We Are UNITED Luncheon
Valley of the Sun United Way raised a record-breaking $378,000 at its annual Women United We Are UNITED luncheon May 18. The event at the Arizona Biltmore will benefit two of the organization’s programs to eliminate hunger among schoolchildren – WeekEnd Hunger Backpacks and Breakfast in the Classroom. The luncheon will help provide more than 200,000 meals to children and families in need.
Grammy, Tony and Emmy Award-nominated performer and author Vanessa Williams was the keynote speaker, sharing stories from her life during a conversational chat with emcee Olivia Fierro of Channel 3 TV Good Morning Arizona. “When you’re hungry, you can’t learn, you can’t be yourself, and it takes away a part of you,” Williams told the audience.
Other speakers included Tillman Middle School principal Dr. Chad Smith, who shared his own experience with the effects of hunger in the classroom. Latasha Causey, USAA, and Jenny Holsman Tetreault, US Foods, co-chairs of Women United, served as luncheon co-chairs. Arizona first lady Angela Ducey was the honorary chair for the event. USAA was the presenting sponsor.
Valley of the Sun United Way’s Women United embraces the philanthropic spirit of Frances Wisebart Jacobs, founder of the nation’s first United Way 125 years ago. Jacobs understood the power of women to effect change.
PHOTOS COURTESY VALLEY OF THE SUN UNITED WAY
Presenting sponsor USAA
Luncheon co-chairs Latasha Causey, USAA, and Jennifer Holsman Tetreault, US Foods, with Vanessa Williams
Valley of the Sun United Way Steering Committee
Vanessa Williams and Olivia Fierro, Channel 3 Good Morning Arizona
