FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Talia Jackson
Phone: 573-443-4523 or 314-724-3110
Columbia, MO — Heart of Missouri United Way will officially launch its 2025 Community Campaign on August 18, bringing together board members, nonprofit partners, campaign volunteers, and community supporters to celebrate the start of its largest annual fundraising effort.
The kickoff event will be held from 4:00–6:00 PM at The Heist, hosted by Flat Branch Bank and sponsored by Joe Machens Ford. The program will begin at 4:30 PM and feature remarks from:
- Nancy Toalson and Wally Pfeffer, 2025 Campaign Co-Chairs
- Dr. Nikki Carter, Director of Belonging & Community Impact at MU Health Care and Chair of the Heart of Missouri United Way Board
- Talia Jackson, President & CEO of Heart of Missouri United Way
To mark the official start of the campaign, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors will perform a ceremonial ribbon cutting, symbolizing the community’s shared commitment to improving lives across Mid-Missouri.
Each year, over 100 local companies participate in workplace campaigns, where employees engage in presentations, lunch-and-learns, and team-building events to learn about the impact of United Way and raise critical funds for the community. These campaigns highlight stories from partner agencies, testimonials from fellow employees, and creative fundraising activities that bring people together for a shared cause.
“This campaign is about more than fundraising — it’s about building a community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Dr. Nikki Carter. “Our board is proud to support a vision that centers equity, compassion, and collaboration.”
“We’re excited to kick off this year’s campaign with energy and purpose,” added Wally Pfeffer, Campaign Co-Chair. “The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me, and I know this year will be no different.”
“This year’s campaign is especially meaningful,” said Talia Jackson. “We’re not only launching our fundraising efforts — we’re also unveiling a refreshed mission and vision that reflect our bold commitment to equity, compassion, and community well-being.”
A New Chapter for Heart of Missouri United Way
As part of a broader brand refresh, the organization recently adopted a new mission, vision, and values to guide its work:
- Mission: To positively impact lives by empowering people and organizations through strategic resource investments.
- Vision: We envision a future where every person in our community thrives — where health, happiness, and opportunity are not privileges. In this future, our work is no longer needed, because equity, compassion, and well-being have become the foundation of daily life.
- Values:
- Accountability
- Community
- Compassion
- Equity
- Integrity
The August 18 event marks the beginning of a multi-month campaign to share this renewed direction with the community, and we invite everyone to be part of the journey.
Heart of Missouri United Way has served mid-Missouri for nearly 80 years as an organization dedicated to improving outcomes for neighbors in need so that all in the community may thrive. In 2025, Heart of Missouri United Way is partnering with 25 agencies to oversee 37 grants in its impact areas – education, health and basic needs, and financial security.
