Keith Kennon

United Way of Santa Barbara County has recognized Keith Kennon as the Community Service Champion of the Month.  Kennon, who also received the Community Impact Volunteer of the Year Award earlier this year, has contributed hundreds of hours of volunteer service to date in 2010. 

Kennon has been instrumental in the launch of United for Literacy (UFL) a new initiative designed to achieve United Way’s ten-year goal of increasing graduation rates by 50% and increasing by 50% the number of children reading at or above grade level in every grade.

With an MBA from Wharton Business School and a strong desire to give back to the Santa Barbara community, Kennon has taken a leadership role in shaping the United for Literacy Initiative, going beyond what is normally asked of a volunteer.

Kennon has given momentum of the UFL program, working on a variety of projects from film editing and web design, to enhancing the network of schools and community organizations necessary to increase reading and graduation rates.  Keith has been an invaluable asset to the Community Impact Department.  His dedication, ownership of projects and his service attitude have been inspiring. 

United Way Community Impact Director Joel Goforth said that Kennon’s involvement has increased the organization’s capacity to execute its programs, despite limited resources. 

“Since Keith became involved at United Way, the Reading Plus and United for Literacy programs have really taken off in the community,” said Goforth.  “Much of this success can be attributed to the hard work and dedication that Keith has brought to this organization as a volunteer.”

Each month, a volunteer panel reviews nominations received and selects one outstanding volunteer or group of volunteers to receive the award.  The winner is then presented with a plaque donated by sponsor Tri-Valley Trophies in Goleta.

For more information or to submit a volunteer nomination, contact Matthew Weisner, Volunteer Coordinator at United Way of Santa Barbara County at 805-965-8591 or mweisner@unitedwaysb.org.

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