Morris named 2008-2009 United Way Campaign chair
Mark Morris, President of Commerce Bank of Southwest Florida has been named Campaign Chair for the 2008-2009 United Way Campaign. As volunteer Campaign Chair, Morris will oversee the efforts of more than 1,500 volunteers working to meet this year’s $8,018,000 fund-raising goal.
Morris said, “I am extremely honored to be asked to lead the 2008-2009 United Way Campaign. This community is facing economic challenges, but I know we can meet the $8 million goal or exceed it. Morris, a Fort Myers native went on to say, “This is a very giving and involved community, and the strong volunteer spirit will carry us through.”
“If Michael Phelps can win 8 gold Olympic medals, I see no reason our community can’t raise $8 million,” he added.
Last year in our community, more than 300,000 people’s lives were touched by United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades 156 partner programs and initiatives. These services are fueled by an annual campaign that raised more than $7.6 million in 2007-2008.
Since the inception of United Way in 1957, over $80 million has been raised in our community. All money raised in the United Way campaign stays in our community to help support the local human service network. United Way partner agencies and initiatives like Alvin A Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center, Children’s Advocacy Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, LARC and United Way 211 serve a diverse range of needs in our community such as nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, meeting critical needs such as helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering communities by bringing health and human services to neighborhoods.
In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, the United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies and initiatives, helping them to work together focusing on issues and solutions that continue to improve lives. For more information please call United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades at 433-2000 or visit unitedwaylee.org.