United Way of Central Florida welcomed more than 275 community leaders, partners, and supporters to its 2026 Annual Celebration on May 14 at Bonnet Springs Park, highlighting a year of measurable impact across Polk, Hardee, and Highlands counties while honoring local leaders whose service continues to strengthen Central Florida.
Centered on the theme “Moving the Needle,” the event showcased how collaboration, strategic investment, and community engagement are improving lives throughout the region.
President and CEO Christina Criser Jackson emphasized that meaningful progress is measured not simply by activity, but by outcomes that create lasting change for children and families.
Over the past year, UWCF partnered with 72 nonprofit agencies across 166 programs, serving more than 156,000 individuals throughout the three-county region.
Key outcomes included:
- 39,000 children served through youth development initiatives
- 100% of ReadingPals kindergarten participants promoted through third grade, compared to 86% of peers
- 5,500 households supported through financial stability programs
- $500,000 saved through free tax preparation services
- More than 55,000 residents receiving food support
- 2,511 seniors helped remain safely in their homes
Jackson also highlighted the impact of the Carol Jenkins Barnett United Way Children’s Resource Center, where 95% of parents reported improved ability to support early literacy and 83% said their child was better prepared for school.
“This work happens when a community chooses to care,” Jackson said. “A child gaining confidence, a parent finding stability, a family finding hope — that is what moving the needle looks like.”
Campaign Co-Chairs Weymon Snuggs and Greg Littleton shared strong momentum from the 2025–2026 campaign, including a 10% increase in corporate philanthropy, achievement of the local workplace campaign goal, and more than $700,000 raised in Highlands County — representing 41% year-over-year growth.
“We’ve been moving the needle through performance, precision, and heart,” Snuggs said.
The celebration also recognized outstanding individuals whose leadership and service exemplify UWCF’s mission.
Carol Jenkins Barnett Child Advocacy Award
Brittany Sale received the Carol Jenkins Barnett Child Advocacy Award for her longstanding commitment to advancing early childhood education and strengthening opportunities for children and families.
Sale helped launch United Way’s Success By 6 program as its first director, working alongside Carol Jenkins Barnett to establish the original steering team and shape one of the organization’s most impactful initiatives for young children. She continues serving UWCF through board and committee leadership roles and as a founding supporter of the Children’s Resource Center at Bonnet Springs Park.
Difference-Maker Award
Grace Brauer received the Difference-Maker Award for her leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to strengthening families and improving quality of life across the region.
George W. Jenkins Outstanding Volunteer Award
Dr. Glen Barden received the George W. Jenkins Outstanding Volunteer Award for more than six decades of extraordinary service.
Presented by Nick Barnett, the award recognized Barden’s humanitarian medical missions in underserved and disaster-stricken regions around the world, including service in the Bahamas following Hurricane Dorian. Locally, Barden helped establish Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine and continues volunteering there in retirement to provide care for uninsured residents.
“Volunteerism is simply a way of life for Dr. Barden,” Barnett said. “His legacy reflects humility, compassion, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to serving others.”
Philanthropists of the Year
David Robinson and Shelley Robinson were honored as Philanthropists of the Year for their generosity, leadership, and commitment to strengthening Central Florida communities, including helping launch United Community Indicators to better understand local needs.
The event also marked a leadership transition as Jonathan Crain, owner of Two Men & a Truck, passed the role of 2026-2027 Board Chair to Fred Heid, Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools.
“This is what community looks like,” said emcee and NFL Hall of Famer Rondé Barber. “Everyone of us has a place in this story.” |
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