Leadership Giving donors enjoyed an exclusive treat Friday evening when Jacksonville Jaguar staff opened the doors to the locker room, allowing the donors access to this “backstage” part of the stadium most fans never get to see. Celebrants of all ages experienced a self-guided tour of the locker room, stadium tunnels, and a view from the side-line of the field.

Whether they were wearing black and teal, jaguar print or the WILL members in their red shoes, Leadership Giving donors – including the affinity groups: the Builders Society, WILL and the Atlantic Circle – each enjoyed refreshments, networking and a special thank you acknowledging their contributions which help families across Northeast Florida.

“I asked my son what I should talk about,” Michelle Braun, president of United Way of Northeast Florida said, in her address to the group. “He said, ‘Remind them that the money goes to help the kids.’”

Braun also reminded the Leadership Giving members they make up an important part of each year’s campaign – each contributing $1000 or more. Their contributions totaled $4.4 million of last year’s campaign. This impacted Achievers for Life students, 20,000 families who used RealSense services and the thousands who receive help through the 2-1-1 helpline.

Friday night’s fun was an opportunity to say thank you and look forward to this year’s future events.

Interested in becoming a Leadership Giving member?

Learn how you can get involved today! https://unitedwaynefl.org/donate/

To view photos from the evening, visit and “like” United Way of Northeast Florida on Facebook.