SOCIAL SCENE: Women United

Regina Behlen, Bob Haight, the president and CEO of the United Way of Marion County and Beth Nelson of the United Way of Marion County, left to right, pose together during the United Way of Marion County Women United Annual Luncheon at the Klein Conference Center at the College of Central Florida in Ocala, Fla. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2025.

United Way of Marion County’s Women United hosted their second annual Women United Luncheon on Nov. 5 at the College of Central Florida’s Klein Center.

“The event was filled with generous sponsors, donors, passionate women and a few men who believe in inspiring change and supporting families and children who are facing financial struggles. Because of the leadership of Laurie Ann Truluck and a committee of women philanthropists, who are leading the charge and guided by their vision and purpose, they create lasting change,” shared Niki Tripodi, United Way’s vice president of resource development, via email after the event.

The Phyllis Ewers award was given to Angie Lewis, “who tirelessly serves her community with a whole heart. The three Ewers brothers took the stage to honor the recipient and their mother, whose legacy continues to drive hope and determination to ensure our Marion County residents thrive,” Tripodi wrote.

This year, the Women United members set a goal to raise $55,000 to benefit United Way of Marion County’s Strong Families Program. The program exists to lift local families out of generational poverty. The graduating families receive the skills to gain permanent housing, reduce debt, further their education and increase their family’s household income. The women not only reached their goal but surpassed it due to the inspiring testimony from a Strong Families client, Tripodi noted.

To learn more, go to uwmc.org/women-united

United Way of Marion County Women United Annual Luncheon

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