News Release

We celebrate Volunteer Champion Willie Stewart, and commemorate Willie Stewart's leadership and commitment to the people of Pierce County annually through the Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship. Willie is pictured here with United Way of Pierce County President and CEO, Dona Ponepinto, left, along with 2022 scholarship recipients. Pierce County high school seniors are encouraged to apply by May 1, 2023.

Today we celebrated and honored Lua Pritchard on receiving her Rotary Club of Tacoma #8 Community Service Award! Thank you Lua for being part of our board and for your outstanding service and leadership to the community.

Kayleigh Sheen, an employment coach at Bethel’s Center for Strong Families, is making a difference in her community by helping individuals improve their job skills and find fulfilling careers. She recently shared her experience with United Way, giving insights into her work.

“I start by building relationships with clients, understanding their skills and job history, and tailoring job opportunities to fit their individual needs,” she said.

United Way of Pierce County's Day on the Hill was a success! We had a packed schedule of meetings with 20 elected officials to discuss policies 
that will create positive change in our community. From early learning and childcare to affordable housing and homelessness, we covered a lot 
of ground and made our voices heard.

We had an incredible evening on February 13, 2023, as we unveiled the new Centennial Campaign donor wall at United Way of Pierce County! 
This beautiful display recognizes the generosity and commitment of our donors who left us a planned gift and/or provided us a gift of $5,000 or more. 
Their incredible support goes toward our mission of creating a thriving community for all.

July 7, 2022 – Pierce County, Wash. — This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the annual
Willie Stewart Community Service Scholarship. From the very beginning, United Way of Pierce
County (UWPC) has supported this scholarship program to recognize a select number of Pierce
County high school seniors who demonstrate a tireless commitment to volunteering in their
community.

June 14, 2022 - The Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) noted today that Dona Ponepinto, United Way of Pierce County President and CEO, has assumed the role of President of the prominent women’s leadership organization with more than 125,000 members in independent Junior Leagues in four countries. A Member of the Junior League of Tacoma, Ponepinto is a former Member and past president of the Junior Leagues of Detroit, Michigan and Long Beach, California.

United Way of Pierce County Celebrates 101^st Birthday in May with a Protein Food Drive