Bill Pappano Chooses United Way of Lake County

Donors and volunteers shared with us why they choose to give to United Way of Lake County. We hope their stories motivate you to continue (or begin!) to choose United Way when you are asked to participate in your workplace giving campaign. 

Pictured: Bill Pappano, Biology Group Leader at AbbVie, with his two sons. 

What inspired you to become involved with United Way of Lake County?

My wife has worked at United Way of Lake County for 10 years. I continue to be inspired to give because of the stories of families in need in our community. I remember hearing about young elementary students showing up to school in the middle of winter without any socks or boots.

I am also inspired to give because of the stories of success. I remember the story of a co-worker participating in United Way’s Reading Success program, who helped a young student dramatically improve her reading skills so she could read at grade level.

What aspect of United Way’s work do you connect most with and why?

We have two school age children who have grown up in a house that is overflowing with books. It is hard to imagine that there are children within miles of where we live who do not have any children’s books in their home.

I know the advantage that an education gives a child in life. President Obama once said, “A child’s course in life should be determined not by the zip code she’s born in, but by the strength of her work ethic and the scope of her dreams.” I appreciate the work United Way does to give every child a chance to succeed and achieve their dreams.

Why do you think it is important to support United Way’s mission?

United Way identifies and tackles our community needs in a way that leads to measurable and lasting change for children and their families.

If you’d like to make a gift to United Way, click the button below.