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Featured Image: Twenty Crayola employees selected to designate $5,000 grants to a United Way partner agency of their choice during the 5th annual Crayola United Way $100,000 Challenge. (image provided by United Way)
EASTON, Pa. (Dec. 16, 2024) – Crayola is kicking off the holiday season by celebrating our community. Twenty Crayola employees who contributed to the Company’s United Way campaign were selected to gift a $5,000 grant to the United Way nonprofit partner of their choice during the 5th annual Crayola United Way $100,000 Challenge. Established in 2019, the $100,000 Challenge was designed to encourage giving while supporting the communities where Crayolians work and reside. The employees and agencies were invited to a celebration to receive the contribution and share information about their organization’s mission.
Employees were selected by participating in the 2024 Crayola United Way Campaign, which raised over $1 million. The following United Way nonprofit partners were in attendance and received grant checks:
- Ascend Counseling Services, Inc.
- Bethlehem Area Public Library
- Bradbury Sullivan LGBT Community Center
- Cancer Support Community Greater Lehigh Valley
- Cay Galgon Life House
- Laughing at my Nightmare, Inc.
- Meals on Wheels of the Greater Lehigh Valley
- Moravian University
- Shanthi Project
- Slater Family Network Foundation
- Summit Hill Heritage Center
- The Arc of Lehigh and Northampton Counties,
- The Children’s Home of Easton
- The Foundation for Easton Area School District
- Third Street Alliance for Women & Children
- Turning Point of the Lehigh Valley
“It is with much appreciation that I choose to allocate this gift to Moravian University, an institution that means so much to me and my family,” said Jen Johnson, a Crayola employee. “As a parent, one of my greatest hopes has always been for my daughter to have the opportunity to pursue an education that empowers her to achieve her dreams and create a better future. Thanks to Moravian University’s generous scholarship fund, my daughter has had the chance to become the first in our family to attend college, and for that, I am deeply thankful. The Moravian Scholarship fund does not just
offer financial support— it is truly a gateway to opportunity. It provides students the chance to experience a world-class education, to grow as an individual, and to join a community that values learning, diversity, and service.”
“A strong community is imperative to the success of our business,” said Pete Ruggiero, Crayola President & CEO. “Before we can help parents and educators raise creativity alive kids, we must first help them meet their basic needs. Through the generosity of Crayolians and our long-standing partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, we’re able to help thousands of students and families prepare for future success.”
“At United Way, one of our passions is connecting people to the causes they care about, and we can attest to the effectiveness of each organization receiving grants today. Thank you so much to the leadership and employees at Crayola for this bold, creative and fun way to inspire people to raise their hands, get involved and create an impact together,” said Marci Lesko, Chief Executive Officer, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
To support United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, visit www.unitedwayglv.org.
About Crayola
Crayola LLC, based in Easton, Pa., and a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards, Incorporated, is a global leader in children’s creative expression products. Born from the iconic Crayola Crayon in 1903, the Crayola brand has grown into an expansive portfolio of art tools, crafting activities, toys, and experiences, allowing children to color their world in imaginative ways. Crayola is committed to fostering a giving spirit and helping the people in our communities.
About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
United Way fights for the health, safety and education of every person in the Greater Lehigh Valley and envisions communities where every person belongs, and every person thrives. We strive to achieve this goal by assessing community needs, raising funds, investing in solutions and mobilizing our community to action. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
