Talen Energy surpasses $1 million goal with 1st United Way Campaign

United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) announced today the final tally for Talen Energy’s inaugural campaign, which raised more than $1.4 million to invest in improving the lives of children, families and seniors.

Fresh out of the gate as a new company, established June 1, Talen Energy’s employees made a clear statement that community investment is ingrained in their personal beliefs and culture. Talen Energy’s corporate gift bolstered the more than $1 million raised by employees.

With nearly 3,500 employees in eight states throughout the U.S., Talen Energy raised a total of $1,421,020, with a participation rate of more than 70 percent among its Lehigh Valley employees. Talen Energy’s interest in education initiatives aligns with United Way’s bold investments and community goal to increase third-grade reading scores by 50 percent by 2022. 

Talen Energy President and CEO Paul Farr has been a long-time donor, volunteer and leader for United Way. As a former Board member and the 2013 campaign chair, Farr has a decade-long commitment to strengthening the Lehigh Valley through philanthropy and service.

“United Way is important to me and my family, and I’ve personally seen the benefit from these investments,” Farr said. “I’m extremely proud of the generosity and outpouring of support from Talen Energy employees for this first campaign so soon after the launch of our new company. It demonstrates the high value we place on citizenship and community partnership. And United Way’s accountability model ensures that our contribution will be maximized and make a lasting difference in the lives of others.”

Many Talen Energy employees have a history of giving back to the Lehigh Valley through philanthropic and volunteer efforts. In September, 72 employees participated in United Way’s Day of Caring and green Talen shirts were seen all over the Valley as volunteers spent the day at Big Brothers Big Sisters, Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers, Volunteers of America and Wildlands Conservancy.

UWGLV President David Lewis said, “Campaigns that start with committed leadership, like Paul’s [Farr], yield the greatest results. But it’s more than just dollars raised, this is a true partnership between United Way and Talen Energy, and their employees are already fully engaged in the community. Many sit on our committees and other non-profits in the Valley. They have established a strong corporate culture, in less than a year, of caring and giving back to their community that is simply phenomenal.”

​Even a local superhero showed up on the campaign trail, as Talen Energy’s United Way General Campaign Chair, Michael Munroe, dressed up as Batman and stood outside of Talen Energy’s headquarters to raise additional funds and awareness. Batman, aka Munroe, swept through the halls of the offices reminding employees of Batman’s mission to protect the underserved and to do the same by giving to United Way’s campaign. Mission accomplished.