The United Way of Greater Texarkana Area Celebrates 100 Years
The United Way of Greater Texarkana (UWGT) celebrated 100 years of continuous service on Thursday, August 31, 2023, at the Texarkana Texas Convention Center. Jazz saxophonist Rich Walker entertained guests as they arrived and played his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. Past Campaign Chairs, Past Board Chairs, and community leaders were recognized for their vital roles in the UWGT history. A United Way Worldwide (UWW) representative, Bill Kitson, Director, U.S. Central Region, was in town to participate in the epic Centennial Celebration. Texarkana Mayors and past UWGT Chairs: Allen Brown, Texarkana, Arkansas, Bob Bruggeman, Texarkana, Texas, and past Mayor James Bramlett spoke and issued a proclamation. The event was videoed and added to YouTube for posterity and historical reference. The Executive Committee Roundtable is chairing this year’s campaign and has a goal of $900,000.
The United Way of Greater Texarkana is a local non-profit organization that has advanced the common good in the Greater Texarkana area for 100 YEARS! They believe everyone has the right to a good life and a responsibility to improve the community. UWGT is inclusive, seeking broad community support and involvement.
A volunteer Board of Directors comprised of local citizens from all lifestyles and walks of life leads the United Way of Greater Texarkana (UWGT). They are a locally governed, autonomous, 501 © (3) organization. From humble beginnings that sprang out of the local Community Chest in 1924 led by H.H. Watson, owner of Watson Shoes, 121 E. Broad, Texarkana USA, to raise money for four partner agencies, which later was incorporated as United Way of Greater Texarkana. Today, UWGT supports over 30 programs within a nine-county region in NETX and SWAR. The UWGT has impacted the region with over 50 million dollars in community support through grants and volunteerism hours! Vital programs and partnerships have transformed countless lives over the past 100 years!
To improve lives in our region, United Way of Greater Texarkana focuses on the three key building blocks for a good life: health, education, and financial stability. A healthy community learns well, earns well, and lives well. Through initiatives and investments guided by community volunteers, UWGT advances the common good in conjunction with Community Impact partners. They do not just address the symptoms of the problems; they get to the underlying causes. With an unwavering commitment to efficiency, accountability, and transparency, UWGT strives to be good stewards of donor’s dollars. United Way of Greater Texarkana is dedicated to helping families and individuals succeed while improving the community's overall quality of life.
