Jonesboro, AR – JonesboroRightNow.com – The United Way of Northeast Arkansas celebrated the success of its 2025 fundraising campaign Thursday during its annual luncheon at Centennial Hall on the campus of Arkansas State University.

The event brought together community leaders, volunteers, and business partners to reflect on a year that saw significant local impact across Northeast Arkansas.

Guests were served a meal before a performance by former American Idol contestant Mary Beth Byrd. Following the performance, awards were presented honoring individuals who played key roles in the campaign’s success.

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Executive Director Heather Coats provided an overview of the organization’s work and the results of the 2025 campaign, emphasizing both the financial success and the lives impacted.

According to the organization’s annual report, the 2025 campaign raised $716,000, supporting 43 nonprofit partners and directly impacting 57,797 individuals across Northeast Arkansas. The effort was backed by more than 100 company partners and thousands of volunteers.

The report also highlighted how those funds were distributed to address critical needs across the region:

  • 41% invested in building a healthy community
  • 25% toward community resiliency
  • 20% supporting youth opportunity
  • 14% focused on financial security

“These numbers represent real people—families, children, and individuals whose lives are better because of what this community chooses to do together,” Coats said.

The annual report detailed measurable outcomes across those focus areas. In 2025 alone:

  • 14,721 individuals received supplemental food, and 1,582 people gained access to healthcare
  • 358 children received after-school and educational support, while 129 foster children were matched with volunteer advocates
  • 208 individuals received free legal services, and 76 people were helped toward re-employment
  • More than 1,100 individuals accessed safe shelter and support services

Volunteerism also played a major role in the campaign’s success, with 6,477 volunteer hours logged throughout the year. Signature events like Day of Caring brought more than 600 volunteers together for 75 community projects, while initiatives such as Stuff the Bus collected over 44,000 school supplies for students in need.

Additionally, United Way’s Community Connect initiative helped meet immediate needs across the region, including placing more than 35 displaced families in temporary housing after severe storms and assisting with food, utilities, and transportation.

Following the presentation, several individuals were recognized for their leadership and service during the 2025 campaign:

2025 Award Winners:

  • Community Above Self Award: Lynette Hirsch
  • Michael Nunnally Loaned Executive of the Year: Macy Montgomery
  • Campaign Champion: Curtis Norris

The report also highlighted the critical role of corporate partners and workplace campaigns, noting that organizations across sectors—from banking and healthcare to manufacturing and utilities—helped drive the campaign’s success.

Coats emphasized that the organization’s impact goes beyond dollars raised.

“United Way is about mobilizing people—connecting resources, volunteers, and partners to meet real needs in our community,” she said.

As the organization looks ahead to the 2026 campaign, leaders say the momentum built this year will continue to strengthen efforts to address poverty, education, and health challenges across Northeast Arkansas.

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