The United Way of Bucks County is composed of an innovative staff that devises new tactics and strategies to raise community engagement and fundraising in the county every day. An important member of the staff is Jeanmarie Foy, aka Jeannie. Jeannie dons a bright smile to work every day, where she raises money for UW Bucks . This allows us to fund member agencies and make positive changes in the community.
Jeannie graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Master’s Degree in Resource Economics. She found her way to UW Bucks through a volunteer, who suggested she apply for a job. Jeannie was named Director of Workplace Campaigns, a position she has held for the past six years.
In this position, She is responsible for going into workplaces to raise awareness of the good things UW Bucks does in the community. She also motivates the employees at these companies to become involved as volunteers or donors. It is not hard for people to be enthused about UW Bucks through meetings with Jeannie, because of the joy she exhibits from her work with non-profits.
Jeannie is not a one-woman team, however. She is supported by a crew of hardworking fellow employees who work in all departments of United Way. Some tasks and events are organized independently, but others are completed through teamwork. Jeannie says this is one of her favorite parts of the job, along with sharing an office with her pal, Danielle Bush. Not only does her office space make her want to come into work everyday, but Jeannie says that she enjoys “meeting people that inspire me because of their generosity and sincerity in wanting to make positive change.”
Jeannie’s position isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, though. “It’s really frustrating that there are so many things to do in the community and time seems to fly by. Sometimes, there’s not enough time to do everything that we, as a team, would like to do within the community.” Organizing Days of Caring, pep rallies, corporate visits and volunteer opportunities is a challenge. The team works to facilitate the most impact within Bucks County.
After 6 years at UW Bucks, Jeannie says she still tries to improve and work more efficiently. She cites her co-worker John Ramirez, the Chief Financial Officer for UW Bucks, as an inspiration for organization and proficiency. “He is a time management expert, uses charts, and prioritizes his tasks. If we all worked like that everyday, how much more work could we get done?” Jeannie, like the UW Bucks team, continues to examine the potential improvements that can be made personally and within the community.
Overall, Jeannie is a true display of the hard work and dedication that comes with being a UW Bucks staff member. Conveying her enthusiasm for her position and UW Bucks as a whole, Jeannie says, “When I go to sleep at night, I feel a sense of accomplishment. It feels good to have a job where you are able to help people.” Sleep tight Jeannie, you have a lot of work ahead of you tomorrow.
About the Contributor: Caitlyn Feldcamp is one of the two Campaign and Resource Development Interns for the summer. She will be a sophomore at Salisbury University in the fall, where she is studying Nursing. She is excited about working for United Way of Bucks County and is looking forward to the exposure and experience this internship will give her in the nonprofit sector.