Centre County United Way’s 2025 Campaign raised $1,193,695, the organization revealed during a celebration on Wednesday at Centre Care in College Township.
The funds will support partner agency programs addressing food insecurity, housing stability, early childhood literacy, mental health and other essential health and human services throughout Centre County.
“Behind that total are children receiving nutritious meals, neighbors finding support and families accessing vital resources,” CCUW Executive Director Megan Evans said. “Help us strengthen the network that makes thriving possible in Centre County. We move forward not as individuals, but as neighbors. Not in competition, but in collaboration. Not for recognition, but for impact. United is the way we move forward — together.”
Penn State’s campaign was once again a significant contributor to the fundraising, accounting for 42% of the total by raising $505,229.
CCUW has for decades been the university’s designated charity of choice, and its campus-wide campaign includes special fundraising events and options for employees to make pledges through payroll deductions. The annual Penn State IT Golf Tournament is among the university’s signature annual events for the campaign, and this year it raised more than $123,000.
“Together, these efforts reflect the spirit of the Penn State United Way campaign: a community coming together to create hope, expand opportunity and strengthen the well-being of our neighbors,” said Lance Kennedy-Phillips, vice president for Outreach and the 2025 Penn State Steering Committee chair.
Wednesday’s celebration, which welcomed more than 120 donors, volunteers, partner agency members and community leaders, also featured recognition of local organizations for their support and long-standing partnership. Ja Nae Wian, CCUW brand and engagement manager, presented the Above and Beyond Award to Centre Care, which was accepted by administrator Andrew Naugle.
The award recognized Centre Care’s “extraordinary partnership,” with CCUW, according to a release. In addition to hosting Celebrate United for three consecutive years, Centre Care leads a workplace campaign, sponsors events, supports the annual campaign and serves as home to one of CCUW’s partner agencies.
CCUW 2025 Board Chair Lynne Johnson said the last year was a pivotal one for the organization. It included Evans’ appointment as executive director, ensuring a seamless leadership transition and key milestones from the year. Johnson highlighted the expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library now serving more than 1,600 children across 28 municipalities, continued investment through Women United and record-breaking generosity at signature events.
Evans added that every dollar and volunteer hour fuels the United Way mission and sustains the programs that serve Centre County residents.
“Our work is funded by dollars — but it is sustained by people,” she said.
