Young Leaders Connect

by Andre Francis, Young Leaders Chair

Today, I attended one of our Young Leaders Connect events at On the Border - Mexican Grill. As usual, I saw a lot of new and familiar faces. I was able to catch up with fellow Young Leaders and speak with guests about the awesome things we're currently and planning on doing. The atmosphere was very laid back. In other words there were no "keynote speakers," so it was completely a no pressure vibe.

I have to give a round of applause to the cooks at On the Border. The food was absolutely amazing! I must've had 10 toquitos and 10 wings easily. I was even able to take some home because there was a fair amount left over. I'm sure you can imagine my excitement at the time...lol!

I can't wait to "pig out" at the next Young Leaders Connect event! I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Until next time,

Andre Francis

"Hanna-me-downs" are like brand new for children in need

by Shana Starkand-Selender

It's amazing when a local business finds time to give back to the community.

Hanna Andersson, a national children’s retail chain held what is becoming an annual event - its "hanna-me-downs" clothing drive. Stores in the DC metro area participated in the effort collecting more than 500 articles of children’s clothing for infants to school-aged children.  United Way staffmember Andrea Banks is featured here with Michelle Holley, store manager at Hanna Andersson, Bethesda (photo shown at right).

Through UWNCA’s partnership with Christian Relief Services and Interstate Worldwide, clothes received from this drive went to benefit Fondation pour les Enfants d'Haiti, a Haitian Non Government Organization with a hospital and orphanage near Port-au-Prince that was not damaged in the recent series of earthquakes.

Its inspiring to think of how many children will be helped through this project. Thank you Hanna Andersson.

United Way's Annual Breakfast and Community Awards Celebration - Alexandria

by Kim Tate, UWNCA Relationship Manager

United Way's Alexandria Regional Council celebrated community leaders on Wednesday, June 2nd at their Annual Breakfast & Community Awards Celebration.

Along with more than 90 people, I helped honor five members in our community for their outstanding dedication and community service.

In addition, we were able to thank two local nonprofit leaders for their commitment to the citizens of Alexandria and beyond.

This event was a great opportunity to show our gratitude and give back to community leaders that give so much of themselves every day. They truly demonstrate what it is to LIVE UNITED. See more video here.




Featured in the video(from left to right):
Bill Hanbury, President and CEO of UWNCA
Mayor William Euille, City of Alexandria
Fran Becker, Executive Director, Carpenter’s Shelter
Diane Charles, Executive Director, SCAN of Northern VA, Inc.
Carla Fleming, Chair, Alexandria Regional Council

Bringing Caring Women to the Table

by Melissa Glynn, WLC Community Impact Chair

The Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) hosted a kick-off event at its sponsored Fun, Fly and Fit program location, Martha’s Table in Washington, D.C. We were graciously hosted by Lindsey Buss, Martha’s Table Executive Director who led a tour of the facility and a discussion of the range of programs from the accredited afterschool programs to Martha’s Outfitters.

Most importantly, we were able to watch the kids enjoy participating in the Fun, Fly and Fit program on the playground with their trainers.

Martha’s Table’s mission is to help at-risk children, youth, families and individuals in our community improve their lives by providing educational programs, food, clothing, and enrichment opportunities.