LABELLE — United Way of Hendry and Glades is pleased to announce the co-chairs for the 2023-2024 United Way Campaign. The theme for this year’s campaign has been established as “Uniting Heros, Inspiring Hope.” On Nov. 16, Dr. Barbara Mundy and Bob Beville will kick off off this year’s campaign at the LaBelle Civic Center. Join them at 8 a.m. as they work towards Uniting Heroes and Inspiring Hope in Hendry and Glades County. The goal for Hendry and Glades has been set at $364,200. United Way is so pleased to have these two leaders spearheading this year’s campaign.

Dr. Barbara Mundy is currently serving as the Director of Federal Programs at the Hendry County School District. Dr. Mundy was an Upthegrove Elementary Golden Apple recipient in 2005. She received her National Board-Certified Teacher Certification the same year. Barbara’s hobbies are reading, going to the beach, spending time at the pool with grandchildren, and boating in Matlacha. Dr. Mundy actively participates in community engagement and development through her work with United Way.

Dr. Mundy has served on various committees over the years including United Way Fund Distribution Committees, a National Pre-K Task Force, Migrant Comprehensive Needs Assessment Committee, National Migrant Conference Committee, and as a Board Member of the United Way Partner Agency, Childcare of Southwest Florida. Barbara is a current board member for United Way and is the Hendry County School District Homeless Liaison.

“I am proud to be a campaign co-chair for United Way," she said. "The assistance United Way provides to families in need and their support for the community is very inspiring. In working for Hendry County Schools, I have come across many needy families. When that happens, I know I can count on United Way for assistance and referrals for them. This assurance makes me proud to be a campaign co-chair.”

Bob Beville is a fourth generation Floridian, born in Miami but settled in Fort Myers in 1976. He took a position with Waterman Broadcasting in 1980 and retired in January of 2023 as Vice President of Sales. Beville enjoys spending his free time fishing and is excited to explore the waters in Hendry and Glades County. He was previously a campaign chair for United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties for 2020-2021.

Beville has always had a passion for giving back to our community starting in 1979 as a Big Brother for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lee County. Beville currently sits on a variety of boards including Chair of the Lee County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. He spends his time volunteering at The Six Mile Cypress Slough and Meals on Wheels, a United Way funded program at Community Cooperative.

 “I’m so excited to be part of the United Way Campaign in Hendry and Glades counties," said Beville. "I have spent time in this community and come to know that the businesses and residents are very involved. They recognize the importance of the United Way and how it truly makes a difference in the lives of many of their friends and neighbors. I’m looking forward to “Uniting Heroes, Inspiring Hope” in Hendy and Glades County.

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades has raised and distributed almost $221 million since it was established in 1957. Introduced into the Hendry and Glades area in 1999, all money raised in the United Way Hendry and Glades campaign stays within the Hendry and Glades communities to help support the local human service network. United Way Partner Agencies and initiatives include Hope Hospice, Sunrise Community Center, Harry Chapin Food Bank, and United Way 211, to mention a few. These agencies serve a diverse range of needs in our community such as nurturing children and youth, strengthening families, and meeting critical needs like helping the elderly and disabled live independently, and empowering communities by bringing health and human services to neighborhoods.

In addition to raising funds for human service organizations in our community, United Way promotes partnerships and collaborations among agencies and initiatives, helping them to work together focusing on issues and solutions that continue to improve lives.

For more information or to RSVP for the Campaign Kickoff by November 8, contact Lisa with United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades at 239-433-7559 or Lisa@UnitedWayLee.org.