Barbara Bigelow Receives United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award Annual award is presented to the WLC member who best exemplifies the Council’s key priorities of philanthropy, advocacy and volunteerism.
Barbara Bigelow has been named United Way Women’s Leadership Council’s (WLC) 2014 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year. This award recognizes a WLC member, who is an active philanthropic leader in the Lehigh Valley, and demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to the best of her ability. The award was named in honor of Betsy Torrence, WLC’s founding President.
“Barbara exemplifies everything the award stands for—she is a passionate, philanthropic leader, who donates a significant amount of time, talent and treasure to Lehigh Valley organizations. Because of Barbara, our community is a better place,” said Donna Haggerty, WLC President.
Barbara is a six-year WLC member, currently serving as Treasurer, and generously donating her time and talent to other WLC committees and events. In addition, she has been involved with numerous community organizations including the Allentown Art Museum of the Lehigh Valley, American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Central Elementary School in Allentown, Great Valley Girl Scouts Council, Pennsylvania Sinfonia Orchestra, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the YWCA of Bethlehem.
Barbara is a three-time Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, as well as a lobst Fellow with the Allentown Rotary Club, where she currently serves as Club Secretary.
Barbara moved to the Lehigh Valley in 1990, where she served as the first female Director of Administration and Finance for the City of Allentown. In 1995, she became the first female Finance Director for Northampton County. She later assumed the role of Vice President of Support Services for Easton Hospital, and eventually Finance Director again for the City of Allentown before retiring in 2006.