GRACIAS MAMÁ

W.E. INSPIRE

Gracias Mamá By Cristina Carter

Mothers are always an inspiration. Many times, the voice of my mom comes to me when I am in the middle of a difficult situation. For instance, I always think about the importance of surrounding myself with positive people. Growing up my mom would tell me, “Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres”. Translated, this means “Tell me whom you hang out with, and I will tell you who you are”. This phrase still holds a very special place in my heart. When I became a mother, I made sure to instill this notion into my child's life as well. The importance of surrounding yourself with positive people and those who reflect your inner self is key. Thanks, mom! Or should I say, ¡Gracias mamá!

UNITED WAY WOMEN UNITED

LEADING THE CHARGE INSPIRING THE CHANGE

For eighty years United Way of the Big Bend has worked to become a leading change agent in Tallahassee and the surrounding region. Volunteer-led, Women United acts as an arm of this organization’s efforts to raise awareness, mobilize resources, and create collaborative strategies to address the community’s critical needs. While the interests of our community change over time, one critical concern will always be the lives and education of our children.

Women United brings together women throughout our community to flex their philanthropic muscles, improving the lives of women, children, and families experiencing poverty. By spearheading two signature fundraising events each year, this group is able to propel their mission and the mission of the United Way forward. The Women’s Leadership Breakfast, which hosted former NASCAR driver, Danica Patrick, in November, and Shop & Stroll, a fun girls’ night out on Market Street, set for March 24th, benefit programs that create positive change in the lives of our neighbors in need.

Sally Bradshaw, Women United & UWBB Board Member and owner of Midtown Reader, said it best at the Women’s Leadership Breakfast, “Communities who don’t work to support reading see the severe consequences of that down the road in increased poverty and crime rates. A child living in poverty who cannot read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade is more likely to fall behind, become frustrated with school, and drop out before graduating high school.”

Celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday, the week of February 28th – March 4th, United Way of the Big Bend will engage community volunteers to read to children for one hour at the 11th Annual READ UNITED. The aim is to bring joy (and a bundle of books) to each classroom and to inspire the love of reading in children. United Way of the Big Bend has distributed over 40,000 free books in the last ten years.

Join Women United and United Way of the Big Bend this spring to make a positive impact in the lives of your Big Bend neighbors. For more information, visit uwbb.org/womenunited or contact alaina@uwbb.org.

UNITED WAY OF THE BIG BEND | 307 East Seventh Avenue | Tallahassee, FL 32303 | telephone 850-414-0844 | www.uwbb.org