A note from our CEO
Hello, summer! After a very challenging and isolating year, it feels so good to see the hope and promise of a new season and what lies ahead. I recently attended a pandemic-delayed wedding earlier this month and it was wonderful to reunite with family and close friends. It felt so invigorating to be among people again. That spirit of reuniting is the theme of this year’s annual gala, Best Night, set for June 27 at the Pelham House Resort in Dennisport. This breathtaking venue is the perfect setting to reunite with friends and supporters, and will surely lift our spirits. I look forward to seeing many of you there. In addition to the fellowship, Best Night is the signature fundraising event for the Cape and Islands United Way, and with YOUR support and that of so many others, we are able to have a measurable impact in our communities and neighborhoods. Remember, when YOU give here it stays here. Thank you! – Mark Skala
Making an impact: new grants awarded
We are so grateful to all of the individuals, businesses and foundations who support our mission to make an impact in our community around education, financial stability, housing and health. Without that support, we would not be able to lead, partner and collaborate on solutions to challenges in our community.
At the May meeting, the Cape and Islands United Way board of directors voted unanimously to approve close to $400,000 in funding as part of our annual community impact grants for 2021-22. These grants, however, are just one of the ways we provide funding to collaborators. Throughout the year, additional funding is available through our micro grant program, the Community Response Fund and through initiatives led by Women United.
Showered with love
With help from volunteers and donors, we are getting ready for our annual Community Baby Shower, hosted by Women United. Each year, we work with our collaborators to identify mothers to be and new moms who need a little extra support from the community.
This fourth annual event provides essential supplies and resources to help care for a new baby, along with some extra gifts to pamper mom. It is truly an inspiring community event, and helps lift up families when they need it most.
This year, we will deliver supplies to the families rather than hosting an in person event, as we did last year given the pandemic. With your support, more than 200 moms will have been served by the end of July. The baby shower is generously supported by Cape Cod Five.
Mark your calendars!
Speaking of happenings, the Cape and Islands United Way has a number of in-person events planned for 2021. We are all so excited to see everyone and be reunited again. These events are fun, social and great ways to support the mission of our organization.
Best Night of the Year
Sunday, June 27
Join us at the beautiful Pelham House Resort, overlooking Nantucket Sound in Dennisport. Come and enjoy fellowship, the fabulous food from the Pelham House and boogie to the beat of the Grab Brothers. There are a limited number of tickets still available, but the event is selling out fast. All proceeds benefit the work of the Cape and Islands United Way. This year’s program will feature the presentation of the Visionary Award to Shawn DeLude, owner of Nauset Disposal.
Golf Tournament
Monday, September 27
This fall, the Cape and Islands United Way will host our inaugural golf tournament at the exclusive Hyannisport Club. This course is on many bucket lists and this is an opportunity to play! We are so grateful to Steve Cundall and The Cornerstone Group, for stepping up as our Presenting Sponsor. A thanks also to all of our sponsors as we have SOLD OUT just about every availability. There are a limited number of foursomes and space for individual golfers.
Power of the Purse
Wednesday, September 22
We are back to a LIVE event this year! Join Women United for Power of the Purse 2021, hosted once again at the beautiful Hyannisport Club. This annual fundraiser includes an exciting silent auction with the opportunity to bid on some very special purses, bags, and accessories – as we come together to encourage, enlighten and engage women, children and families in our community. Stay tuned to learn who will be honored at Power of the Purse for the second annual Women of Impact award!
Get to know: Jackie Barber
Wednesday, September 22
Meet Jackie Barber, our new community impact and administration manager. Jackie has been with the Cape and Islands United Way since February.
“This position is one of my newest passions. I was familiar with the great work of the United Way from years ago, when I volunteered in the grant review and funding process. I was lucky to have it circle back to me this past winter,” Jackie noted. Jackie says she is so inspired by our collaborations and the impact they have in our communities.
She is particularly excited about the upcoming schedule of events at the CIUW. “We have some really exciting things coming up and the response has been terrific."
Jackie has family on the Cape and knows the area well. She currently lives in Marshfield with her husband Jim and their son Jameson.
Give United
Your gift to the Cape and Islands United Way is the most powerful gift you can make in our region. With one donation, you are investing in programs that provide care for the elderly, after school programs for children, affordable housing, food and utilities for people struggling to make ends meet – and so much more.