United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Awards and Campaign Total Announced

Over 400 people attended United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s annual Celebration of Caring at DeSales University in Center Valley yesterday to celebrate and honor the generosity of the Lehigh Valley community. The PeakTV’s Ashley Russo hosted the event.
 
The announced 2016 Campaign total surpassed 2015 results, with a total of $12,047,907, an increase of 2%. Once again, the support of the Lehigh Valley provided more dollars to invest in supporting children, families and seniors in the community through education, healthy aging, food access and emergency services.

Co-chairs, Anne and Brad Baum led this year’s fundraising effort. Anne, Vice President, Lehigh Valley, Distribution Channels & Labor Relations, Capital BlueCross talked about their experience, “It was an honor and privilege for Brad and I to lead this year’s campaign. We are thankful for the support from the community and more than 20,000 donors who help make life better for those who need it most in the Lehigh Valley.”

David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, commented on this year’s accomplishments, “This event is our opportunity to thank and recognize our donors, volunteers and community partners who make a special effort to go above and beyond in helping our community. We are grateful to be able to acknowledge some of the 400 companies and 20,000 individuals who contributed to the success of this year’s campaign.” 

UWGLV honored the following companies and individuals at Celebration of Caring:

Dual Temp Company Inc. – Winner of the LIVE UNITED Award 
Presented to an organization whose engagement in the Lehigh Valley community results in a significant contribution toward improving the quality of life for those in need through giving, advocating, and volunteering. Dual Temp saw a 52% increase in their 2016 campaign, making them one of UWGLV’s newest Cornerstone accounts

Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. – Winner of the Campaign Chairman’s Award
The award recognizes a company that has demonstrated leadership and innovation in conducting its United Way campaign and an ability to increase awareness of United Way’s mission and vision. Lutron’s employee giving went up 25% for 2016.

Allentown School District Foundation – Winner of the Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award
This award recognizes an organization that demonstrates commitment to community leadership, stewardship of community resources, and active volunteer engagement. The Allentown School District Foundation provides opportunities for almost 2,700 of all 17,000 Allentown School District students to participate in programs in Science, Music, Art, Literacy, and History.  

The Pennsylvania Joint Board of Worker’s United – Winner of the Labor Achievement Award
Presented to an individual member or team from organized labor that actively and regularly supports community organizations by moving people to action through volunteer service. The Board has volunteered at Center for Vision Loss, ProJeCt of Easton, Safe Harbor and Sixth Street Shelter.

Janice Osborne of PPL Corp – Winner of the Campaign Volunteer Award
Presented to campaign volunteers who demonstrate outstanding leadership and make every effort to help the campaign succeed. Janice’s yearlong commitment to running a successful campaign for PPL helped the company achieve the top position with total giving of more than $1.8 million.

Northampton County Department of Human Services – Winner of the Community Building Award
This award recognizes an individual or organization that supports United Way in its community-building efforts, encourages cooperation, contributes talent, and sustains partnerships. Through their programs and services including, healthy aging, children and youth protection, drug and alcohol prevention and treatment, mental health and veteran affairs, Northampton County Department of Human Services is maintaining and improving the quality of life for others. 

Dana Emswiler – Winner of the TeenWorks™ “Making a Difference” Award
Presented to local teens for making a difference in our communities, as well as in the lives of the young people who perform the service. Normally reserved for the top rated project of the year, this year’s award went to Dana Emswiler for her work as the TeenWorks Board Chair and her organizational leadership.

Additional honorees included Lucinda McCarthy for United Way’s Women United Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year and recognition for United Way’s Cornerstone Society, Community Champions and Circle of Honor recipients.

Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s event included: Capital BlueCross; Crayola; Brown-Daub Dealerships; Dual Temp Company Inc.; Just Born, Inc.; lehighvalleylive.com + The Express Times; Victaulic; West Side Hammer Electric; UGI Utilities, Inc.; Adams Outdoor Advertising; Andre Reed Foundation; Allentown Beverage; AmericaVen; KLO Events; RichMar Florist; Volpe’s Sports Bar; and Working Dog Press.

Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley.