If you have ever attended a United Way of Sumner County event – the Community Impact Breakfast, Golf Scramble or our Gala in the Vineyard – chances are you were greeted by Susan Gaimari when you arrived. That’s not by accident. We often ask Susan to serve in that volunteer role so she is one of the first people our guests meet when they come to a United Way event. Susan has a knack for making everyone feel welcome whether they are old friends of United Way or curious newcomers. Her amiable, customer-friendly approach puts everyone at ease. Susan, a commercial and business development banker with Sumner Bank & Trust has worked in the banking industry for more than 30 years in Davidson and Sumner counties.
She first began volunteering with United Way in 2007 serving as the bank ambassador for UWSC while employed at Fifth Third Bank. During that time she assisted representatives of UWSC with the workplace campaigns at various branches. “After serving as the ambassador, I realized I needed to be much more involved. I started with Stuff the Bus, then the Allocations Committee,” Susan said. “Next was serving on the Gala committee starting in 2016. I have been a part of both of these committees almost every year since.”
As a Gala committee member, Susan helps with all aspects of that signature fundraising event. From planning the logistics to securing auction items to inviting guests and then cleaning it all up after the evening ends, Susan immerses herself in all of it. Her initiative and leadership helped make the event a record-breaking success this year.
Her leadership skills extend beyond the Gala. She began serving on the UWSC board in 2022. For the 2023-24 term she will continue as a board member and assume the responsibilities as board secretary.
Susan is an all-around champion for United Way through Sumner Bank & Trust. She spearheaded the bank’s involvement in the United We Feed food drive last year, collecting more than 2,000 cans of food and non-perishable items. The bank also served as a sponsor at the Golf Scramble and at the Gala in the Vineyard.
When she is not volunteering for United Way of Sumner County, Susan supports other nonprofits and their work. She has volunteered with Feed Sumner, Gallatin Child Care Center and she has been a member of the morning Hendersonville Rotary Club since 2018, volunteering for various projects to raise money for student scholarships and nonprofits within the county.
“After being involved with UWSC in various capacities over the last 16 years, I cannot imagine NOT being a part of this great organization and hard-working team of ladies,” Susan said. “Having the opportunity to see firsthand the impact it makes on so many lives has brought many smiles and tears to my face. The relationships that have developed over the years with other volunteers are lifelong and I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to serve my community through UWSC.”
Thank you, Susan, for demonstrating what it means to Give, Advocate and Volunteer!