United Way of Utah County: Thanks for making a difference
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- Brigham Young University employees participate in a United Way of Utah County Day of Caring project.
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- Jeanette Bennett, chair of the United Way of Utah County board of directors, speaks at a United Way event.
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- A family volunteers with United Way of Utah County’s Sub for Santa program.
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- Bill Hulterstrom, president and CEO of United Way of Utah County.
One of my favorite things about November is how this month focuses so much on gratitude. From the beginning of the month through Thanksgiving Day and beyond, November offers us the chance to reflect on the many gifts we’ve been given and the people who have made a difference in our lives. In the spirit of the season, I’d like to express gratitude to several different groups that have made an incredible impact on our community over the years.
Here at United Way of Utah County, we understand that long-term impact is possible only when leaders and organizations from all sectors of the community work together. We are so fortunate to have many businesses and organizations in our community that are passionately dedicated to meeting local needs. These partners generously donate their time and resources to ensure individuals and families who need support can access essential resources.
One organizational partner that has been with us for more than 60 years, from the very beginning of United Way of Utah County, is Brigham Young University. BYU has been an active participant in our annual Day of Caring by providing hundreds of volunteers to complete much-needed projects over the decades.
In addition to its volunteer commitment, BYU has also been a leader in donating financial resources to support our community. Its annual employee-giving campaign has donated thousands upon thousands of dollars to support programs that help ensure people can meet their basic needs, succeed in school and live healthy lives. The generosity of these donors has changed countless lives, and we are so grateful for their dedication.
There are so many other amazing organizational partners that donate generously of their own time and resources as well, and I wish I had the space to recognize them each individually. To all those who have partnered with United Way, especially those who continue to set examples of generosity in our community, thank you. Your donations are appreciated more than you know.
Another group that I would like to thank today is our amazing board of directors, currently led by Jeanette Bennett. Each member of our board brings unique skills and assets to help United Way in its mission to strengthen our community. I am continually amazed at how these community leaders, each of whom has so many other responsibilities and calls on their time, give so much to United Way. Thanks to their vision and leadership, United Way has been able to expand its services, strengthen relationships and identify the most pressing needs in our community. We are truly grateful for the counsel and support provided by our board of directors.
Of course, any gratitude list would be incomplete without mentioning the partner organizations and nonprofits who work side by side with United Way to make a difference in our community. From the partners who have been with us from the beginning like Recreation and Habilitation (RAH) Services and Alpine House to our newer partners, each of these organizations inspires me to do more. The level of commitment and dedication that staff members and volunteers in each of these organizations demonstrate is truly inspiring. Without their incredible work, so many families in Utah County would be left without recourse. They are changing lives every day, and we are so grateful to associate with them.
Although space limits me from individually thanking all of the volunteers and donors whose generosity makes our work possible, I do want to spotlight one particular group to thank today. As we gear up for another Sub for Santa season, I am reminded again of how the volunteers and donors to this program truly change lives. Open house volunteers, Sub for Santa sponsors, Angel Tree donors and Santa’s Workshop volunteers are all essential to the program. Their work ensures we always have enough to provide each Sub for Santa participant gifts and resources during a challenging time of year. You may not know the names of these volunteers and donors, but their generosity is not just helping folks get through the winter; their generosity is changing lives. Thank you for giving out of the abundance of your hearts.
There are so many others, well deserving of thanks, who work tirelessly to support our community. To all those who have given just a little extra this time of year, to those who have taken time to serve a neighbor, and to those who answer the call for help when it comes — thank you. Thank you for strengthening your family, your neighborhood and your community. Thank you for helping us all to LIVE UNITED.
For more information about United Way of Utah County, visit unitedwayuc.org.
