United Way of Central Alabama surpasses 2020 campaign goal by $1.5M, despite the pandemic

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They weren’t sure how it was going to happen, but they knew it would. Thanks to the generosity of Birmingham’s community and a hardworking team, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) exceeded its campaign goal by $1.5M and raises $36M during the annual Hope Happens campaign.

A foggy year with a clear goal

When UWCA launched the ‘Because of You Hope Happens’ campaign in September, people viewed it from computer screens instead of banquet seats. This kickoff would set the theme for the next three months as UWCA members determined how to deliver their goals for the campaign virtually.

UWCA exceeds campaign goal by taking notes from a new playbook

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COVID quickly became a real threat in March and UWCA’s campaign chairs immediately thought, “What will this do to the campaign?” So many of Birmingham’s nonprofits and vital organizations rely on funds from the annual campaign each year to provide necessary services to residents in Central Alabama.

But, UWCA was not deterred—only motivated. Fundraisers thought of how things might look different. They began to learn new strategies, pivot to a digital platform, assemble a group of veteran cabinet members and more.

“When the pandemic hit and we had to write this alternative playbook, nobody blinked…In fact I saw a deeper stacking of hands than I’ve ever seen in one community effort before.”

Greg King, 2020 Campaign Chair, United Way of Central Alabama

UWCA exceeded its campaign goal with help from the community

As calls rolled into UWCA’S 2-1-1 crisis line or the state saw its unemployment rate skyrocket, donors understood what was happening and responded in generous ways.

Since the pandemic let us see first-hand what effects a crisis has on a community, support that the Hope Happens campaign received increased tenfold.

“At United Way, we have the belief that we are a community asset—owned by the community, led by volunteers and managed by staff.

I’m humbled by everyone that came together to lend their time, talent and treasures during a time when it’s not easy to do and the needs of the community are incredibly great.”

Drew Langloh, President & CEO, United Way of Central Alabama

The world is a better place because of your generosity

Funds from the Hope Happens campaign will go toward providing unrestricted, sustainable support to UWCA’s over 80 partner agencies. To put it tangibly, it looks like providing affordable housing through the YWCA or assisting those in a personal crisis.

It also translates to young women learning leadership skills with the Girl Scouts of Central Alabama and homebound seniors receiving free meals via Meals on Wheels.

Together with your support, UWCA is helping to improve the lives of Jefferson County, and those in the surrounding area which includes Shelby, Walker, Blount, St. Clair and Chilton counties.

Through quality education, financial stability, better health, and access to services Central Alabama grows stronger each year.

That’s not all—did you see this UWCA society is #1 in fundraising? Talk about a winning streak.

Learn how to get involved with United Way of Central Alabama through their website and when you follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

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