Joyous Occasion for our Community
By Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director – United Way of Charlotte County
There’s something special about seeing a holiday wreath hanging on the front door. Fresh green wreaths remind me so much of being up north, but are not very practical in Southwest Florida. Historically, wreaths have been shared to represent abundant life. They are a welcoming symbol rich with beauty and meaning.
It is fitting that Ageless United, the newest affinity group of United Way of Charlotte County (UWCC), chose the holiday Festival of Wreaths as one of its annual fundraisers. Ageless United was created to serve our citizens with a lifetime of stories to share, providing financial support, and helping combat isolation in the golden years of life. Proceeds from the Festival of Wreaths raffle benefit programs celebrating the long-lasting impact our seniors have had and will have in Charlotte County.
This year, 30 decorative wreaths have been provided by generous donors who care about ou
r cause. Seriously, you will not believe how amazing and unique these wreaths are. The wreaths will be on display at the Women United Wine and Wreath Open House from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 5, at the Punta Gorda Woman’s Club, 118 Sullivan St.
The raffle drawing will begin at 6:15 p.m. You don’t need to attend to enter and win, but we hope you can make a night out of it. All are invited to the co-ed event which will include wine, light appetizers, and a chance to meet more mobilizers in the community. The night will also benefit efforts for Kids Thrive and Circle of Parents, family empowerment programs championed by Women United. Admission is free but a gift card donation of at least $10 to benefit Kids Thrive is appreciated.
In its nine years operational in Charlotte County, Women United has focused much of its attention on supporting mothers raising the future generation. Over the last several years, the group did amazing work with Circle of Parents, a peer support group for woman raising children exposed to early childhood trauma. The support group meets regularly, in person and virtually, to support each other in making healthy life choices for themselves and their families. From play dates at the park to a book circle and trips to Worden Farm, the women participating are committed to giving their children the best foundation possible.
Both Ageless United and Women United are examples of the people behind the mission and work of UWCC. We strive to serve our communities across the board, reaching the youngest and the oldest, and bridging the gap between. The upcoming holiday social is an opportunity for UWCC to share our re-imagined model with the community, showcasing how both Family Empowerment and Ageless Engagement programs work to link the community from generation to generation. The Festival of Wreaths is a perfect symbol for the work we do and desire to make a full-circle impact.
We are grateful to ShorePoint Health for sponsoring the appetizers at the event, all of the wreath donors, committee members, and PG Woman’s Club for squeezing us in during the holidays. Your support means the world to us! Together, let's make this festival a truly memorable and joyous occasion for our community. To purchase raffle tickets or RSVP to the event, please visit unitedwayccfl.org/festival-wreaths.
For more information about United Way of Charlotte County’s mission: Mobilizing the power of our community to break the cycle of poverty, please contact Angie Matthiessen, Executive Director. She can be reached at director@unitedwayccfl.org.