For those who don't know, I'm from Western New York, specifically a small town called Lewiston in Niagara County. When you're from that area, there are a few things that stick with you no matter where you go, and one of them is being a fan of the Buffalo Bills and Sabres. We all watched in shock on national television as Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin collapsed during a routine tackle and went into cardiac arrest. At that moment, the game became secondary, and we were reminded of how fragile life is.

Mahatma Gandhi is quoted as saying, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Volunteering is a selfless act that involves giving one's time and energy to help others or a cause they believe in. While it is often thought of as a way to benefit others, having a purpose outside yourself is good not only for your community, it’s also good for your mental health, physical health, and can even increase your life expectancy. 

Here are the top five benefits of volunteering:

Make an Impact through Year-End Giving 

In addition to the joy of knowing your charitable giving has directly impacted the community, there are many financial benefits of year-end giving. We hope this easy guide will inform you on helpful planning opportunities to maximize your impact in Martin County with a year-end gift.

United Way of Martin County is proud to announce that Andy and Lorraine Popky have been selected as the Alexis de Tocqueville Outstanding Philanthropist Award recipients. This prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the community through their philanthropy and dedication to improving the lives of others.

Despite the challenges that put Santa under pressure this year, Christmas magic was at full capacity at the United Way Holiday Project. Nearly 1,800 local children woke up on Christmas morning with presents underneath the tree, thanks to the generosity of local businesses, community organizations, individual donors and volunteers.

United Way of Martin County celebrated its 50th anniversary with a luncheon held at Sailfish Point Country Club on Oct. 20. The event served to commemorate the organization’s legacy, which started in 1972, and highlight its goals for the future. At the luncheon, which was attended by more than 200 people, United Way thanked the dozens of organizations and thousands of individuals who raise millions of dollars every year to help Martin County residents meet their basic needs and build better, more stable lives for themselves and their families.

Don’t Let Your Kindness go to Waste: Give Responsibly after a Disaster

United Way of Martin County is looking for civic-minded high school students interested in joining Students United, an innovative program to cultivate the next generation of philanthropic pioneers. 

By Stephen A. Pinnacoli, Esq. 
United Way Foundation Board Member
The Law Offices of Keane, Thomas & Pinnacoli 

In the honor of “Make a Will” month, I believe it is important to touch on the reasons why having a Will, more so an estate plan, is important for everyone. An estate plan can mean something different to everyone. Traditionally, people viewed this process as determining who gets their assets upon their death.

However, there are a variety of reasons to create a comprehensive estate plan: 

United Way of Martin County announces board chair, board members and campaign committee 

United Way of Martin County benefits from the guidance, leadership and advocacy of a dynamic and dedicated 24-member board of directors. As United Way celebrates its 50th year in Martin County, the organization welcomes its 2022-2023 executive officers, board members and campaign committee.
Geoff Lieberman, vice president store manager, Macy's Treasure Coast, will serve as chair of the board of directors. Lieberman has been a United Way board member since 2015.