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.