Campaign coordinators are the lifeblood of United Way of King County’s fundraising efforts. They often coordinate workplace giving campaigns on top of their regular jobs. At this year’s Spirit of Caring Celebration, we saluted three of our top coordinators.

Ben Farrow

From the get-go, Ben Farrow ensured that Puget Sound Energy was well-positioned for a successful campaign season. He secured top-level management support and developed a keenly strategic campaign plan. At this year’s campaign kickoff, he and the team organized two lunch-hour volunteer activities to engage employees about United Way of King County. People made blankets and packed hygiene kits with toiletries to be given to people experiencing homelessness. While working on the blanket and kits, employees heard inspirational stories from agency speakers. In all, Ben’s beautifully executed campaign raised a record $350,000 for United Way of King County.

Caren Skube

Caren Skube played an active role in helping to secure Scott Carson as this year’s campaign chair, and supported his efforts throughout the campaign season. She was instrumental in managing communications and activities between United Way and Scott’s team.

Caren secured top level support in her role as coordinator for the Employee Community Fund of Boeing Puget Sound’s workplace giving campaign. That support gave her access to Boeing employees and the resources she needed to execute strategic campaign events to build awareness for the campaign.

This campaign year, Caren helped coordinate a new system to recognize leadership donors—which allowed Boeing donors to voluntarily opt-in and be recognized for their gifts.

Caren has always been a strong advocate for the Loaned Executive program, and helps work to secure loaned employees to ensure that United Way of King County has top-notch employees supporting our fundraising efforts. Her impressive works have greatly benefited United Way of King County to the tune of over $4 million.

Bill Wallace

Small but mighty—that sums up the National Frozen Foods Company. Its 39 employees have been leaders in giving over many years, and always have 100 percent participation. This year, under the superb campaign leadership of Human Resources Director, Bill Wallace, they raised nearly $60,000 for United Way of King County. Bill has stepped up as National Frozen Food’s campaign coordinator for the last 14 years, and thoroughly enjoys the challenges and rewards of the job. Many of the company’s 39 employees have worked there together throughout their careers, and the bonds are strong. Over half of the staff join in to plan a fun campaign and work together to make it a success. Following the kickoff celebration, Bill personally goes to each employee’s desk to drop off pledge forms and answer questions. A long-standing tradition always manages to end the campaign on a high note: On the campaign’s final day, one last employee holds out until the noon deadline to turn in a pledge form. Everyone gathers around the desk of the employee and heartily applauds when the deadline is met.