The United Way of West Alabama on Aug. 12 kicked off its 2025 campaign drive with a goal of raising $4,800,000.
Josh Hayes, a Tuscaloosa attorney who was selected to lead this year's campaign as chairman, said this represents the most ambitious fundraising goal in the history of the United Way of West Alabama, which dates to 1946.
"This is our largest goal ever to date," said Hayes during the Aug. 12 ceremony.
This year's goal was increased to support the rising needs in the community, said Hayes, of Tuscaloosa law firm Prince, Glover, Hayes.
Hayes said he is very confident that he and his team will reach their goal.
"You know, this is a very giving community. We have big hearts around here. Folks know the need, and so it's time to dig a little deeper and see what we can do," he said.
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To achieve their ambitious goal, Hayes said he and his team will work together with a group of volunteers.
"So we have a great team of volunteers, over 1,000 volunteers in our community. They help raise the money. They help decide where to spend the money," Hayes said.
The United Way of West Alabama supports more than 30 nonprofit agencies that work to improve the quality of life in nine counties. A news release states that one out of every four West Alabamians receives assistance through United Way of West Alabama and its partner agencies.
Last year, Brock Jones served as the United Way campaign chair. The 2024 campaign raised $4,658,023, exceeding its goal of $4.65 million.
United Way officials have said in the past that the campaign money is used to address critical health, education and income stability needs throughout West Alabama.
During the ceremony, the YMCA, which includes the downtown branch and the Benjamin Barnes branch, won this year's Homer S. Butler Jr. Agency of the Year Award.
Children from the Creative Development also performed during the luncheon. They later revealed the $4.8 million campaign goal with the help of the University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band.
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This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: United Way of West Alabama sets its biggest fundraising goal ever
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