In 1975, Glenn and Janice Friendt welcomed a daughter into their family through adoption. Through this process, they were supported by a local United Way funded nonprofit, ensuring they had the tools they needed for a successful future together as a family. This began a long connection that both Glenn and Janice had with United Way as they realized that not only was United Way always supporting others in the community, it had a tremendous and meaningful impact on their life as well.

A few years later, Glenn was approached by a community leader who was serving on United Way's campaign cabinet. This community member asked Glenn to run a United Way campaign at his workplace, a leading marketing firm in the community. Understanding how his own family had been helped, and wanting to pass along that support to others, Glenn agreed. He started giving to United Way and encouraged his employees to join him. Glenn has long remembered this community member's comment to him – "Leaders go above and beyond what is expected" and committed to living that out through financial commitment as well as volunteerism and advocacy with United Way of Lincoln and Lancaster County.

Because of Glenn's generous spirit, his marketing firm developed two annual marketing campaigns for United Way. This led to Glenn serving on United Way's board, including one year as President. Throughout Glenn's tenure, he saw firsthand how it takes a community of leaders and volunteers to make an impact. It struck Glenn that there were many before him who laid through groundwork for community services that he and his peers had the honor of carrying forward to the next generation.

Later in life, as his daughter began her career, she joined a United Way located in Phoenix. This "full circle" moment further cemented Glenn and Janice's continued support of their community through giving.

As his company grew, so did Glenn's giving, as well as his understanding of and commitment to United Way's work. When he was ready, Glenn joined United Way's Tocqueville Society, committing to a $10,000 annual gift to support Lincoln and Lancaster County.

Even in retirement, Glenn continues to give. Recently, Glenn chose to endow his Tocqueville gift so that his impact will continue in perpetuity. His message to everyone is "We all know someone or have our own personal story that connects us to United Way". Please consider joining him by making a contribution to the United Way Foundation so that this work can continue beyond our life-span and do great work for those who follow us.