UWVBR Fall Newsletter 2025 by UnitedWayofRoanokeValley

FALL

Virginia's Blue Ridge

YOUTH OPPORTUNITY HEALTHY COMMUNITY COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

5,500 Children

2,848 Parents

276 Parents 332 Adults

476 Youth

2,905 Adults

1,495 Adults 921 Adults

758 Adults

P.L.A.Y. CONFERENCE

15+ Years of Early Childhood

Learning

In August, more than 100 early childhood educators gathered at Northside Middle School for the annual P.L.A.Y. Conference, a free day of training, connection, and inspiration. For over 15 years, this event has equipped educators serving children birth to five with tools and strategies to strengthen early learning across our region.

Educators participated in three 90-minute sessions of their choice from 8–10 offerings covering different areas of child development, and wrapped up the day with an inspiring keynote address. This year’s keynote, Mary Anderson of My Music Starts Here, energized the group by reminding educators of the power of music to foster joy, learning, and connection in early childhood. In all, participants gained six hours of professional training and practical knowledge they can bring back to their classrooms to enrich quality care for local children.

Behind the scenes, the P.L.A.Y. Conference comes together through the efforts of UWVBR staff, volunteers, presenters and the generosity of sponsors including First Citizens Bank, Kaplan, the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF), and Ready Region West.

Year-round, UWVBR’s Ready Region West team supports learning and development for all children birth to five, preparing them for school and strengthen educator-child interactions.

The P.L.A.Y. Conference is more than a day of training, it’s an investment in the educators who shape the earliest years of a child’s life. When we strengthen educators, we strengthen families and our community’s

PURPOSEFUL LEARNING ALL YEAR

“Childcareisintegraltothecommunity.Parentsrely onustohavetheirchildrenKindergarten-ready. Wecomehereforadayoffellowshipand professionaldevelopment;butthentakewhatwe learnrightbacktoourclassroomtouseMonday morning-itissovaluableandjustpriceless.”

- Maria Ferrone, Site Director/Owner, Creative Kids Childcare

“Ijustloveit.Absolutelyloveit.Ilearn so much and I am able to take that backtotheprogramIworkwithwhich is awesome."

- Daphney Hancock, Class Monitor, STEP Inc.

CELEBRATE UNITED

Celebrating Community Champions

On July 10th, nearly 300 supporters, partners, and community leaders gathered at the Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center for our annual Celebrate United dinner. The evening was filled with connection, gratitude, and inspiration as we reflected on the impact of the past year and honored those who embody the spirit of service across Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

“This evening is about lifting up the people, partnerships, and progress that keep our region moving forward. It’s a night of joy, gratitude, and a celebration of the community spirit that fuels everything we do at United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge” said Kianna Price Marshall, Vice President of Advancement.

Throughout the evening, United Way recognized outstanding partners and leaders who bring lasting change to our community. Awards included the Jean A. Glontz Scholarship (Sophie Coates, Cave Spring High School graduate), Shining Star Award (Central Baptist Church), F. Wiley Hubbell Award (Bob Nave), Employee Campaign Managers of the Year (Greg Savignac, Megan Tucker, and Melissa Yopp of Altec), and the Spirit of Community Award (Southern Team Auto Mall).

Two special honors highlighted the heart of the evening. The Legacy of Impact Award was presented to Stan and Elise Lanford, whose generosity through the Lanford Family Fund has touched education, healthcare, the arts, and countless civic causes across the Roanoke Valley. Even in their 90s, their philanthropy continues to inspire future generations.

The Legacy of Leadership Award went to Peter and Carla Lewis, whose lifelong commitment to the community has left an extraordinary mark. Carla’s work at the historic Gainsboro Branch Library helped preserve its legacy as a hub of history and literacy, while Peter’s vision for Apple Ridge Farm has provided thousands of young people with opportunities for discovery, healing, and empowerment.

Another special moment of the evening was the recognition of our 100 Heroes: neighbors, mentors, caregivers, and volunteers whose quiet acts of kindness strengthen our community every day. Their stories, served as a powerful reminder that real change is rooted in everyday people stepping up to support one another.

Closing the celebration, Abby Hamilton, President & CEO, reminded guests that, “United isn’t just a word—it’s how we move forward. And it’s how real change begins.”

Celebrate United was made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors including Pinnacle Financial Partners, Lionberger Construction, First Citizens Bank, Brown Edwards, Truist, PA Short, Nick Brown Custom Home Renovations and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine.

Bob Nave

Peter and Carla Lewis

Greg Savignac

DAY OF CARING

Neighbors Serving Neighbors

This September, volunteers from across Virginia’s Blue Ridge rolled up their sleeves to make a difference during United Way’s annual Day of Caring. In just one day, volunteers from 10 local businesses invested more than 125 hours of service across four United Way partner agencies—proof of the incredible impact that happens when neighbors come together.

Projects ranged from landscaping and assembling furniture to organizing donations, filling and distributing food boxes, washing afterschool vans, and cleaning youth facilities. Thanks to their efforts, Presbyterian Community Center, Rescue Mission of Roanoke, Family Service of Roanoke Valley and the Community Youth Program at St. John’s are better equipped to serve families who rely on them every day.

“Day of Caring is one moment, but the impact continues year-round,” said Abby Hamilton, President & CEO of UWVBR. “Volunteers fuel the network of support that helps families move from crisis to stability to independence.”

This annual community-wide service project is more than a volunteer day, it’s UWVBR’s mission in action. Together, we are strengthening the building blocks of a good quality of life, education, financial stability and health for hundreds of neighbors across the valley.

We are deeply grateful to the volunteers and companies who joined us this year, including Atlantic Union, Comcast, Freedom First Credit Union, First Citizens Bank, Hotel Roanoke, Marsh McLennan, Pinnacle Financial Partners, Wells Fargo, Western Virginia Water Authority, and employees of Appalachian Power as well as their parent company American Electric Power (AEP). Your time, energy and generosity show what’s possible when we live united.

TEEING UP FOR SUPPORT

Western Virginia Water Authority hosts it’s 22nd Annual Charity Golf

Tournament

On August 2nd, the Western Virginia Water Authority hosted its 22nd Annual Charity Golf Tournament, benefitting UWVBR, at Blue Hills Golf Club. The tournament brought together 23 teams for a day of friendly competition, community spirit, and giving back. For more than two decades, this tournament has kicked off the Water Authority’s employee giving campaign with UWVBR, raising critical funds to support families across Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

The day featured plenty of excitement on and off the course. More than 50 donated items from local businesses were raffled off for golfers, along with a 50/50 cash raffle and tickets for a chance to qualify for the brand-new Star City Golf Shoot-Out, a hole-in-one competition for $250,000.

“The Water Authority appreciates our partnership with United Way of Virginia's Blue Ridge, using golf events to raise funds for critical needs in our community,” said Scott Shirley of the Western Virginia Water Authority. “We’re excited to continue growing this tradition and adding unique events that keep the energy high.”

Funds raised through the tournament will advance United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge’s mission to tackle the region’s most pressing challenges, including expanding access to quality childcare, strengthening workforce development, and improving community health. As Abby Hamilton, President & CEO of UWVBR, noted: “We’re grateful to the Water Authority, Altec Industries, and all of the local businesses and golfers who made this event possible. Their generosity and energy turn into real opportunities and brighter futures for families right here at home.”

To cap off the tournament excitement, ten golfers drawn from raffle tickets returned to Blue Hills Golf Club on August 23rd for the Star City Shootout, presented by WVWA and Altec Industries. Each had one shot at a $250,000 hole-in-one prize. While no one sank the winning shot this year, the event added plenty of suspense and showcased the power of the community coming together for a good cause.

FASHIONS FOR EVERGREENS

November 28 - January 1

Be a part of the area’s most magical holiday tradition benefiting United Way of Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Fashions for Evergreens! This holiday season visit Hotel Roanoke and vote for your favorite tree. Your vote is your donation towards your favorite tree. The tree earning the most votes/donations wins!

Vote by donating at least $5 and you will be entered to win an overnight stay at Hotel Roanoke.

Volunteers are needed to greet guests and assist with voting for their favorite trees - makes for a fun community service opportunity for families, civic or work groups.