United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades calls for support to help close $1.6M annual campaign gap

During a community press conference held on June 3, 2026, United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades called on the community to be “One in a Million” to help close a remaining $1.6 million funding gap and ensure continued support for critical programs and services serving thousands of families across the region.

Community leaders, partners, donors and partner agencies gathered to highlight the growing need, share the impact of campaign-funded programs and encourage community participation through the organization’s One in a Million campaign.

Like many nonprofits across the country, United Way has faced growing economic pressures, reduced grant funding and increased community need and is currently working to close a significant funding gap in its $11.5 million annual campaign. Fulfilling the campaign goal is critical in order for United Way to fully support its 92 partner agencies and United Way-operated programs that improve the lives of more than 500,000 people in the community.

“For nearly 70 years, our community has come together through United Way’s annual campaign to support local families, individuals and partners agencies during times of need. Today, that support is more important than ever,” said Hannah Pelle, interim president and CEO of United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades. “Every donation, fulfilled pledge and additional contribution helps sustain hundreds of critical programs and services that thousands rely on every single day.”

While a funding gap remains, United Way is encouraged by the growing response from across the community as businesses, foundations, individual donors, partner agencies and community leaders are stepping up in meaningful ways to help close the gap and sustain critical programs and services.

One example of community leaders helping build momentum toward the campaign goal is a significant $250,000 commitment from Lee Health through the Lee Health Foundation. Of the total contribution, $132,000 will directly support United Way’s WeCare program, which provides access to specialty medical care and services for uninsured and underserved residents in Lee County. The remaining funds will support United Way’s broader mission. All of the funds provided align with the commitment made by Lee Health in its 2024 conversion to continue its 110 year mission of caring for Lee County’s residents.

Additionally, United Way is proud to announce two generous matching gifts that are combining to help amplify community giving during this time, including a $100,000 match from a private family foundation and another $100,000 match from Linda and Tom Uhler, longtime United Way supporters. The combined $200,000 match is designed to increase the impact of every dollar contributed as the organization works to close the remaining gap.

Despite the generous commitments announced today, a substantial funding gap remains. While these contributions have reduced the remaining need to approximately $1.3 million, community support remains more urgent than ever. United Way encourages residents, businesses and philanthropic partners to consider making a gift, fulfilling outstanding pledges or participating in workplace giving efforts as part of a community-wide effort to ensure programs and services remain available to thousands who rely on them.

“There are a million reasons to give – and thousands of lives are depending on it,” said Carolyn Rogers, co-chair of the annual campaign. “We are calling on our community to be the one in a million to help us close the gap.”

To learn more about United Way and to contribute to the annual campaign, visit UnitedWayLee.org/Donate.

About United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed more than $272 million since its establishment in 1957, with all funds staying local to support a vast network of partner agencies and community programs. Together, we serve the community by nurturing youth, strengthening families, helping the elderly and people with disabilities live independently, supporting veterans, and empowering neighborhoods by delivering essential health and human services. Visit UnitedWayLee.org to learn more.