The United Way of Southeast Missouri strengthens families with a focus on education, income and health. LIVE UNITED is our call to action engaging the community to GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER to create a good life for all in our community. Our initiatives include Success by 6, Read to Succeed, and LIFE (Leading and Inspiring Families to Excel). To help the community access existing services, we offer First Call for Help, a telephone help-line for local services; 573-334-HELP. This blog will highlight how the United Way of Southeast Missouri and its funded partners are building a caring community through fundraising, volunteerism, community education and collabortive efforts.

Donor Spotlight: Carolyn Sandgren

Posted Monday, May 4, 2015, at 8:00 AM

1. How long have you lived in this community?

I relocated to this community in 1990, so I have lived here for about 25 years.

2. What is your occupation?

I wear many hats as the President/CEO of Elite Travel, Inc. My main focus is a travel expert, bringing over 30 years of personal world travel experience.

3. What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about my children, Skyler and Levi. My two boys are kind, hard working and strong in their faith...what more could I ask for? I am also passionate about my relationship with God and living a life on integrity. I often miss the mark, but I try my hardest to live a life of purpose.

4. What are your hobbies?

The obvious answer is traveling - I love a beautiful hotel and great scenic vistas and views! I also enjoy photography, art, coffee, experiencing new and exciting foods, theater (especially Phantom of the Opera and Wicked!), boutique shops and unique items. Something that most probably don't know about me is my love for playing Scrabble and Bible Trivia!

5. What do you love most about this community?

What I love most about this community are the people that live here and the sense of community that has been created. I have developed a lifetime of great relationships! People in Southeast Missouri tend to give more than they receive and are happy to help advance the good of others - they are people with a heart.

6. How long have you been a United Way donor?

I have been donating to United Way for the past two years.

7. Why do you choose to support your community through United Way?

As I became more involved in the community, I began to see what a difference United Way is making. The more I got involved by attending United Way events, volunteering for Read to Succeed and learning about GRACES, I saw that the organization is making a real difference in my own back yard. Cape Girardeau is where I live, work and have raised my children, so I want to leave a good legacy here. As a small business owner, and personally, I believe in United Way's mission and see it changing lives daily.

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