United Against Poverty supporters and board members gathered for a lovely cocktail reception last Thursday evening at the majestic St. Andrews Island home of Bill and Libby King.

“It’s a thank-you; it’s a great big hug to the people who have been significant donors to United Against Poverty,” said Bill King who, in addition to their personal philanthropy, supports it through the King Group – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. “We’re very blessed, like so many people, and to share some of those blessings is a great privilege.”

The couple got involved after learning about the nonprofit from Barbara Lowry, UP board president.

“Barbara is a tireless supporter of United Against Poverty and we learned some of the details of the program and how integrated it is with some of the other charities in the community. It really has an impact on people’s lives,” said Bill King.

“They just don’t put the Band-Aid on; they work them back into being great citizens in the community,” added Libby King. “I think it’s very special that we can give back to the community we live in and see so much impact.”

United Against Poverty is currently in Phase II of its Lifting Lives out of Poverty Capital Campaign and is seeking to raise $3.9 million to retrofit its New UP Center, a 44,000-square-foot, multi-function campus, scheduled to open in the summer.

Guests paused in their socializing to hear a few brief remarks.

“United Against Poverty is truly working to transform lives here in the community and we could not do that without you. So, thank you,” said Annabel Robertson, UP executive director. “We are excited to be celebrating a new year. 2019 is going to be a phenomenal year for United Against Poverty.”

She said the move to the New UP Center will allow them to expand their services and serve more people in a space that will include the Cost Share Grocery, STEP (Success Training for Employment) Job Training program, new educational programs, a new entrepreneurial program to be launched, nine agency partners and a medical clinic.

“It is going to be an amazing addition to this community. Thank you to every one of you for the amazing work you do to transform lives in Indian River County,” said Robertson.

Lowry pointed out that the Kings’ generosity in hosting the party was particularly vital as the organization spends all of its funding on programs rather than events. Later she noted that UP addresses the root causes of poverty rather than just treating the symptoms.

“We realize that there are significant reasons why people cannot provide for themselves adequately,” said Lowry, also noting the impact of ending multi-generational poverty.

“Children who are raised in poverty have more limited opportunities to become self-sufficient themselves. By providing parents with the skill sets required to earn and maintain employment, they can be role models for their children. If you don’t address the family unit, you’re not helping children.”

Lowry said UP currently serves 600 people per day, adding “that makes us the largest social service agency in the county. And we had this party to thank our donors, because if it weren’t for them, we wouldn’t be able to do that.”