The United Way of Northern Arizona recently kicked off its annual fundraising campaign at a breakfast of community leaders, business partners, and supporters dedicated to the proposition that when we work together, we can improve countless lives in Coconino, Navajo, and Apache counties.
This year’s campaign theme, United is the Way, highlights what makes UWNA unique: its ability to bring people and resources together to take bold action on the region’s toughest challenges.
UWNA President and CEO Liz Archuleta opened the event with her trademark enthusiasm, calling collaboration the organization’s “superpower.” Much like a superhero’s iconic tool or symbol, UWNA’s ability to bring together individuals, businesses, partner agencies and the public sector is what fuels its success.
She reminded the audience of UWNA’s four core areas of impact:
- Youth Opportunity, particularly through its Step Up for Youth initiatives;
- Healthy Communities
- Financial Stability and
- Community Resiliency.
Celebrating a New Youth Center
The morning also included an inspiring announcement about the new teen center in Holbrook, a project made possible through the partnership of Grow Arizona, Wellpoint, and UWNA.
Liz noted that the project grew from an internship where students from Holbrook and Joseph City high schools surveyed their peers about the challenges they were facing and what would help.
“What emerged from that survey was a big dream,” she said. “Students in the northeast were hungry for a safe, inclusive space they could call their own – a teen center. And now, thanks to the efforts of United Way and Grow Arizona, and the incredible generosity of Wellpoint, I am very pleased to report that a building in Holbrook donated by a long-time family in the community is being refurbished to create the Bijou Teen Center by Wellpoint.”
Youth mental wellbeing was one of the main themes of the event, including a panel discussion with local experts about the mental health challenges facing northern Arizona teens today and what parents, schools, businesses, and community members can do to help.
Campaign Chair Gabe Smith
The highlight of the event came when Gabe Smith, Executive Vice President at Kinney, took the stage as this year’s Campaign Chair. A longtime UWNA supporter and board member, Gabe shared both her professional and personal journey of building community in Flagstaff.
She spoke warmly about Kinney’s vision to not only construct buildings but also strengthen the fabric of the community. That spirit, she noted, is perfectly aligned with UWNA’s mission.
“And as a mom of two, I deeply appreciate the focus United Way puts on early childhood development and youth opportunity through its Step Up for Youth Initiative – making sure our youth are resilient and thriving,” she said.
She recalled the joy of visiting UWNA’s KinderCamp™ program and seeing the difference it makes for preschoolers preparing for kindergarten.
Gabe also emphasized UWNA’s unique ability to leverage resources, combining donations and grants to maximize impact.
“My ask to you,” she told the crowd, “is for everyone to lean in. Let’s roll up our sleeves and work together to reach our goal. With your help and participation, together we will show northern Arizona that United is the Way.”
Goal Setters Lead the Charge
The Campaign Kick-Off also celebrated this year’s Goal Setters – seven employers that committed to launching their fundraising efforts early and setting ambitious goals:
- APS – $25,000
- City of Flagstaff – $21,500
- Coconino County – $30,000
- Joy Baking – $13,000
- Kinney – $33,000
- Lowell Observatory – $20,000
- Nestle Purina – $45,000
Their combined pledges total $187,500, which already represents 16% of the overall campaign goal.
The event was made possible thanks to the generous support of UWNA’s sponsors. Wellpoint served as the Platinum Sponsor, Coconino County as the Gold Sponsor, and Findlay Toyota as the Silver Sponsor. Bronze sponsors were: Coconino Community College; Kinney; Johanna Klomann, CPA, PLLC; Lowell Observatory, Northland Hospice, and The NARBHA Institute.
With a strong start from the Goal Setters, passionate leadership from Gabe Smith, and a community united around big dreams, UWNA’s 2025 campaign is already off to a remarkable start. The work ahead is significant – but as Liz and Gabe both reminded attendees, United is the Way.
You can be part of this important work. Donate online here or, if you are employed by an organization running a workplace campaign, contact your workplace coordinator or HR department. Every contribution helps create opportunities for youth, strengthen families, and build a healthier, more resilient community.