesetter Companies and have collectively already raised an astounding 40% of the campaign's target, totaling $305,869.

Acknowledging the dedication of volunteers, Smith also recognized this year's Loaned Executives who will play a pivotal role in driving the campaign forward. These individuals include Kelly Beck with Peoples Independent Bank, Carolyn Davis with Marshall County RSVP, Lisa Holmes with the Child Development Centers, Anastasia Hughes with the Marshall County Arc, Gabby Gonzalez Miller with Main Street Realty Plus, Mitch Gore with Citizens Bank and Trust, Pam Osborn with Peoples Independent Bank, Jamila Richey with Keller Williams Realty, and Dale Willett with Cadence Bank.

Carrie Thomas, United Way's Executive Director, proudly announced that almost 80 Day of Caring projects were adopted throughout the county, reflecting the organization's commitment to improving lives locally. Additionally, around 30 companies participated in Casual Days, where employees wore Day of Caring t-shirts to show their solidarity with United Way.

The event's success was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including Howard Bentley Buick GMC, Total Dental Care, Publix, Parker Hannifin, Progress Rail, Kappler, Mitchell Grocery, Peoples Independent Bank, First Bank of Boaz, Redstone Federal Credit Union, Allstate: Miguel Corona, and Wayne Sanderson Farms. Their commitment to the cause was instrumental in making this event a reality.

As the campaign continues through November, United Way of Marshall County invites individuals and organizations alike to get involved, set up workplace campaigns, or learn more about the "United in Purpose" spirit. For more information, please contact Carrie Thomas via email at carrie@unitedwaymarshall.org or call the United Way office at (256) 582-4700.

The Day of Caring Breakfast and Campaign Kickoff showcased the incredible power of unity and compassion within the Marshall County community. Day of Caring participants included:

Advertiser Gleam

AlaTrade

Albertville Chamber of Commerce

Albertville City Schools

Benefit Professionals

Boaz Chamber of Commerce

Boaz City schools GATE Program

Cadence Bank

CASA of Marshall County

Child Advocacy Center

Childcare Resource Network

Church of the Highlands

Citizens Bank & Trust

City of Albertville

City of Boaz

Clinic for Vision

Domestic Violence Crisis Services

DriV/Tenneco

Electric Board of Guntersville

Family Savings Credit Union

First Bank of Boaz

First Southern State Bank

Foster and Adoptive Parents association

Foundation for Marshall Medical Centers

Gore and Stisher Wealth Management

Guntersville Breathables Inc. dba Frogg Toggs

Hope UMC

Howard Bentley Buick GMC

Legacy Lube & Maintenance

Main Street Realty

Marshall County 4H Clubs

Marshall County Arc

Marshall County Commission

Marshall County DA’s Office

Marshall County Homeless Ministries

Marshall County Legislative Office

Marshall County Probate office

Marshall Jackson 310

Mill Street Deli

Mitchell Grocery

Paragon

Parker Hannifin

Peoples Bank of Alabama

Peoples Independent Bank

Phillips financial advisors

Progress Rail

Ray Kennamer Construction

Redstone Federal Credit Union

Regions Bank

Rehab Select

Sand Mountain Reporter

Shepherd's Cove Hospice

The Pink Poise Boutique

Unfazed Leadership

Weathers Properties

Wendy Patterson - Realtor

WQSB

United Way of Marshall County continues to inspire hope, foster change, and build stronger communities through the unwavering commitment of its volunteers and supporters. Together, we are truly "United in Purpose."

For more than 40 years, United Way of Marshall County has helped enrich community life by addressing critical issues. Volunteers and donors research the needs of the community and develop strategies for assisting people who need it most, including children, families and individuals. United Way of Marshall County provides funding for 19 partner agencies and programs that ensure the efficient use of donor dollars. For more information, please visit our website at www.unitedwaymarshall.org or find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/unitedwayofmarshallcounty.