Angle is new director of Sikeston/Bootheel United Way
SIKESTON — The Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way launched its fundraising campaign and welcomed a new executive director on Friday.
Shawnna Gerding officially marked her last day as executive director of the local United Way on Friday during the nonprofit’s fundraising campaign kickoff meeting at the Fox Haven Country Club in Sikeston
Gerding’s retirement comes at the heels of the kickoff for the United Way’s 2018-2019 fundraising campaign, which has a goal of $85,000. That’s the same goal as the previous year’s campaign.
“Last year we fell short of our goal about 20 percent and so the board talked about whether we should lower our goal, but after talking about it, we decided to leave it at $85,000 because usually the community comes through for us and helps us reach our goal,” Gerding said.
Taking over as executive director is longtime Sikeston resident and business owner Lisa Angle.
Both Gerding and Angle noted donations made directly to the Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way are distributed locally to the 19 agencies located within its service area of Scott (south of Scott City), Stoddard, New Madrid, Mississippi and Butler counties.
“What gets raised here, stays here, and our 15-member board of directors are all volunteers. There is one part-time position which is the executive director,” Gerding said.
Cash or check donations are accepted, and they can also be made via Paypal on the Sikeston/Bootheel Area United Way’s website: www.uwsikestonarea.org.
Larger companies like Ameren and Do It Best have workplace campaigns in place for the United Way drive, and that seems to be growing, Gerding said. More people are asking for volunteer opportunities, which shows they are taking pride in the community, she said.
“It’s good to see all of that growing,” Gerding said.
During Gerding’s three-year tenure as director, she said the local organization established a mission, updated its bylaws and transitioned all of its record keeping from manual tracking to a software program.
The United Way has also been conducting fundraisers to help reach its goal, Gerding said.
“We’ve done a lot of fundraisers at eating establishments, and we’re talking about in addition to the golf tournament, doing another big event like that because you can make more money,” Gerding said.
Gerding and Angle have been working together to train Angle for her new position.
“Shawnna’s been great, and I’ve got a lot to learn,” Angle said.
Gerding said Angle’s experience and familiarity with the community will benefit the United Way.
Angle used to own Jumpin’ Jacks in Sikeston and currently runs High Maintenance Boutique. She and her husband, Anthony, have a daughter, Ashley, and son, Blake.
“I’m excited to bring new ideas and new businesses, hopefully, to get on board with the United Way,” Angle said. “I’d like to get more support from all of our other counties.”
By helping the United Way, businesses and individuals are helping local agencies, which ultimately benefits the community, Angle said.
“The United Way is making our community better and stronger, and all of the agencies that we help are helping contribute to that,” Angle said.
The United Way office is located on the fourth floor of Montgomery Bank in Sikeston. For more information, contact Angle at the local United Way office at (573) 471-0310.