United Way NEXT Leaders Celebrate 35th Anniversary With Heartwarming Gift
United Way NEXT kicked off its 35th anniversary celebration on March 19, 2025, with a heartfelt virtual social hour. It was an event filled with gratitude, reflection, and a renewed commitment to the legacy that has shaped our United Way family. But no one could have anticipated the incredible wave of generosity that would follow.
Shortly after the event, United Way NEXT Board Member Jeffrey Wilcox and his wife, Maria Chavez-Wilcox, sent a touching email that not only honored key figures in the United Way movement but also set in motion a powerful ripple effect of giving. In their message, they announced a tribute donation of $1,750 in honor of United Way leaders who profoundly impacted their lives and careers.
Jeffrey and Maria’s donation included five tribute gifts of $350 each:
In memory of Charles J. Devine, whose vision and leadership helped establish the United Way Retirees Association and whose encouragement shaped their careers.
In honor of Dick Aft, for his pioneering contributions to United Way NEXT, the entire United Way movement, and his unwavering belief in future generations of leaders.
In honor of Bill Mills, whose influence empowered countless United Way professionals to pursue greatness in the name of helping others, including Jeffrey and Maria.
In honor of Rob Reifsnyder, whose mentorship has helped shape a new generation of community problem solvers and purveyors of community generosity.
In honor of Joe Haggerty, whose priceless confidence in our potential to be a successful professional United Way couple built a solid foundation of lifelong success for us as individuals and as a team
Joe Haggerty, Bill Mills, Jeffrey Wilcox, & Rob Reifsnyder at United Way NEXT's 35th Anniversary Reception.
Their generosity was met with deep gratitude from those honored. Rob Reifsnyder shared, “I’m overwhelmed by the generous contribution that you and Maria have made in honor of Chuck, Dick, Bill, Joe, and me. You have both been such generous leaders yourselves, so for you to contribute in this way is so meaningful to me, as I’m sure it is to my colleagues.”
Bill Mills added, “I was deeply touched by your note, Jeffrey and Maria, and I’m overwhelmed with gratitude and joy. Thank you for your ongoing generous financial support as well as your continued volunteer leadership service to United Way NEXT.”
Their act of giving inspired others to follow suit. Dick Aft, moved by their tribute, pledged to make his own $350 contribution in honor of United Way NEXT’s past and present leaders:
Joan Dixon, 1994-1997
Lyanne Wassermann, 1998-2001
Tricia Smith, 2002-2016
Amber Kelleher, 2017-2020
Keith Barsuhn, 2021
Carole Peters, 2022-present
Carole Peters, Keith Barsuhn, Amber Kelleher, & Tricia Smith at United Way NEXT's 35th Anniversary Reception.
But the outpouring of generosity didn’t stop there. Emails of gratitude, inspiration, and commitment to United Way NEXT’s future continued to pour in. Carole Peters, President & CEO of United Way NEXT, responded with heartfelt appreciation: “Yesterday’s anniversary kickoff was meant to inspire, and this response with the action taken shows it did just that. Honoring our United Way friends is so important and especially while they are here so they know the impact they have had on us. I am inspired and so grateful.”
United Way NEXT 2025 Board Chair, Paul DeBassio echoed the sentiment, saying, “What a wonderful way to kick off the 35th anniversary! You certainly have me thinking about what I can do this year.”
Screenshot during United Way NEXT's 35th Anniversary Social Hour.
Extending the Legacy of Giving
As we reflect on 35 years of impact, this moment serves as a powerful reminder that United Way NEXT is more than just an organization. We’re a diverse and inclusive community of passionate United Way professionals and alumni. We share a profound sense of purpose and belonging and we believe in investing in the future. Many of our members have already made lasting commitments through planned gifts, ensuring that our mission thrives for generations to come.
We are honored by the generosity of individuals who have established named endowments, including:
Dick & Mary Lu Aft
Alan & Selma Cooper
Robert (Bob) M. Beggan
Dan & Kathleen Dunne
Tom & Carol Brown
Jeffrey Wilcox & Maria Chavez-Wilcox
Jeffrey Wilcox shared why he and Maria made this commitment: “United Way has given so much to us; not just careers, but a lifelong community of people who care deeply about making a difference. We wanted to ensure that the next generation of United Way leaders continues to benefit from this network of support, inspiration, and service.”
Their foresight and commitment ensure that United Way NEXT will continue to support and inspire leaders for years to come. As Jeffrey and Maria so beautifully stated, “We hope this gift inspires others to consider paying tribute to our peers and pioneers who we value as colleagues and treasure as friends.”
How You Can Help Us Keep the Momentum Going
As we continue to celebrate this milestone year, we invite you to join this movement of generosity and support. Consider making a tribute gift in honor of a United Way leader who has made a difference in your life. Or take the next step in securing the long-term success of United Way NEXT by contributing to our endowment.
The legacy of United Way NEXT is built on the dedication, generosity, and vision of our members. Together, we can ensure that the next 35 years are just as impactful as the last!
To make a 35th anniversary contribution, please visit the 35th Anniversary Tribute page. If you are interested in contributing to our endowment, please head to our Give Back page.
Here’s to 35 years of building this incredible community! We can’t wait to see what’s NEXT 💙