A community member's story of what it means to

 

My name is Christine.  When I moved to Bellingham to attend Western I had every expectation that after graduation I would move back to Seattle or another major city to pursue my career. I was excited to participate in volunteerism and community strengthening efforts through my major at Huxley College. Once I met and married my husband; the plan was still to return to the Seattle area, but life doesn't always follow the original plan. We had our son, I graduated from Western, we bought a home, I began a career in abnking, and then we bought a business--all in just a few years. All of a sudden we were truly entrenched in this wonderful community, and happily so! One of the best 'perks' of the banking industry is the support of their employees' community involvement--through direct sponsorships, generous allowances to participate in volunteer opportunities, as well as a strong support of United Way. I am proud to follow their lead by being a 20+ year Leadership donor to United Way and volunteering on the United Way Fund Distribution Committee; and, as small business owners, my family and I have been overjoyed to be able to give back to a community that has given us so much. Trying my best to take full advantage of as many opportunities to make this place we have called hom for over 30 years a better place for all is how I LIVE UNITED.