Celebrating 75 Years of Giving • People • Hope

By Heather Smith, 75th Anniversary Committee Chair

I have been extremely fortunate in my career to work for two organizations that have earned reputations for caring about this community. During my time previously at United Supermarkets and now in my current role at Covenant Medical Group, both have welcomed and encouraged me to demonstrate my community spirit and give back by volunteering for the United Way. 

I first became involved in 2009 after hearing a speaker’s testimony at a campaign kickoff meeting and learning more about how I could help provide support for families in need. Filling out that pledge card was just the first step for me. Since then, I’ve been honored to serve in a variety of ways from the Loaned Executive program, to workplace campaigns, board service, and program review. When Glenn first mentioned the upcoming 75th Anniversary, I knew right away that I wanted to help. Coupling my professional capacity as a project manager with my volunteer work sounded amazing, and I happily accepted the placement to organize the initiative. 

Developing the anniversary program began a little over two years ago when a core group of volunteers and staff met to whiteboard ideas. It’s been a long journey to 2021 and even though the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted some of our plans, the work has continued without pause. The steering committee, sub-committees, and key partners have tirelessly worked on historical research, digitizing artifacts, producing a commemorative video and publication, celebration event plans, and other festivities. Our getting to play a part in this incredible milestone has been a true privilege and I could not be more thankful for the team’s hard work and time spent pulling it together.

Learn more about our 75-anniversary and all the ways we've working with South Plains communities to give hope.

It is difficult in a few short moments to describe the true measure of what this organization has done for Lubbock and its South Plains neighbors. We hope that you’ll join us throughout the entire anniversary year as we connect and celebrate the United Way story through all of the countless volunteers, Community Partners, donors, board, and staff. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for all of the fun and exciting things we have in store. Together we’ll reflect on 75 years of community impact and look toward the future of Giving • People • Hope. Building a better Lubbock starts right here.

Please join me in saying Happy 75th Anniversary, United Way! What a remarkable accomplishment.