April May has been orchestrating special events since she was a teenager.
“When I was 15, my stepfather, a musician and teacher, wanted to produce a jazz festival showcasing school children in the local music program,” she said. “I had the privilege of coordinating all the student volunteers and judges. This was the start of my love for event planning!”
They say April showers bring May flowers. But April May will bring special events to United Way of Union County. May is the new Event Coordinator for the organization. “There is a comment nearly every time I tell someone my full name,” May laughed. “Getting through TSA screening at the airport is especially fun! Nearly every time, the agent makes some sort of comment. My favorite is, ‘Is that your real name?’ As if I’d use that as an alias! I always respond with humor. I suppose it could have been worse. I was born in April, but due in May. So I guess my Mom could have named me May May!”
Now, May has the privilege of event planning for United Way of Union County. She is the new Event Coordinator for the organization, where she will be working directly with volunteers to produce events that raise awareness and dollars for United Way throughout the year.
“I’m looking most forward to working with people who are passionate about giving back and paying it forward,” May said. “I’ve received help in my own times of need, just like most of us have. I can’t return the favor to those who have helped me because they don’t need the help. Working for United Way is my opportunity to pay that kindness forward.”
May comes to United Way from the American Ceramic Society, where she coordinated up to 15 conferences and trade shows a year across the country with attendees up to 4,500 people. The biggest event she ever put together was a Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society in Monroe County, Michigan that attracted 6,500 participants and raised over $450,000.
May relishes the chance to fit in and make an impact in a small town like Marysville.
“I love how welcoming everyone is!” May noted about her first week on the job. “I’m new to the community and it warms my heart that everyone wants me to feel at home. Plus, there’s the devotion of my co-workers and volunteers to what is best for Union County. It’s a part of every conversation and decision we make. That’s how it should be!”
“The United Way is pleased to welcome May to our small staff and is confident that her past event planning experience will be an asset to our organization,” said Shari Marsh, United Way’s Executive Director. “Special events are one way our organization is able to raise funds that ultimately benefit the community.”
United Way works to bring neighbors and resources together to improve lives in Union County. United Way of Union County has raised more than $17 million for local needs since it was established in 1958. More than just a fundraiser, United Way collaborates with local businesses, government, and non-profit organizations to solve pressing social service issues large and small.
For more information, please visit www.unitedwayofunioncounty.org.
