This column was written by Regina Spach, executive office associate and United Way coordinator for the Department of Media and Communications:

Yes, we are getting ready for that time of year again – a time when we as a school district have the opportunity to “LIVE UNITED.”

The annual United Way campaign begins today, Oct. 14, and runs through Nov. 15.

We are coming back from an incredibly successful year last year. Our 2012 campaign contributions totaled more than $419,000, with Trantwood Elementary, Lynnhaven Middle and Ocean Lakes High and Old Donation Center leading the way, raising $6.73, $2.49, $1.44 and $3.93 per student respectively.

But, I want to get away from the numbers for a minute. The United Way campaign is much more than facts and figures.

It’s a pledge with a purpose.

For me, my participation with United Way comes thanks to my three daughters.

In January of 1997, I arrived in Virginia Beach – an implant from New York – with my three-month-old twin daughters who had been born 10 weeks premature. I needed to find capable and supportive doctors in the area. I did not need to look far – only to Children’s Hospital of King’s Daughters (CHKD). Through their programs, we discovered that one of my daughters has hemiplegia (a type of cerebral palsy), that caused stiffness and weakness in the muscles on the right side of her body. Throughout the tests, the leg braces and the physical therapy, CHKD’s staff never left our sides. Just a few years later, I was again in need of CHKD’s services as my then 8-year-old daughter had her gall bladder removed. Once again I was comforted by the surgeon and nursing staff, who were supportive, understanding and helpful.

At that time, there was not much I could do to thank CHKD for taking care of my family. However, each year, I can say thank you through the United Way.

Mostly likely, each one of you has a personal story or connection just like mine with a charity, cause or foundation that United Way helps to support. Maybe it is a local shelter, the SPCA or our own Virginia Beach Education Foundation. Whatever it is, this is your money in action. This is our chance to give back, pay it forward and make a difference.

Please consider making a pledge to the United Way.

If you have any questions, contact Fran Thomas, United Way Division Coordinator, Office of Budget Development, at frances.thomas@vbschools.com or 263.1163.

Together let’s all “LIVE UNITED.”

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