Photo by Image Studios

Genia (right) was featured on a message board during the 2013 campaign.

Contributor: Genia Lovett, 2013 Co-Chair at United Way Fox Cities and President/Publisher at Post-Crescent Media

Each year, United Way's community campaign brings together committed volunteers who lead our efforts to raise the funds that address our community's most pressing problems. Last year, we were pleased to have Genia Lovett, President and Publisher of Post-Crescent Media co-leading our 2013 campaign. Genia has been a long-time volunteer for United Way, "I have been involved in United Ways in six different communities. When I arrived in Appleton six years ago, I looked at United Way Fox Cities and found it more efficient and more effective than any that I have been involved with since 1985, and that is why I'm committed to be co-chair of the campaign."

During 2012, 35.6% of the residents in Wisconsin volunteered, according to the Corporation of National and Community Service: Volunteering and Civic Life in America 2013 study. Genia has experienced first-hand this spirit of giving-back in the Fox Cities through working with United Way volunteers, "The commitment of the people in the local communities to our United Way has been a wonderful delight. They love knowing they have a hand in making the community better by donating and volunteering for our United Way."

The number of people participating in volunteer activities in Wisconsin has increased since 2011, but there is still room for improvement - Wisconsin ranks 8th among the 50 states and Washington, DC, according to the Corporation of National and Community Service study. Genia is one of the volunteers in Wisconsin contributing to the cumulative 165.3 million hours of volunteer service in 2012. And, she is not someone who just logs hours volunteering to feel good; Genia thinks long-term when it comes to volunteering in the community, "Just knowing the impact that this United Way has in our world is amazing. The Fox Cities is just a magical place, and I could not live with myself if I didn't do everything I could to keep it a magical place beyond my lifetime here."

Do you want to volunteer for United Way Fox Cities? Contact the Community Development Department at 920-735-5462 for more information or e-mail us at  communications@unitedwayfoxcities.org