The United Way of the Greenbrier Valley announces the Campaign Co-Chairs of its 2014 Campaign: Mary Baldwin, Katie Eads, Shannon Rausenberger and Deva Wagner. The women – all successful small business owners and mothers – are passionate about their communities and making a positive impact in the world.
United Way of the Greenbrier Valley’s Executive Director Cindy Lavender-Bowe said the women were a natural choice to lead the 2014 Annual Campaign. “The honorary campaign chairs are our cheerleaders and go-to people for spreading the word throughout the community about the United Way’s efforts and to bring positive attention to our fundraising campaign,” said Lavender-Bowe. “These women have always been great supporters of the Greenbrier Valley and we are thrilled that they’ve accepted the challenge for UWGBV.”
Mary Baldwin and Shannon Rausenberger are co-owners of a successful photography business, BlackBird Studio. Baldwin, a former school teacher and mother of three, is an avid supporter of education and literacy efforts. Along with her husband, she publishes Greenbrier Valley Quarterly and serves on the Lewisburg Literary Festival committee. “I am excited to be a part of this group in supporting the United Way and its programs,” says Baldwin.
Rausenberger’s passion for community service began in college where she volunteered for the local Ronald McDonald House. Since that time, service and volunteerism, have been important parts of her life. “I was thrilled to be asked to be part of this team,” said Rausenberger. “It’s a real honor to be involved with the UWGBV in any capacity – volunteer, donor, or campaign chair – and an pleasure to serve with such amazing women.”
Eads, financial advisor for Edward Jones, believes in the community centered efforts of the United Way of the Greenbrier Valley and is especially passionate about helping families become financially stable and independent. “Most of us have special people in our lives that have influenced us. Mine was a high school teacher who encouraged me to work hard and planted the seed to give back to others and my community. I hope that we can make a few lives better with a successful campaign,” says Eads.
Wagner is a lifelong resident of the Greenbrier Valley and a successful business owner, operating two retail stores – Wolf Creek Gallery and LoveChild. Wagner is a passionate advocate for healthy endeavors and believes in the United Way’s mission to increase healthy behaviors in our communities. Wagner was instrumental in the area’s first half marathon, Run United; also a fundraiser for the UWGBV. “You can be assured that the dollars raised are being used for vital and effective programs that make a difference in the Greenbrier Valley, says Wagner. “By working together, we can do so much more than any one of us can do alone.”
The annual UWGBV campaign kicks off this year on Sunday, Oct. 5, at Greenbrier Valley Theatre at 4 p.m. The fundraising goal for United Way of the Greenbrier Valley’s 2014 Campaign is $250,000. Annually, over $200,000 are raised in support of local programs. 100 percent of these funds are raised locally and UWGBV serves thousands of residents in Greenbrier, Monroe, and Pocahontas counties.
