United Way of Greater Knoxville (UWGK) officially launched our 2025 Campaign with an empowering event at Covenant Health Stadium on May 6. The event brought together more than 100 local business leaders with a strong call to action: celebrate bold ideas, invest in working families, and unite to build a thriving community.
“Each year when we come together for this campaign, we are reminded of the incredible power of community,” said UWGK’s Interim CEO, Chrystal Armstrong Brown. “Every action we take together is amplified in its impact, locally and across the region. United, we can do extraordinary things.”
Attendees heard welcome messages from City of Knoxville Mayor Indya Kincannon and Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. Mayor Jacobs highlighted the importance of getting involved, stating, “I encourage everyone to support this campaign, not out of obligations, but because strong communities are built by people who step up and work together.” Mayor Kincannon expressed her admiration for UWGK, stating, “The United Way is not just showing up for these issues, they are helping us lead.”
United, We Can
During the event we unveiled our new 2025 campaign video, as well as our 2024 annual report. We shared key highlights from 2024, one of our most successful campaigns, with over $17 million raised through donations, grants, and other income. UWGK mobilized nearly 10,000 volunteers, convened more than 3,500 local leaders, partnered with over 500 organizations, and supported more than 655,000 individuals across East Tennessee through grantmaking and strategic initiatives focused on basic needs, early childhood, and economic mobility.
Welcoming Our 2025 Campaign Chairs
The program included a heartfelt recognition of 2024 Campaign Chairs, John and Lee Ann Tolsma. The Tolsmas introduced 2025 Campaign Chairs, Greg and Kim Gheen. As lifelong Knoxvillians and longtime supporters of UWGK, the Gheens are deeply rooted in our community and guided by a shared commitment to service, faith, and giving back. Kim Gheen shared about the power of UWGK, saying, “It’s not just about short-term help. It’s about transformation.”
The Ripple Effect of Innovation
At the heart of the event was an inspiring CEO panel focused on community transformation, moderated by Dr. Marianne Wanamaker, Dean of the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs. Panelists included:
- Gabe Bolas, President and CEO, Knoxville Utilities Board
- Raja Jubran, Chairman and CEO, Denark Construction, Inc.
- Lisa Rottmann, President and CEO, Stowers Machinery Corporation
- Jim VanderSteeg, President and CEO, Covenant Health
The panelists discussed the importance of being innovative when faced with challenges even in times of uncertainty. “These agencies are more important than ever,” said Gabe Bolas, “They are a lifeline for the community. United Way is the glue that holds all of us together, and I will continue to support it for as long as I can.”
Jim VanderSteeg emphasized how everyone can get involved and truly make a difference: “This is our community. These are our challenges. When you get a glimpse of what United Way does, I can guarantee you’ll find something worthy of your support.”
The event concluded with a call to action from Greg Gheen, urging businesses and individuals alike to support the campaign through workplace giving and personal contributions. “The challenges we read about at the national and state levels will inevitably find their way to our doorstep—but we’re ready for them,” said Greg Gheen. “The work that United Way agencies do every day isn’t just about offering short-term help, it’s about creating lasting change. And that’s the spirit that brings us together. United, we can.”
For more information on UWGK’s 2025 Campaign, visit uwgk.org/uip.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
This event was made possible thanks to gold sponsor, Denark Construction, silver sponsors, PYA and Realty Trust Group, and bronze sponsors, Axiom Wealth Management and Northwestern Mutual. Their commitment to community building aligns with UWGK’s mission to create lasting change.
