Charlotte Berry is one of America’s most enthusiastic supporters of United Way and its efforts to change lives! In addition to contributing to United Way in both Columbia, SC, and Asheville, NC, for 47 years, she has been an active volunteer leader and advocate. Charlotte founded the Tocqueville Society in both Asheville and Columbia and has served on many United Way of America boards, including the National Planned Giving Council and the Board of Trustees. On the local level, Charlotte counseled children and adults in several communities in which she lived.
Why did she become involved with United Way? “I had great role models in my parents. They were always involved with United Way as well as other organizations. I never remember a time when I did not volunteer in my community. When I was in junior high, I volunteered with a literacy program. It was the thing to do.
“As a young bride in Asheville, I participated in the United Way door-to-door campaign. I became very involved with the community. There was so much need, particularly with children. I remember so vividly the children at a pre-school for mentally challenged children who were helped through United Way. I will never forget the kids there.
“Later, I called on companies as a volunteer and got to know many of the employees. Their stories were amazing. Many of them had themselves benefited from organizations that United Way supports.”
What does Charlotte see as the greatest challenge facing our communities today? “There is so much competition for dollars and so much need. We need to raise more money but also to use the money wisely so that it stretches to impact more lives. United Way has a great grasp of the priorities in their individual communities. I believe that they are using the dollars they raise wisely. That’s why I continue to give and be involved.”