United Way of West Tennessee hosts 13th annual First Ladies’ Luncheon

JACKSON, Tenn. (WBBJ) – United Way of West Tennessee held its annual First Lady’s Luncheon, bringing together women from across the region to support the organization’s community programs.

The event started 13 years ago when the organization hosted the governor’s wife and the new superintendent. It became known as the First Lady’s Luncheon, where United Way shares how funds help the community.

Founder and chair Anita Kay Archer said the money goes throughout the organization’s 15 counties to help children and people in need.

“It’s just a wonder, wonderful organization,” Archer said.

Lauran Cino, president and CEO of United Way of West TN, said the luncheon is United Way of West Tennessee’s largest annual fundraising event. Women across the 15-county service area design tablescapes, but the core purpose is to support United Way’s internal programs that focus on youth, education and financial stability, as well as the agencies the organization supports through grants.

Katie Cox, Senior Human Resources Manager at Teknor Apex Company, said she contributes to United Way because the organization gives back to the community in ways that impact her employees.

Also at the luncheon, Cino was introduced as the new CEO of United Way of West Tennessee.

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