In early October 2022, United Way had the pleasure of hosting a true trailblazer in the Asheville and Buncombe County area and within our own organization. Charlotte Lundsford Berry, walked into the building in a spiffy red suit. At 91 years old, it was clear, she doesn't miss a beat. As UWABC’s CEO, Dan Leroy, walked Mrs. Lundsford Berry through the offices, she was curious about space utilization, UWABC’s community partnerships, workplace relationships, and United Way's global standing.
Mrs. Lundsford Berry’s interest was not only because she sincerely enjoys involving herself in the interest communities of Buncombe County, but also because in the early 1980s, Mrs. Lundsford Berry was named the first female Board Chair of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County. She has recently moved back to Asheville after first moving to the city in the early 1960s and still has the same vigor for volunteerism as she had when she first got involved with organizations like United Way and the Red Cross.
During her time as a volunteer, she also set fundraising records and was a frequent feature in the Asheville Citizen-Times for her often witty and exciting way of sharing the work United Way was taking part in during the 1970s and 1980s. It is clear, however, that Mrs. Lundsford Berry’s enthusiasm for fundraising is still as fiery as it was 50 years ago. 
As she sat down for coffee with Dan Leroy and several other UWABC staff members, she eagerly listened as staff explained the current happenings of United Way. A frequent topic of conversation was the United For Youth network, Community Schools, and the Bold Community Goal, which guides much of our work. Along with this, Mrs. Lundsford Berry provided input on funding and encouraged the work being done in Asheville City and Buncombe County schools.
Mrs. Lundsford Berry is an example of the expression, “age is but a number.” She continues to advocate for older adults to get involved in volunteer activities, and she remains involved in the work of the Red Cross and United Way. As our time with Mrs. Lundsford Berry came to an end, she expressed interest in continuing her support for UWABC's work and left with a positive, eager message: “I’ll be in touch about what I can help with.”
