UNITED WAY News:

Jordan Ahlers has been named to chair this year’s United Way Youth Team Campaign. She is a senior at Los Alamos High School.

The Youth Team held its kick off meeting Wednesday in the fourth floor conference room at Los Alamos National Bank, which is a major sponsor of the United Way of Northern New Mexico organization.

“These youth are so great and show so much leadership … they ran the whole meeting,” United Way Executive Director Kristy Ortega said. “The Youth Team has grown its campaign every year and this year has set a goal of $11,000 … they are filled with so many fantastic ideas for their campaign that I just know they are going to achieve their goal.”

Among its campaign activities this year, the United Way Youth Team is planning a benefit and a High Tea fundraiser. The team is also hosting the annual Taste the Sky Dinner at the Los Alamos County Airport Sept. 16. 

Los Alamos Public Schools Superintendent Gene Schmidt and his wife Wendy are co-chairs of this year’s United Way Giving Campaign, which kicks off soon.

Schmidt attended the Wednesday Youth Team Campaign kick off meeting along with LAPS Chief Financial Officer John Wolfe, Youth Team advisors Morrie Pongratz and Margaret Ellis and past chair Keanna Cohen.

Jason Waterbury is this year’s Loaned Executive from Los Alamos National Bank.

United Way Finance Director Marie Marroquin coordinates the Youth Team and United Way Communications and Marketing Director Carla Gray Weiser also assists the campaign.

The United Way Youth Team has scheduled its next meeting for Aug. 20.