United Way of the National Capital Area (United Way NCA) kicked off its centennial celebrations Oct. 15 with “A Century of Impact” presented by Accenture.
Accenture hosted the event, featuring community partners, longtime donors, community members served by United Way NCA, and a fireside chat between United Way NCA Board Member Marty Rodgers and interim President and CEO of United Way Worldwide Rosie Allen-Herring.
“Tonight is about marking what needs to happen in our region for the next 100 years to help the families who need help the most who are struggling,” United Way NCA Chief External Affairs & Transformation Officer Dr. Nicole Cooper said. “The pledges made tonight are going to directly fuel what we do, and that is so appreciated as we mark the work that needs to happen moving forward to really help improve communities across our entire region in meaningful ways.”
The event raised more than $217,000 toward United Way NCA’s $250,000 goal.
Rodgers, Accenture’s Global Management Committee Member, and Kevin Smithson of PwC each spoke passionately about United Way’s impact and mission. Both are generous supporters and serve on the United Way NCA Board of Directors.
“United Way of the National Capital Area has shown for 100 years there is a better way—and that way is united. That way is together,” Rodgers, the evening’s host, said. “It’s our honor to give our support to the amazing staff and community partners, and we are deeply grateful for what you do each and every day.”
Smithson told attendees he grew up in an ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) household and United Way NCA’s mission is personal to him.
“That auto repair meant sometimes not having food on the table. I pledged that I would do whatever I could to help ALICE,” Smithson announced. “Our work will continue to matter because about one in three households in our region work hard and still struggle to pay for the basics.”
The ALICE population represents 718,709 low- and moderate-income households (32.5%) in our region who are earning above the Federal Poverty Line ($31,200 annually for a family of four in 2024), but still cannot afford basic needs.
The celebration featured guests representing United Way NCA’s impact areas of Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Youth Opportunity.
“United Way is a name people know and trust and have for years. What I felt in the room was an energy that is unparalleled,” Exelon Executive Vice President Colette Honorable said. “One hundred years says United Way is doing something right. People love the work they do with United Way. We love the work we do with United Way.”
A former Buck Lodge Middle School student told guests how United Way NCA grantee Latin American Youth Center (LAYC) changed her life.
“This program made me realize I am capable of achieving my wildest goals,” Genesis G. said. “I wondered, ‘Is there something wrong with me?’ Then came the turning point. My mom told me she signed me up for a summer program with the Latin American Youth Center. LAYC completely surprised me. It wasn’t just another program. The staff, the incredible mentors, the activities, and the people are incredible. I begged to go back and repeat it all over again.”
LAYC’s Community School Coordinator provides resources and guidance to students and their families at Buck Lodge Middle School, a United Way NCA Community School.
“As I move forward, I find peace knowing that right behind me, the cycle begins again. There is another kid coming after me right now, struggling with the exact same fears and anxieties that I did. I know that when they walk through those doors, they are going to feel just as loved, supported, and safe as I did.”
LAYC’s partnership with United Way NCA dates back to 2016.
“In that time, we’ve seen what happens when a community shows up for its kids, again and again,” LAYC President and CEO Lupi Quinteros-Grady said. “United Way NCA is approaching 100 years in this region. Trust like this does not happen overnight. It takes years and it takes partners who stay.”
“A Century of Impact,” presented by Accenture, is just the start of our centennial celebrations in the coming years. United Way NCA formed in 1928 under the name “Community Chest of Washington, D.C.” The movement would later be known as “United Givers Fund” before eventually becoming United Way.
