Allentown, PA September 19, 2018 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United will honor Valerie Lane with its highest honor, the 2018 Betsy Torrence Philanthropist of the Year Award.
“Valerie is so deserving of this special recognition. As a passionate champion for the empowerment of women and children, thousands of Lehigh Valley families benefit from her volunteer service, leadership and philanthropy,” said Women United President Marilee Falco. “Among her many efforts as past president of Women United, Valerie worked to ensure more Allentown families have access to nutritious food by organizing and managing the food pantry at Central Elementary School.”
The organization will present Lane’s award at its annual meeting Women United 2018: Inspiring the Change on Thursday, September 27. Sponsored by Crayola and Lafayette Ambassador Bank, the event takes place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Saucon Valley Country Club and features a keynote address from leadership development expert and talent executive Grace Killelea. 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.
“This recognition is both very exciting and really humbling,” said Lane. “Women United is filled with civically minded, active leaders in our community. Whether it’s working with kids in schools or making sure families have food on the table, it’s so important to put all of those people together in order to affect change.”
“As a woman in leadership and a leader in philanthropy, Valerie is an excellent example of what it means to LIVE UNITED. She gives so generously of her time, talent and treasure and uses her influence to inspire change throughout the Lehigh Valley. We thank Valerie for her service and look forward to celebrating her achievements at Women United 2018. This annual meeting is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the women who drive and grow philanthropy in our region,” added Marci Ronald-Lesko, Executive Vice President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley.
Lane graduated from Texas A & M University in 1978 and lived in several different states before setting down roots in Allentown with her husband Brad and their two children. She has always been involved in the community and was an elected member of the Parkland School board for eight years (1995-2003). For 12 years (1995-2007), Lane was the Director of Community Service and Civic Engagement at Muhlenberg College where she received the Chairman’s Award for Outstanding contributions to the College.
Lane joined Women United in 2011 and is the group’s immediate past president. Since beginning with Women United, she has been involved in several Signature Projects and previously filled the role of liaison to Allentown’s Central Elementary School.
Currently, she serves on the advisory board of Second Harvest Food Bank and co-coordinates a food pantry at Central Elementary School. In addition, Lane is an ambassador for the Cancer Support Community and a committed volunteer for Community Bike Works, where she was part of the leadership team for their 2018 fundraising gala.
Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org
About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Women United
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. Click here for more information.
Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
Director, Communications and Media Relations
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Celebrating 100 years of service to the Lehigh Valley.
1110 American Parkway NE Suite F-120 Allentown, PA 18109
www.unitedwayglv.org
