Young Leaders Society Steering Committee
The YLS Steering Committee plays a major role in planning and executing the year's events. With monthly meetings, the committee brainstorms and plans volunteer and networking opportunities that will benefit the community and contribute to the personal growth of YLS members. Meet the 2007 Steering Committee members…
"There are few organizations in the Columbia area that have such an opportunity to make a difference in so many people's lives as the United Way of the Midlands. Getting involved as a Young Leadership Society member not only helps me make a difference financially, but also puts me in a position to develop programs that give other young volunteers an opportunity to get more involved in their community."
-Graem Clark, Colonial Life
"I give to United Way because it's easy. United Way does a lot of the ground work in terms of researching partner agencies and holding these agencies to a high standard. I know that my funds will be used in the best possible manner to make positive changes in the Midlands. Also, the actual giving process is made easy with payroll deductions; I make a pledge annually and am not burdened with additional checks or additional requests for funds throughout the year."
-Kristie Cross, Grant Thornton LLP
"I have been a United Way supporter for almost 10 years now. Giving to United Way gives me the comfort of knowing that my dollars will be appropriately allocated to those agencies that are in need and that can prove measurable results within their programs."
-David Lominack, Carolina First Bank
"When UWM gives money to a particular partner agency, it does so based upon promises that the partner agency will sponsor or offer programs that address specific problems in the community and produce measurable outcomes of success all in accordance with objectives delineated by UWM. I know that every dollar I give will be used responsibly to maximize assistance to those in need of help."
-Michael Seezen, McNair Law Firm, P.A.
"I give to the United Way because it is a smart way to meaningfully improve the quality of life of people right here in the Midlands. United Way does the hard work of determining the most pressing needs facing our community and directs funds to those programs that will address them in the most effective way."
-Krista Hampton, City of Columbia
"I give to the United Way because of all the critical human service needs of individuals right here in the Midlands. United Way partners with so many organizations that do so many good things in our community. They really help people, and that's what it's all about."
-Jack Morris, Palmetto Health Baptist
"Faith, family and career are what I live by every day and all three entail giving back to our community. I give to United Way because I know that my contribution makes a difference where it matters most to me. Our community is in desperate need of strong families, quality education, job preparation, life skills, recovery, food, shelter, safety and transportation. United Way directly impacts these issues in the most efficient and effective way, and I am dedicated to their success."
-Kevin Lindler, First Citizens Bank
"The United Way makes it easy for me to help my own community. By researching and determining a region's most critical needs, the United Way ensures that my contribution is going where it can make the biggest impact. There are few organizations that support this type of benevolent cycle more successfully or collaboratively than the United Way."
-Jill Armbruster, The Boudreaux Group
"I contribute to the United Way because it is committed to improving the quality of life of
-Marjorie Philips, United Parcel Service
"I give to United Way because, being a leader at Publix, part of our mission is to be involved as responsible citizens in our community. I know that by giving to United Way they are able to use my monies to help many different organizations and people in the community. If I were to give just to a specific group then it would only help a limited number of people and only one issue at hand."
-Brandy Vermillion, Publix Super Markets
-Brandy Vermillion, Publix Super Markets
"I give for two primary reasons. First, I learned that my employer Nelson Mullins really places an emphasis on the United Way, and giving makes me feel like part of the culture here. Second, and most importantly, after learning about United Way's efforts to use funds to create change through Community Impact, I really believe United Way is a good steward of funds and creates the maximum, positive impact for my investment."
-Jody Bedenbaugh, Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP
"The local television stations show news stories of people living on the streets and under bridges. This is only a small example of the members of our society that don't have it as well as others. Jesus said we would always have the poor with us. He also told us to give to the poor. I believe it is my duty as one who has been blessed, to give to those who are in need. The United Way provides a way for me to give to agencies that directly benefit those I have mentioned. The United Way gives donors options to give to a general fund or a specific agency. The more options one has, the more likely one will give. I could give in other ways, but I like the concept of the United Way and the oversight they provide for the agencies they work with."
-Geoff Steele, SCANA
"I give to United Way of the Midlands because I know that the agencies United Way supports are the best of the best. By giving to the unrestricted pool, I know that my dollars are used to improve our community and is given to the agency that needs it most."
-Cindy Burton, Bank of America