[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING CHUCK ANDERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2025

  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding 
contributions that Charles Anderson has made through his work with 
United Way of Pasco County. Charles W. Anderson, recently retired 
January 2025 as President & CEO of United Way of Pasco County (UWPC). 
He has made a profound and lasting impact on the organization and the 
community it serves. Since assuming leadership in January 2019, Charles 
transformed UWPC into a more dynamic, responsive, and impactful 
organization, nearly doubling annual fundraising to $2.8 million by 
2023 and expanding its focus from three to eight critical areas of 
community needs. Under Charles's visionary guidance, UWPC rose to the 
challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic with swift aid innovative action. 
He launched Operation Feed Pasco, which not only supported 19 local 
restaurants but also provided over 237,000 meals to individuals and 
families in need. The program mobilized $2.4 million and delivered 
vital services to shelters, food ministries, and elder care centers 
during one of the community's most vulnerable times. Charles also 
pioneered the Fighting Human Trafficking (FHT) Program, positioning 
UWPC as one of only four United Way organizations globally offering 
direct services to human trafficking survivors. This program is the 
only one in Florida with state funding to provide emergency hotel stays 
and housing for survivors of human trafficking state-wide. Through his 
strategic advocacy, he secured over $2 million in funding from the 
Florida Legislature and the Department of Justice, significantly 
amplifying the program's reach and capacity. Financial stewardship and 
ethical governance flourished under his leadership, with UWPC earning 
the highest 4-star rating from Charity Navigator for four consecutive 
years and maintaining a remarkably low 6.5 percent overhead. Charles 
built strong partnerships with local, state, and federal leaders, 
ensuring UWPC played a key role in disaster response and community 
resilience efforts, including managing FEMA allocations and emergency 
shelter coordination. Beyond programmatic and financial 
accomplishments, Charles leaves a cultural legacy of collaboration, 
compassion, and forward-thinking leadership. He empowered staff and 
volunteers to innovate and excel, instilled a strong sense of mission 
throughout the organization, and strengthened the relationship between 
UWPC and its many partner agencies. Charles retired 2 months ago to 
spend more time with his family, and he leaves behind a stronger, more 
resilient UWPC prepared to meet future challenges.
  It is clear Charles Anderson has made a profoundly positive impact on 
our community, and I am grateful for his service. May we all strive to 
serve our communities with the same dedication and humility.

                          ____________________