Women United Honors Carrie Ward as the 2020 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year

Allentown, PA – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Women United will honor Carrie Ward with the 2020 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, the group’s highest honor.
 
“As a philanthropic group, Women United embraces our collective goal toward empowering women as a group and in our community,” said Laurie Siebert, President of Women United. “Carrie Ward lives this mission in her work, her volunteering and her treasure. We are so proud to recognize her as Women United’s Philanthropist of the Year!”
 
Members will present Ward’s award at the group’s annual event Women United 2020, to be held virtually on Thursday, October 8. The event will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. and features a keynote presentation from professor, author and researcher Dr. Nichola D. Gutgold.
 
The Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award is presented to a Women United member who demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to philanthropic causes in the Lehigh Valley to the best of her ability.
 
“I am deeply touched to be recognized with this honor,” said Carrie Ward. “When I signed my first pledge form 20 years ago to give fifty cents a pay to United Way, I never dreamed that my involvement with, and passion for, this organization would grow to the degree it has.  This recognition came out of the blue and confirms for me that my small contributions of time and treasure accumulated over 20 years have multiplied exponentially because of all my fellow donors.”
 
Ward began her philanthropic journey at one of the region’s most philanthropic companies, PPL, where annual pledge increases eventually allowed her to join Women United. Quickly finding a home among the many wonderful and dedicated women who volunteer their time, treasure and talents through the group, she found her calling on the Membership Committee.
 
“We are so fortunate to benefit from Carrie’s leadership and philanthropy. Her passion for our Greater Lehigh Valley community is remarkable. In her many years as a volunteer, Carrie’s steadfast vision for a stronger community has helped hundreds – if not thousands – of women and children,” added Marci Lesko, Executive Vice President, UWGLV and member, Women United.

Currently, Ward serves on the boards of the Lehigh Valley Children’s Centers and the American Red Cross, and on the membership committee of Lehigh Valley Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW). She has served as Women United’s representative on the annual Women’s Summit committee since its inception. A past recipient of the YWCA of Bethlehem’s Women of the Year award, Ward is a frequent attendee at many nonprofit fundraising events in the valley.

Since joining Howard Hanna The Frederick Group in 2012, Carrie has delighted in making investor and home ownership dreams come true and extending her philanthropic role modeling through contributions to her client’s favorite charity.
 
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United makes a difference in the lives of women and children in the Lehigh Valley with philanthropy, advocacy and volunteer efforts. Women United is part of a global network of more than 70,000 women in 165 communities across six countries, all dedicated to improving lives and creating stronger communities.

To learn more about Women United, visit: www.unitedwayglv.org/wu