The 2024 campaign director and cabinet were introduced at the United Way’s annual kickoff breakfast Thursday. Denise Durel, CEO and president of United Way of Southwest Louisiana announced great news at the event.

“Every year we have a few organizations who start their campaign before we begin here today. It’s thanks to these folks, our pacesetters because of their dedication and enthusiasm, I’m proud to announce we are currently at 10.6 percent of this year’s goal.

United Way organizes this event annually to unite the community and boost support, and a video is always part of the agenda.

“The video is more than just entertainment, It’s a reminder to everyone how significant their contributions are. By showing how every little bit helps – volunteering, advocating or donating – these events make people feel connected, inspired, to show how working together can make a big difference in making the community better for everyone, said Tami Chrisope, VP, marketing and communications.

This year’s kickoff video, United Way’s Got Talent, was a humorous parody of the popular show. Crustis Brescher, 2024 campaign chair, said the plan is to “leverage those talents to uplift every corner of Southwest Louisiana,”

Joining Brescher are cabinet members Stephen Dwight, government chair; Lorena Ceasar, commerce chair; Matthew Welsh, health chair; Christy Papania-Jones, partner agencies chair; and Chuck Bennett,  union chair, District 5 LA AFL-CIO.

There is plenty of work left to do, and volunteer options for people who like to have fun doing good.    

“Every single one of us has something to contribute to make Southwest Louisiana a thriving place to live. Our community is a beautiful place of talents, dreams and capabilities, and this diversity strengthens us as a community. Every small act of kindness, every volunteer hour, every contribution, no matter its size, plays a part in weaving the vibrant fabric of our community.”

“We’re looking for volunteers for the Louisiana Food & Wine Festival September 10-22 and Reelin’ For Warriors Fishing Rodeo Oct. 5,” said Ashley Norman, associate director/volunteer coordinator marketing & communications. Visit https://unitedwayswla.org/lafoodwinevolunteers and https://unitedwayswla.org/RFWvolunteers to find out more.

This year, the United Way of Southwest Louisiana’s goal is $4 million to strengthen local resilience, advance healthy communities, create opportunity and financial security for youth.

The United Way of Southwest Louisian has been awarded the Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid. This is the highest rating that a nonprofit can receive and places them in the 0.1 percent of charities.