In partnership with AARP Pennsylvania Office and Lehigh Valley Planning Commission, Age-Friendly Lehigh Valley hosted a celebratory breakfast for dedicated partners and volunteers to celebrate the success of the Walk Audit initiative. Approximately 60 key partners, volunteers and supporters were in attendance. Thank you to all who took part in an audit to better support and build an age-friendly community.
“A minimum of 6.5 million dollars will be funneled in the Lehigh Valley between 2024 and 2029 to make improvements to our roadways and trailheads, thanks to our walk audit reporting,” shares Becky Bradley, Executive Director at Lehigh Valley Planning Commission.
More than 30 families joined United Way for our second annual Tocqueville Society volunteer experience on National Make a Difference Day on October 28. Members brought friends and family to complete community service projects throughout the region including packing Luminaria Night kits with New Bethany, preparing emergency food boxes and creating greeting cards with Meals on Wheels and beautifying the grounds at Easton Area Neighborhood Center. Thank you to all the volunteers who make a difference with United Way and our partners!
United Way Tocqueville Society is an alliance of over 340 successful business and philanthropic leaders and their families who share a strong commitment and passion for investing in our local community. Mike Shafer of PPL and his wife Melissa, Tocqueville donors since 2021, recently share their personal reasons for giving back through United Way.
“We have always donated our time and money to organizations that provide a positive benefit to our community. Because PPL matches employee gifts, we have been able to double our United Way impact on the causes that we care about and be a part of this tremendous mission-driven organization.”
Melissa, AVP Government & Community Relations at St. Luke’s University Health Network, is on United Way’s Public Policy Advocacy Committee (PPAC) and Mike regularly volunteers for United Way’s Day of Caring. They reside in Upper Saucon Township and have 2 children: Sadie and Bradley.
Lehighton, PA, October 24, 2023 – Lehigh Valley Hospital-Carbon (LVH-Carbon) has partnered with the Lehighton Memorial Library to pay a cost share of over $5,000 to support United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s (UWGLV) AmeriCorps Community Resource Navigator, Gabrielle Rutcosky.
Community Resource Navigators are individuals who are trained and employed to assist in addressing the needs of the community by providing resource coordination, technical assistance and educational opportunities. Gabrielle will be stationed at the Lehighton Memorial Library to refer community members to healthcare services LVH-Carbon can offer as well as organizing valuable information sessions.
“It is our hope that members of the community utilize Gabby to assist them in learning about available resources that could benefit them and their family. She has our total support, and we look forward to working together to make Carbon County a great place to live for all,” shared Christine Biege, President of LVH-Carbon.
“Many people come to us with needs that are outside what we can provide, and we do what we can to steer them in the right direction. Now we have someone dedicated to helping them find assistance to get those needs met,” said Melissa Hawk. “We are excited to have Gabby support our work in the community.”
AmeriCorps is a national service program administered by PennSERVE (Pennsylvania’s State Service Commission), enrolling individuals in national community service positions. AmeriCorps members represent the best of America, tirelessly serving people and communities across the country.
UWGLV is proud to have AmeriCorps members serve in various positions to gain professional experience. AmeriCorps members work closely with United Way staff and assignments are based in the UWGLV office, school districts and nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley.
To celebrate the halfway point of the annual campaign, 2023 campaign chairs Tony and Adrienne DaRe welcomed more than 150 members of Tocqueville Society at the grand opening of their new BSI Corporate Benefits headquarters in South Bethlehem. While a string quartet played lively music, guests toured the new offices in the Victory Firehouse building. The DaRe’s have championed mental health throughout the campaign and shared the positive response they’ve received from donors, partners and community members.
On the evening of October 12, Women United, a United Way giving society, hosted their annual meeting. Over 130 members and guests gathered at the beautiful Centennial at Homewood Suites in Center Valley to mingle, celebrate and learn about the work at their 10 Signature Projects.
During the celebration, Anne Baum, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital President, was recognized for Women United’s highest honor—the 2023 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year. Women United recognizes the Philanthropist of the Year as a member who is active in the community, is a philanthropic leader in the Lehigh Valley and demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to the best of her ability. The group’s founding president Betsy Torrence is recognized as the model of the Philanthropist of the Year awardee. Through her volunteerism, Anne embodies our vision to ensure everyone in the Lehigh Valley belongs and thrives. Congratulations again, Anne.
Special thanks to the Women United 2023 sponsors: Silver Sponsors: Air Products and Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital; Bronze Sponsors: Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank, King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC., People First Federal Credit Union.
United Way Women United 2023 Overview Video
Frances Hesselbein: Defining Moments
Frances Hesselbein “Defining Moments” Trailer
United Way and Women United are honored to play a small role in producing Defining Moments, a feature-length documentary based upon the groundbreaking life’s work of Frances Hesselbein.
The film explores the legendary leadership of the former Girl Scouts of America CEO, Presidential Medal of Freedom Recipient and first woman to chair a United Way Campaign.
This documentary about a “pioneer for women, volunteerism, diversity, and opportunity” will be created for all of us by Sarah McArthur and the many Friends of Frances in association with Schler Productions LLC.
See the Impact: James Lawson Freedom Schools
Through your continued support, Women United is investing over $1 million over four years to advance the education and financial stability of women, children and families through 10 Impact Investments, including Freedom Schools.
This summer, Resurrected Community Development Corporation’s James Lawson Freedom Schools welcomed over 160 scholars to attend, learn and grow. With support from Women United, Freedom Schools added a new summer learning site in Easton, enjoyed several field trips and reported increased parent involvement.
Allentown, PA – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) Women United will honor Anne Baum, President of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, with the 2023 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award, the group’s highest accolade.
Women United recognizes the Philanthropist of the Year as a member who is active in the community, is a philanthropic leader in the Lehigh Valley and demonstrates a personal commitment of time, talent and treasure to the best of her ability. The group’s founding president Betsy Torrence is recognized as the model of the Philanthropist of the Year awardee.
“I am honored by this amazing recognition. Women United is a group of women that truly care about the Lehigh Valley. What I love most is that we do signature projects that make a difference for women and children right here in the Valley,” said Baum. “Women United changes lives and being a part of that impact feels great.”
Members will present Baum’s award at Women United 2023, sponsored by Air Products, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank, King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, LLC. and People First Federal Credit Union. This annual event will be held on Thursday, October 12, 2023 at The Centennial Catering & Conference Center in Center Valley from 5:30-8 p.m. Registration is available HERE.
To be nominated for the Philanthropist of the Year award, let alone receive it, is an incredible honor,” said Lisa Daugherty, President of Women United. “Anne has impacted our community in more ways than I can name and Women United is grateful for her dedication to improving lives throughout the Lehigh Valley.”
“Anne Baum is a powerful community leader and a force in the Lehigh Valley. She’s an excellent role model for the next generation of female philanthropists,” shared Kendal Conrad who nominated Baum for the award.
Baum is the first President of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital and currently serves on UWGLV’s Board of Directors. She chaired UWGLV’s Resource Development Committee, served on the Executive Committee and Board and served as the 2016-2017 Campaign Chair raising $12,047,907 for United Way. She has been a member of United Way’s Tocqueville Society for over 10 years.
“We are so proud to recognize Anne as this year’s philanthropist of the year. Through her volunteerism, she embodies our vision to ensure everyone in the Lehigh Valley belongs and thrives,” shared Marci Lesko, Chief Operating Officer for UWGLV. “Women United represents the best of women coming together to do what’s right for all and Anne has an unrivaled level of dedication and drive. Congratulations, Anne.”
In Baum’s role at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, she leads strategic planning and operations for the third largest children’s hospital in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital cares for kids of all ages with comprehensive pediatric specialties, the region’s only children’s surgery center, children’s cancer center, children’s ExpressCARE and children’s emergency room.
She invests her time volunteering with various organizations throughout the area including Girl Scouts of Eastern PA, the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, Valley Youth House, Lehigh Valley Industrial Parks, Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority, Allentown Symphony and Northampton Community College Foundation. She serves on the Lehigh University Health Systems Engineering Industry Advisory Council and the Downtown Allentown Community Development Initiative.
United Way Women United fights for the education and stability of women, children and families in the Greater Lehigh Valley through 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.
Allentown, PA – More than 50 Crayola employees volunteered to clean, organize and make improvements at Easton Area Community Center and The Salvation Army Allentown Corps as part of United Way Day of Caring. This annual event brought together more than 1,200 energetic volunteers to complete community service projects at 53 area nonprofits throughout the Greater Lehigh Valley during the month of September.
“Our company culture is focused on fostering a giving spirit and helping others. Crayolians volunteer each year knowing they will learn more about our community, work together as a team and make a difference. When United Way, local companies and nonprofits work together, everyone wins,” said Crayola President and Chief Executive Officer Rich Wuerthele.
Presented by Crayola and coordinated by Volunteer Center of the Lehigh Valley, Day of Caring is the region’s largest collective community service effort and serves as the official kickoff to United Way’s annual fundraising campaign. Funds raised throughout the campaign directly provide support for 133,000 residents each year in the areas of education, healthy aging and community stability.
“Day of Caring is the perfect example of what it means to LIVE UNITED. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped make this our largest and most successful Day of Caring to date,” said David Lewis of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Crayola employees worked throughout the day at Easton Area Community Center and The Salvation Army Allentown Corps to clean and paint various rooms, organize food pantries, weed and mulch gardens, and power wash exteriors. They joined a total of more than 1,200 participants from 54 companies and organizations who contributed more than 6,150 hours of service valued at $195,570 to more than 50 nonprofits in Lehigh and Northampton and counties.
Day of Caring’s presenting sponsor is Crayola with additional support from:
Silver Sponsor: JP Morgan Chase & Co.;
Bronze Sponsors: Air Products, Capital Blue Cross, Just Born Quality Confections, KingSpry Law and AAA East Central;
Pearl Sponsor: Amazon Fulfillment;
In-kind contributors: ASR Media Productions, Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Niagara Bottling Co. and Uline.
Lehigh Valley locations have been designated as winter warming stations for the community throughout the winter months. Warming stations are short-term emergency shelters that operate when the temperature and weather conditions become dangerously inclement. They serve in the prevention of death and injury from exposure to the elements. Many warming stations provide shelter, food and a safe place for those experiencing homelessness in our community.
For the most up-to-date listings and information on volunteering at these locations, contact PA 211 East by phone at 2-1-1 or visit pa211.org.
Greater Valley Y-Allentown Will open November 15 through April 15, 2024, from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. daily Dinner meals will be served seven nights a week. 425 S 15th St., Allentown, PA 18102, entrance via rear parking lot 610-351-9622
Bethlehem Emergency Shelter Will open November 15 through April 30, 2024, from 5 p.m. – 7 a.m. Dinner will be served between 5:30-7:30pm. Breakfast to-go bags will be distributed as guests depart. 75 E Market St., Bethlehem, PA 18018 484-379-6694
Safe Harbor Easton Will open December 1 through March 31, 2024, from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. daily 536 Bushkill Drive., Easton, PA 18042 610-258-5540
Allentown, PA – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley announced it has named Amy Golding to serve as Associate Vice President of Philanthropy and Donor Engagement. In her new role, Golding leads donor engagement and philanthropy for United Way Tocqueville Society donors and prospects.
A recognized leader in community building, Golding brings with her decades of experience in leadership, major gifts and philanthropy. Most recently, Golding served for seven years as the Head of Schools at the Jewish Day School of the Lehigh Valley, which she attended during her primary years.
“We are thrilled to have Amy’s experience in philanthropy and look forward to her assistance with spreading our organization’s message and attracting new donors,” said United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley President David Lewis.
“Her background in leading fundraising campaigns makes her the perfect addition to our leadership team, and her reputation in our community enables us to continue to grow and develop resources and solutions that improve our community,” Lewis added.
Golding is from Allentown and values giving back to the community. She currently sits on the board of Jewish Kids Groups, an independent network of Jewish supplementary schools that educate and inspire children, engendering positive Jewish learning, identity and friendships.
“As a native of the Lehigh Valley, I am honored for the opportunity to use my expertise to serve the region and surrounding areas,” said Golding. “United Way inspires me to advocate for building communities where every person thrives, and I’m excited to work with the organization’s committed donors to achieve lasting impact and fulfill our mission.”
