Women United Honors Anne Baum of Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital as the 2023 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year
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.