OCALA, Fla. - TelAve -- Marion County's community and business leaders gathered at the College of Central Florida's Klein Center in Ocala to celebrate United Way of Marion County's 65th anniversary. The organization presented awards and honors to community leaders and top donors and rolled out its new framework for enhanced community impact, including new internal programs that focus on youth opportunity, financial security, healthy community and community resiliency.

The meeting also marked the start of the 2026-2027 campaign year, with new board members being sworn in. The organization's executive board of directors is now chaired by Kristy Rowland of Ark Hospitality, with Kourtney Corcoran of Signature Brands chairing the annual giving cabinet for a second consecutive year.

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"This is an exciting time to join the United Way of Marion County. After listening to the community and seeing the immense need in Marion County, we are proud to be the leading nonprofit organization uniting local resources to help our neighbors," said Natalie McComb, president and CEO at UWMC.

"I am proud to be board chair of UWMC during this exciting time. In the next year, you will see the positive impact we are making in Marion County, and I invite you to join us in helping our neighbors thrive," said Rowland.

"Chairing the 2025-26 Annual Giving Campaign showed me just how much this community is willing to do for the families who call it home. The $1.2 million we raised stays right here in Marion County, funding real progress in education, financial stability, and health," said Corcoran.

"At this year's annual meeting, we recognized donors and partners who have helped us in our mission to better Marion County and launched our new annual giving campaign. Together, organizations can join United Way of Marion County in addressing community needs and being part of the solution," said Alan Keesee, immediate past board chair at UWMC.

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The organization is continuing its internal programs like Strong Families, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), Community Partnership Schools at College Park and East Marion Elementary Schools and ReadingPals. UWMC also announced new programs like Thrive Tutoring, 2.4 Million Meals, Nourish Now, Long-Term Recovery Group and Champions for Employment.

Florida Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Mark Wilson addressed the event as the featured guest speaker.

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About United Way of Marion County

United Way of Marion County mobilizes our community to action so all can thrive. From supporting youth opportunities to addressing financial security, growing healthy communities and building community resiliency, we're working towards a brighter future for Marion County.

To learn more, visit https://www.uwmc.org/