Over the course of 2021, we will feature 100 Heroes who have been instrumental in our fight for the basic needs, education and financial stability of our neighbors for the past century. To learn more about how we are continuing to serve the Bluegrass in 2021, click here.
Today we are interviewing Alan Stein, a former Board Chair, Campaign Chair, and longtime supporter of UWBG.
What is your current or former role within UWBG and what does a typical day look like in this role?
I served on United Way’s Board of Directors for around 25 years. I also served as Campaign Chairman and served 2 terms as Chairman on the Board of Trustees. In my United Way days, United Way was very heavily involved in workplace giving. I took my responsibilities very seriously and I tried to attend as many workplace rallies as possible.
My typical day would consist of meeting in United Way offices, mapping out plans for the day and week and strategically figuring out what past giving looked like and what the hot spots were that would motivate particular businesses or industries. We would then call on the businesses and industries. Throughout my years in leadership, I tried to attend as many meetings as I could.
What is your favorite project that you have worked on with UWBG or that you have seen UWBG work on?
My favorite thing was when we would go to the elementary and middle schools for their campaigns. We would collect pennies, nickels and dimes and have the students themselves be involved in the campaign. That was always extraordinarily rewarding for me.
I remember one specific time at Eastern Elementary in Scott County. They had a big rally in the gym with their cheerleaders, mascots and parents. It was packed and overrun like a state tournament game. It was so much fun. At the end of the day, they presented me with a framed photograph of the school signed by as many kids as possible. I still have it hanging on my wall. That was a great event and moment for me.
If encouraging someone to get involved with UWBG, what would you encourage them to do throughout their time with UWBG?
My first piece of advice would be to have a full understanding of United Way’s commitment and how they create a better society through giving and leadership. In having done that, I would encourage someone to go over, sit in the offices, watch and talk to folks and see what brings them to United Way. Try to figure out where you can be the most impactful. If you’re impacting United Way and the work they do, more importantly, you’ll be impacting your own life moving forward and learning the value of being a good citizen.
In your opinion, what positive change has UWBG made in the Bluegrass over the last 100 years?
It’s been amazing. Over the years, United Way of the Bluegrass has had its core value of making Central Kentucky a better place to live for everybody through education, social services and being engaged in creating the kind of community we are all proud to live in. The impact of UWBG has been immense and it’s amazing to me to think United Way has been around for 100 years and continues to be one of the most impactful and caring organizations in our entire region.
Fun Questions:
What is your favorite thing to do in the Bluegrass?
My favorite thing to do in the Bluegrass is to gather friends and families to watch a Lexington Legends baseball game at Legends Field.
If you were to move away, what would you take with you from the Bluegrass area, or what would you miss most?
I would want to take my family, piano and my library of books. From the Bluegrass, I would take the rolling fields, horse farms and all the area around Central Kentucky.
"Being a part of United Way changes you. It gives you the opportunity to see more of our community, what its needs are and to direct one into areas where they truly have heartfelt committed opportunities to make a difference." -Alan Stein
Thank you for being such a strong part of UWBG, Alan! We appreciate you and all that you've done.
Do you know someone who has worked alongside United Way of the Bluegrass in the past century who should be considered for our 100 Heroes series? Please email us at liveunited@uwbg.org to share your nomination!
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