As a youth, Kelli Wesley was able to see United Way in a unique light. Even though she did not attend campaign presentations or distribute pledge cards then, she did learn how United Way was serving the community every night at the dinner table. At the time, her father was the Executive Director.
Growing up with a father so involved in United Way drives her commitment to the organization. Because of him, she was able to see how many people United Way helps and the impact it has on their lives. One of the most important lessons he taught her was to give in whatever way she could - time, treasure, or talent - and that by simply living this way she would inspire others to give.
Today, that is exactly what she is doing. Kelli is a long-time donor to United Way, and for the last five years she has been deeply involved with the United Way Campaign at work. Kelli is now the Manager of Laboratory Technical Services at IU Health Bloomington. There she has led the fundraising committee, was a United Way loaned executive for two years, and has co-chaired the last two hospital annual campaigns.
Kelli is excited that IU Health Bloomington has taken a leadership role in giving back to the community. She hopes that it will inspire other medical groups to give back also. "Some of the people who we serve at the hospital are the same people who are served by United Way -- those with low-income, poor housing and nutrition. The effect those struggles have on their overall health are observed in the ER."
In her work, Kelli sees the 2-1-1 system as a crucial tool in connecting people to the services they need. "A lot of people who need help often have no idea where to start looking for assistance." The 2-1-1 information and referral hotline is available 24/7, free, confidential, and sets those in need on the right path to receive help.
For Kelli, to Live United is everybody coming together to advocate or give -- in any way they can -- to help the community as a whole. Her favorite part of joining in the Live United spirit is how good it feels to give back to the community and to get to know other people and their passions.
In her free time, Kelli looks forward to an active summer filled with water, whether being on it or in it. She loves spending time with her sister on their boat. Kelli also enjoys scuba diving and her favorite dive, although a little scary, was into a 120 foot cave in Cozumel, Mexico.
A huge thanks to Kelli Wesley for all she does to inspire others to strengthen United Way and make a difference in the lives of community members. Thank you for choosing to Live United!
