If you attended the Workplace Campaign Kickoff last month at Tropicana Field, you know what I mean when I say it just keeps getting better and better. I got to see my first flash mob, we had student volunteers from USF posting tweets and our inspirational speaker from the Operation Graduate program, high school student Brianna Jones, brought the crowd to its feet.

We were at the Trop thanks to our good friends the Tampa Bay Rays. Go Rays!

Board chair Brian Deming, left, and campaign cabinet chair Mark Watson support me and the community at our Campaign Kickoff.

Publix was in the building! They come out full force to support United Way and are visible not only at our Kickoff but at our volunteer events and in their generous donations. The City of Clearwater does the same and I saw their own Robin Gomez, a member of our campaign cabinet, in the stands.

Tech Data had a big contingent to applaud their co-worker David Wojciak, who was this year’s campaign coordinator Hall of Fame inductee. Thanks to David’s efforts, Tech Data increased giving to United Way by 65% last year. A plaque with David’s likeness will hang in Tropicana Field for the next year.

Kellogg’s donated cereal and sent Tony the Tiger to liven things up. Best Buy supplied games for the children from Campbell Park and the ultimate giveaway – the Xbox 360 with Kinect, which was won by flash mob member Kendra James, who danced her way down the aisle to claim her prize.

I promised you an update on our own campaign. I’m proud of all 49 United Way staff members for the dedication they show each and every day, and for their generosity in helping us beat our stretch goal of $65,000. Our final total, after donations, auctions, games and a whole lot of food was – drum role please – $66,785.

For the community’s sake, I wish each of you a campaign that exceeds your expectations.

Diana Baker, President and CEO