The United Way of Northern New Mexico (UWNNM) held its 2023 Fundraising Kick Off event Sept. 19 at SALA Event Center. UWNNM Executive Director Cindy Padilla, left, welcomed donors and non-profit partners including Melissa Arias of Lemonade Living and introduced members of the UWNNM Team. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

UWNNM Board Chair Liddie Martinez introduced Board Members in attendance including Vice Chair Carol A. Clark, Treasurer Steve Renfro, 2023 Grant Committee Chair Michelle Wilde and guest speaker Sen. Leo Jaramillo during the 2023 UWNNM Fundraising Kick Off event Sept. 19 at SALA. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com 

Sen. Leo Jaramillo addresses the crowd during the 2023 UWNNM  Fundraising Kick Off event Sept. 19 at SALA. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Sen. Leo Jaramillo speaking to those gathered at the 2023 UWNNM Fundraising Kick Off event Sept. 19 at SALA. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

UWNNM Board Treasurer Steve Renfro speaks to the crowd during the 2023 UWNNM Fundraising Kick Off event Sept. 19 at SALA. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com

Scene from the 2023 UWNNM Fundraising Kick Off event Sept. 19 at SALA. Photo by Carol A. Clark/ladailypost.com