At United Way Miami, one of the longest standing nonprofits in South Florida, we believe a safe and affordable home is the foundation of a stronger and more resilient community. A key partner in this mission is Miami Homes For All, an organization dedicated to advancing affordable housing production and preservation across our region. United Way Miami has proudly supported their work over the years and we are proud to formalize our relationship even further.

As more families across our community face rising housing costs and limited options, the need for action has never been more urgent. This partnership reflects our continued commitment to connect people who need help with people who can help. In response, United Way Miami has committed $100,000 to help Miami Homes For All accelerate efforts that move families from crisis to stability.

Each year, United Way Miami supports more than 187,000 individuals through over 100 programs and more than 60 impact partner agencies. This partnership is one more way we are delivering real help, right here supporting families, strengthening neighborhoods, and building a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

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On Monday, June 23, United Way Miami welcomed partners, supporters and civic leaders to the 2025 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards at The Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove. This annual celebration honored a year of progress—and the individuals and organizations helping to build a stronger, more connected Miami-Dade. 

President and CEO Symeria Hudson reflected on the power of partnerships and the progress made across United Way Miami’s four core pillars: Health and Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. From expanding access to job training through UpSkill Miami to strengthening early learning through the United Way Center for Excellence in Early Education, she shared how the organization continues to meet community needs with compassion, innovation and action. 

That impact is made possible by the strength of our relationships, including the generosity of workplace campaigns that fuel this work year after year. Miami-Dade County Public Schools, United Way’s largest annual campaign, once again led one of the top campaigns in the county.  Seven top-performing schools were honored for their outstanding leadership and participation. 

The program also celebrated five extraordinary individuals whose service continues to move our mission forward. Each Volunteer Award honoree has made a lasting difference through their leadership, commitment and heart for community: 

Public Service Leadership Award 
Mayor Daniella Levine Cava 

Monsignor Walsh Outstanding Human Services Professional Award 
Annie Lord 

Outstanding Youth Award presented by American Airlines 
Maurits Acosta 

Essie Silva Community Builder Award (posthumously)
Mark A. Trowbridge 

Dorothy Shula Award for Outstanding Volunteerism 
Susan Potter Norton 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to the event sponsors who made this celebration possible. Special thanks to City National Bank, Greenberg Traurig and American Airlines. 

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VeritageMiami has become one of United Way Miami’s premier annual fundraisers, helping serve more than 187,000 individuals annually by providing critical resources across our Core Four pillars: Health & Wellbeing, Education, Resilient Communities and Economic Mobility. Through this work, United Way Miami invests in more than 100 programs at over 60 impact partner agencies and leads 17 initiatives that address local challenges and support families across Miami-Dade.  

The festivities began on April 25 with the Interactive Dinner at the InterContinental Miami Hotel in downtown Miami, where nearly 400 guests enjoyed a one-of-a-kind culinary experience led by celebrated Chef Diego Oka, Executive Chef of La Mar by Gastón Acurio. Guests cooked alongside Chef Oka in a live master class, then sat down to enjoy a gourmet dinner with expertly paired wines. The evening also featured an exclusive auction filled with fine wines, rare spirits and unique experiences. 

On May 7, the Wine and Food Experience brought guests to The Hangar at Regatta Harbour in Coconut Grove. Wineries from across the globe poured their finest bottles, while top Miami restaurants served signature bites. Guests explored interactive tasting stations, cast their votes for their favorite winery and culinary purveyor and enjoyed an evening filled with flavor, connection and impact. 

More than 500 wine and food enthusiasts gathered for the 2025 edition of VeritageMiami, presented by City National Bank. Chaired by Patricia and José Mas, the two-part event series marked its 29th year by bringing the community together to eat, drink and unite for a good cause. 

Sponsors of the event series included Presenting Sponsor City National Bank; Magnum Sponsors Bilzin Sumberg, Greenberg Traurig, Ryder System, Inc; Sommelier Sponsors Colleen and Richard Fain, Delta Airlines, FPL and Socorro Partners 

Every August 17th, United Way Miami and impactful organizations across America celebrate National Nonprofit Day! This day raises awareness of the nonprofit sector, encourages people to support their favorite causes and acknowledges the hard work and dedication of nonprofit professionals and volunteers.

National Nonprofit Day was founded by Sherita J. Herring, a renowned speaker, best-selling author and business strategist. The purpose of this specially designated day is to educate, enlighten and empower others to make a difference while acknowledging those in the trenches, transforming lives every day – the world’s change makers.

On August 17, 1894, the Tariff Act was signed into law, imposing the first federal income tax on corporations, including exemptions for nonprofit and charitable institutions. With a few modifications, nonprofit exemptions remain an important part of the law, providing significant benefits for communities and the economy.

In the spirit of National Nonprofit Day, we must sincerely thank every single one of our incredible volunteers, Board members, donors, community partners and staff. They are the ones tirelessly promoting United Way Miami’s mission and work, spreading the word about our Miami-Dade County’s toughest challenges. The collective power of our dedicated supporters has created momentum that directly led to some major achievements over the past year.

It’s a new horizon for United Way Miami as we are celebrating our 100th anniversary in 2024. Our broad suite of initiatives, from our nationally recognized early education model to our innovative workforce training program, have tangible outcomes that create lasting change for everyone in our community. By repositioning the United Way Miami brand for our second century of service, we have clearly defined the organization as the go-to resource for our region.

In honor of this year’s National Nonprofit Day, United Way Miami is pleased to share a special video, “Celebrating National Nonprofit Day: United Way Miami’s Impact on Our Community,” where individuals and families share how United Way has positively impacted their lives.

We hope these stories inspire others to support United Way Miami’s crucial work in education, health and financial stability, which uplifts our community’s children and families. Get involved today by visiting our website to learn more.