Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative Concludes Record-Breaking United Way Campaign, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Pasco County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
United Way of Pasco County
727-845-3030 | unitedwaypasco.org
Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative Concludes Record-Breaking United Way Campaign, Leaving a Lasting Legacy in Pasco County
Land O’Lakes, FL- January 30, 2026- United Way of Pasco County (UWPC) proudly announces the successful conclusion of Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s (WREC) 2026 workplace campaign, marking the highest contribution per late in the cooperative’s more than 25-year partnership with United Way. This milestone campaign continues to inspire and strengthen a more resilient Pasco County, today and for generations to come.
Through extraordinary generosity and deep community commitment, WREC raised $75,460 for United Way of Pasco County in 2026, an increase from $71,096 in 2025. This total includes $37,730 donated by employees, matched cent-for-cent by the cooperative itself, an exceptional level of corporate philanthropy.
UWPC President Laura Ospina-Knight expressed her gratitude for the partnership and its growing impact, “This is the highest amount Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative has ever donated to United Way of Pasco County, and we are incredibly grateful! Their cent-for-cent matching speaks volumes about their commitment to our community. Our team is honored to bring agency speakers to Withlacoochee so employees can hear directly about the families supported through United Way Community Programming, and we are thankful for the opportunity to engage with each employee who makes this work possible.
Beyond their workplace campaign, WREC has demonstrated remarkable philanthropic leadership across the region, supporting numerous nonprofits and serving as a leading corporate sponsor for dozens of annual fundraising events. Notably, Withlacoochee will once again serve as Title Sponsor for UWPC’s 3rd Annual Pull for Pasco Clay Shoot, directly benefiting UWPC Community Programming.
Funds raised support critical services throughout Pasco County, including educational supplies for low-income children, leadership programs for teens in foster care, trauma therapy for survivors of human trafficking, hospice care for seniors, safe shelters for women, substance-use recovery treatment, job training for individuals with disabilities, and life-skills training for individuals with hearing or visual impairments.
WREC has also played a vital role beyond fundraising. In the aftermath of last year’s hurricanes, WREC staff were among the first to relay firsthand accounts of the challenges faced by flooded and displaced families across Pasco County. Their on-the-ground insights helped inform UWPC’s response and have led to upcoming planned collaborative project with WREC, building temporary housing for hurricane-displaced families, further strengthening disaster recovery efforts.
John McCarty, Regional Manager for Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative’s Shady Hills Bayonet Point District Office and UWPC Board Member, emphasized the trust he places in United Way’s stewardship of community resources. “Giving to United Way is where your dollars make the greatest difference in Pasco County,” said McCarty. “Our WREC staff are in local neighborhoods every day, seeing the needs firsthand. Having grown within Withlacoochee over many years, I’ve seen how United Way operates with incredible checks and balances. Every dollar stays local, and every dollar is used responsibly to strengthen our community.”
Withlacoochee River Electric Cooperative has remained one of United Way of Pasco County’s most valued corporate partners. Their continued leadership, generosity, and commitment to local impact exemplify the power of partnership in building a stronger Pasco County.
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Media Contact:
Marissa Kurt
727-249-8850
marissak@unitedwaypasco.org
United Way of Pasco County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to improve lives for children, families, and individuals in all of Pasco County. We work with over 50 partner agencies to assist our neighbors in their darkest hours and to find sustainable solutions to major issues in our community.