Board Member Spotlight: Leanna McBride, Board President
Leanna is a native to the Grand Rapids Area and works as a dentist at Grand Dental Center. She and her husband, Tom, are happy to be living once again in their hometown, after spending several years in Minneapolis and Charlotte, North Carolina. In her free time, Leanna enjoys being active outdoors, celebrating the natural beauty the area has to offer, and spending time together with her friends and family.
What inspired you to be involved with United Way?
I loved growing up in Grand Rapids and want it to be a thriving, successful community for my own future children to live, play, and grow up in. I believe that all people deserve a chance to succeed and United Way’s mission to serve the Itasca County area and support non-profits that strive to make our hometown a safe and healthy place for every community member, and I am excited to be a part of making that mission a reality.
What is the most rewarding thing you have taken from this experience?
It has been so inspiring to see community members from all walks of life come together and support one another for the good of the community. Getting to be a part of that experience has been incredibly rewarding.
What is one word you would use to sum up United Way’s work?
Community
What is one thing about United Way that you think most people don’t know?
Each dollar raised stays in our very own community. Even though United Way is a national organization, the United Way of 1000 Lakes serves our local area and invests into community members only.
What advice would you give to a potential donor who is considering investing in United Way?
When you invest in United Way, you fight for basic human needs such as food, shelter, and safety from violence or abuse; stand up for youth with no support; and battle for hard-working families struggling to make ends meet. There are multiple ways you can invest, whether it’s donating financially or giving back through volunteerism. Helping in any capacity goes a long way and makes a big difference!