NAPLES, Fla. – Forvis Mazars, a leading accounting and advisory firm, has made a $500,000 donation to the United Way of Collier and the Keys to support ongoing recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Ian on Florida’s southwest coast.
The donation from the Forvis Mazars Foundation was formally announced Thursday at a grand opening event for the United Way’s Disaster Assistance Center. Forvis Mazars’ donation is a “pacesetting” gift that will support operations of the Center, which provides a one-stop-shop for individuals and families in need. Services and resources available at the Center include assistance with housing, food, and clothing, as well as help replacing lost documents and accessing financial assistance.
The firm’s donation also will help fund other unmet needs including construction costs for people repairing and rebuilding homes and labor costs for United Way staff assisting people through the recovery process.
“Amazing gifts like this don’t just happen—they are a direct reflection of the leadership and caring culture at Forvis Mazars,” said Steve Sanderson, president and CEO of United Way of Collier and the Keys. “The firm saw a huge need and chose to serve in a big way and make a difference. Hurricane recovery work is done best at the local level. Forvis Mazars leaders have demonstrated that they understand the United Way and its partners are here today and for the long-haul to immediately mobilize, respond, recover, and rebuild lives impacted by the storm.”
The donation from Forvis Mazars came about following a firm meeting that was held in the Naples area last fall, just weeks after Ian hit the area. Forvis Mazars leaders participated in service projects with the United Way and felt compelled to do more to help recovery efforts. That led to an impromptu charity auction during the meeting, followed by additional contributions from across the firm to support the donation.
“We are proud to support the ongoing relief efforts and the vital work being done each day by the United Way and its partner agencies in the region,” said Matt Snow, chairman of Forvis Mazars’ Governing Board. “Full recovery takes time and goes on well after the national spotlight may have moved on. This donation is a testament to our people—they recognized the need to give back and stepped up in a bold way.”
