News

United Way Honors Crayola with PPL LIVE UNITED Award for Improving the Lives of Those in Need

Award will be presented at United Way Celebration of Caring event which recognizes donors, volunteers and community partners. 

Allentown, PA – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) will honor Crayola with the PPL LIVE UNITED Award for improving lives and quality of life across the region. The award will be presented at United Way Celebration of Caring on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 to recognize the transformative impact donors, volunteers and partners made throughout the year.

“The Greater Lehigh Valley came together to build a stronger community. Celebration of Caring recognizes the collective impact of United Way donors, volunteers and partners,” said United Way Campaign Chair Laurie Hackett, Air Products Director of Community Relations and Philanthropy.

The event, which is also presented by Crayola, celebrates and honors organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community in partnership with United Way.

Crayola will receive United Way’s highest honor, the PPL LIVE UNITED Award. This award is presented to an organization or company whose engagement in the Lehigh Valley community results in a significant contribution toward improving quality of life for those in need. Under President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Wuerthele’s leadership, Crayola contributed more than $1 million during its recent United Way campaign, representing the largest corporate gift and most employee donations in the company’s long history of giving. Crayola had a 19% increase in the number of employee donors and utilized creative, innovative ways to motivate giving.

“The PPL LIVE UNITED Award is our organization’s highest honor, and Crayola continues to show up as one of our most dedicated partners. They exemplify what it means to ‘LIVE UNITED’ in their commitment to giving back and making a true impact in our community,” said David Lewis, President, UWGLV.

The following awardees will also be honored during Celebration of Caring:

David Noel – Lifetime Achievement Award
Presented to an individual who demonstrates a lifetime of philanthropic leadership and inspiring service to the Lehigh Valley community. The Lifetime Achievement Award is not given out annually, but rather when someone has truly impacted the community in such a deep and powerful way.

Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center – Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award
Accepted by Bill McGlinn, Interim Director, Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center
Presented by Air Products, the Leonard Pool Impact Award recognizes a nonprofit organization that demonstrates commitment to exceptional community leadership, outstanding stewardship of community resources, active and meaningful volunteer engagement, readiness to serve as an example to others, and strategic impact on the Lehigh Valley community.

Just Born Quality Confections – Campaign Chair’s Award
Accepted by Courtney Angle, Corporate Affairs Specialist, Just Born Quality Confections
Presented to a company that has demonstrated leadership and innovation in conducting its United Way campaign and an ability to increase awareness throughout the Lehigh Valley.

Dean Young – Community Builder Award
Accepted by Dean Young, Executive Director, Boys & Girls Club of Easton
Presented to an individual or organization that supports United Way in its community-building efforts, encourages cooperation, contributes talent and resources to further partnerships, creates a common ground and perseveres in the face of challenges.

Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include: 
Presenting sponsor – Crayola 
Platinum sponsor – Dual Temp Company Inc.
Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank, Just Born Quality Confections
In-kind sponsors – ASR Media Productions, RichMar Florist, Working Dog Press

Community members are invited to join United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and Campaign Chair Laurie Gostley Hackett of Air Products as we recognize the collaborative efforts of the community. Registration is $60 and required. Click here or email UWCelebrates@unitewayglv.org to register, or call 610-758-8010 with questions.