Pacesetter Breakfast To Launch The Campaign And Its $11.5M Goal
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades is proud to announce the beginning of its 2025/26 campaign season under the theme: United is the Way.
This year’s campaign will be led by two dynamic community champions, Carolyn Rogers of The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company and Will Prather of Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre. Together, they aim to unite the community to raise $11,512,716 – a goal that reflects the critical needs identified by United Way’s 90-plus partner agencies.
To start the season, United Way will host a Pacesetter Launch Breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. on Aug. 4, at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers.
This high-energy event will set the stage for the fall campaign kickoff. Attendees will enjoy a morning of inspiration, community spirit, and learning what it takes to become a Pacesetter – a vital role in jumpstarting the campaign’s momentum. To RSVP or learn how your business or organization can become a Pacesetter, please visit UnitedWayLee.org/Pacesetters.
Pacesetters are companies and nonprofits that launch their campaigns early, setting the tone for the season. These organizations contribute $1,000 or more, often through employee payroll deductions, and are recognized in a special video at the fall kickoff. Past Pacesetters include LCEC; Uhler Vertich White Advisors; Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A.; Lee Health; Publix; Midwest Food Bank; F.I.S.H.; and Child Care of Southwest Florida among many others.
The annual United Way kickoff begins with networking at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, 13350 FSW Parkway, Fort Myers. This will be followed by the program beginning at 9 a.m.
Carolyn Rogers, senior vice president of Wealth Services at The Sanibel Captiva Trust Company, brings over three decades of experience in philanthropy, fund development, and nonprofit leadership. A Cape Coral native and Fort Myers resident, Rogers has served in key roles at the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, Canterbury School, and Lee Memorial Foundation.
“Cape Coral is where I grew up, and Fort Myers is where I raised my family,” said Rogers. “I’ve seen how United Way steps up when it matters most, supporting the nonprofits that lift up our neighbors every day. It’s an honor to cochair this campaign with Will Prather and help ensure our community continues to thrive.”
Will Prather, executive producer and CEO of Prather Productions, oversees Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers, Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Pennsylvania, and APEX Touring. A passionate advocate for the arts and community development, Prather has been a United Way supporter since Broadway Palm opened nearly 30 years ago.
“Nearly 30 years ago, I joined United Way’s campaign as Broadway Palm opened its doors,” Prather says, “and now, cochairing this year’s effort feels like coming full circle. Our community has grown tremendously and so have its needs. United Way has met those challenges every step of the way. It’s an honor to lead this campaign alongside my friend Carolyn Rogers. May the force be with you!”
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed $243 million since being established in 1957. All money raised in the United Way campaign stays in the local community to help support the local human service network that provides essential services – from food security and healthcare to education and crisis response.
About United Way
United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed more than $243 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 disabled live independently, and empowering neighborhoods by delivering essential health and human services. Visit UnitedWayLee.org to learn more.
