United Way Skyline Society Celebrates Impact!

April 8, 2019 | by uwhr1957

Over 100 people gathered last Wednesday for the United Way Skyline Society reception at CrossKeys Vineyard. The Skyline Society, comprised of community members or companies who give $500 more, came together with United Way funded partner organizations to celebrate the impact of their contributions, and to hear how United Way is tackling big issues in the future.

Shannon Porter, Executive Director of Mercy House, shared a story of a family that was directly impacted by United Way dollars. He explained how many grants are restrictive in who they can support, and how United Way dollars fill the gaps that exist in current funding sources. "What's a home without a bed to sleep on, a dresser for your clothes, or a table to eat at?" Porter explained how United Way funding enables them to provide necessities so that families can get back on their feet and get back to work.

Guests also heard from Keston Fulcher, Director of the Center for Assessment and Research Studies at JMU, about new strategies United Way is tackling in order to face the most pressing needs of the community. He shared about a recent partnership with the JMU X-labs, a multi-disciplinary program that brings students together to tackle big problems that resist solutions.

Ellie Holsopple, Director of Promotions and Creative Services at WHSV TV3 and long-time United Way supporter attended the event. "Hearing how intelligently United Way is addressing the current and future needs of our community through strategic partnerships and proactive thinking is so exciting! I love that they are not just doing what has always been done, but looking for ways to involve new ideas and solutions to address needs," Holsopple said about the event.

The event concluded with a call to action for attendees to share the mission of United Way with a friend a colleague to help ensure the message gets in front of more people throughout our community.

Beer at the event was sponsored by MillerCoors, who has been supporting United Way since the Elkton location was built more than 30 years ago.