Orange County Surpasses Goal to Raise $574,855 for Heart of Florida United Way in 2016

Community & Services

Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and Orange County employees gathered for the 2016 Heart of Florida United Way (HFUW) Campaign’s Victory Celebration luncheon on Dec. 1 at the Orange County Convention Center.

County employees surpassed their fundraising goal of $450,000 by raising an impressive $574,855 this year for the local nonprofit. This year’s campaign also exceeded the previous year’s contributions when County employees raised $507,985. For 90 years, Heart of Florida United Way has been at the forefront of health and human care services in Central Florida.

“Each year, the campaigns are not only more energetic, but also more motivating, as we work to raise money for those in our community who really need it,” Mayor Jacobs said. “I’m confident that will continue into the future.”

Orange County departments and individuals were also recognized for their top money raising efforts, including:

  • 1st Place, County Administration Office: $88,524
  • 2nd Place, Utilities: $81,623
  • 3rd Place, Sheriff’s Office: $54,080
  • 4th Place, Community, Environmental and Development Services: $49,015
  • 5th Place, Fire Rescue: $47,740

Despite 2016 proving to be especially challenging with the June 12 Pulse Nightclub tragedy and Hurricane Matthew, employees continued to raise funds to help those impacted by tragedy and others in need.

“Once again, you did whatever necessary to succeed,” Mayor Jacobs said. “Your efforts and the money you raised provided services to individuals and families that would have otherwise been left without help or resources. You are transforming their lives from tragedy to hope.”

The Orange County HFUW Executive Steering Committee, coordinators and departments held more than 50 events this year, including carwashes, cookouts, bake sales, golf tournaments, races and Orange County Fire Rescue’s 343 Heroes Challenge.

HFUW has been involved in Central Florida since 1939. Since the beginning, the organization has been carrying on the tradition of helping those in need in Orlando, but has since changed its focus to prevention with a philosophy called Investing in Results. With a goal targeted toward finding a way to prevent problems affecting the community, HFUW is dedicated to focusing on education, income, health and basic needs.

To view photos from the 2016 Heart of Florida United Way Campaign’s Victory Celebration luncheon, visit Mayor Jacobs’ Flickr album.

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