More than 20,000 donors unite to advance education, healthy aging and community stability during campaign chaired by Air Products and Laurie Gostley Hackett. 

Allentown, PA, April 13, 2022 – More than 20,000 donors and partners united to raise a record-breaking $19,741,940 during United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s (UWGLV) annual fundraising campaign. Contributions will provide critical services in the areas of education, healthy aging and community stability.

“Many in our community are still struggling with the devastating effects of the pandemic. More than ever, our families, our kids and our older adults need help to meet some very basic needs like healthy food, a safe and warm place to live and economic security. We came together like the true community that we are,” said Laurie Gostley Hackett, Air Products Director of Community Relations and Philanthropy, who chaired the annual campaign on behalf of Air Products.

With an increasing number of area residents experiencing food insecurity, Air Products and United Way partnered to create the Air Products Fresh Food Promise.  In honor of every new donor to United Way, Air Products Foundation made an additional contribution to provide fresh, healthy food for local families. As a result, over 9,000 more donors joined the cause.

“Because of caring supporters, up to 45,000 people will have access to healthy and nutritious food; more than 20,000 people will receive emergency services such as housing and disaster relief; almost 30,000 students will have better opportunities to succeed in school,” said David Lewis, President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.

“We are grateful for each and every person who stepped up to become part of the solution, and we’d especially like to thank Laurie Gostley Hackett and Air Products for leading this community campaign,” added Lewis.

In all, more than 20,000 individual donors and 400 partners contributed to the annual campaign, which ran from April 2021 to March 2022. Air Products’ and PPL Corporation’s employees, retirees and corporate foundations each contributed more than $5,000,000; City Center Allentown and Crayola each donated more than $1,000,000. This represents the largest annual campaign in the UWGLV’s 100+ year history and 12 consecutive years of growth.

“United Way represents the ideal way to leverage your giving to the maximum extent and thus help the most people possible. By building sustainable programs and solutions that lift our communities, United Way delivers real results on meaningful bold goals and is truly making a difference thanks to donors and partners who invest in the work,” said UWGLV Board Chair Joanne Raphael, retired Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of PPL Corp.

United Way announced the results today during Celebration of Caring, presented by Crayola. The event celebrates and honors organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community in partnership with United Way. Award recipients included:

Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award – Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center

Campaign Chair’s Award – Just Born Quality Confections

Community Builder Award – G. Dean Young, Boys & Girls Club of Easton

Lifetime Achievement Award – David Noel, Dual Temp Company Inc.

PPL LIVE UNITED Award – Crayola

Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include:
Presenting sponsor – Crayola
Platinum sponsor – Dual Temp Company Inc.
Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross, Fulton Bank, Just Born Quality Confections

Pearl sponsor – BSI Corporate Benefits
In-kind sponsors – ASR Media Productions, RichMar Florist, Working Dog Press

Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
Vice President, Marketing and Communications
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
1110 American Parkway NE Suite F-120 Allentown, PA 18109
www.unitedwayglv.org

 

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