United Way of Brevard brought the community together for an annual celebration of generosity, recognition, and fresh momentum on April 29. More than 200 guests attended a special luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn Cocoa Beach for the annual Awards Celebration honoring the generous individuals and organizations who raised more than $4.5 million to help local families meet basic needs and create lasting change in their lives.

The luncheon wasn’t just about celebrating what’s been accomplished; it also celebrated a bold new direction for the organization. In a powerful introduction, United Way President Caron Partridge unveiled the organization’s new name and brand: United Way Space Coast. This bold evolution reflects the energy, growth, and innovation of a region reaching higher together.

“Our community is changing, and so are we,” Partridge said. “United Way Space Coast is a name that reflects where we’re going: energized, future-focused, and deeply connected to the communities we serve. Our brand promise remains unchanged — changing lives and strengthening communities. United Way Space Coast represents the heart of who we are — local, committed, and united — while also embracing the innovation and momentum that define this incredible region we call home.”

For the awards portion of the luncheon, we once again celebrated two local companies maintaining their place in the prestigious Million Dollar Circle: L3Harris and Publix Super Markets each raised more than $1 million.

Click the here for a photo gallery of our award winners and event photos!

The Brevard Board of County Commissioners received the 2024 Chairman's Award, the top annual recognition chosen by United Way's board chair. This award recognizes an organization that not only supports our community through a quality annual campaign, it also exhibits a strong commitment to Brevard through a variety of activities involving its employees and stakeholders.

Space Coast Credit Union raised $519,903, earning the coveted Campaign Achievement Award, honoring another monumental increase in its workplace campaign.

Additional recognition went to Aeronix, Inc., and Community Credit Union of Florida, both earning Campaign Excellence Awards in recognition of their outstanding employee campaigns.

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Lotane & Associates, P.A., and Jacobs each earned a Campaign Award of Distinction, recognizing organizations that are consistent top performers year after year.

Several other organizations were recognized with Superstar Awards, Top 25 Accounts, and Merit Certificates.

A New Chapter Begins

Now, in 2025, a new chapter begins. With fresh energy, bold ideas, and a dynamic approach, United Way Space Coast is rising to meet today’s challenges head-on.

The new name builds on a legacy of impact that began more than a century ago. United Way’s roots stretch back to 1887, when the Charity Organization Society formed in Denver to bring people together for good. Through the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s, the United Way movement began to take shape, uniting business and labor leaders to reduce fundraising fatigue and maximize impact through a single, powerful campaign.

Locally, that story began in 1957, when a group of caring Brevard residents launched the Brevard County United Appeal and led the first county-wide fundraising campaign. In the decades that followed, the organization evolved first into the United Fund of Brevard County in 1962, and then as United Way of Brevard in 1971.

As the 2025 campaign officially launches with Campaign Chair Dr. Mark Rendell at the helm, United Way is calling on residents, businesses, and organizations across the region to take action, get involved, and be part of something bigger. Because when we live united, there’s no limit to what we can do.