Centre County United Way officially kicked off its 2025 campaign on Tuesday night with an event at the American Philatelic Society headquarters in Bellefonte.
The gathering welcomed donors, nonprofit organizations, volunteers and community members to celebrate CCUW’s mission to improve the lives of Centre County residents and launch the “Thriving United” fundraising effort in support of its two dozen partner agencies.
“Whether you’ve been supporting Centre County United Way for years, you’re one of our amazing volunteers, a rep from a partner agency, a donor or just someone curious about what we do—you’re in the right place,” Lynne Johnson, the 2025 CCUW Board Chair, said. “We’re so glad to have you here and part of the Centre County United Way family.”
It is the first campaign under Executive Director Megan Evans, a longtime staff member who was named to the leadership role earlier this year, and comes as the organization recently moved to a new office on West Foster Avenue in State College.
“We’re energized by a fresh office space, a reimagined format for tonight’s event and, most of all, by you—our community,” Evans said.
The night included the public presentation of annual allocations to CCUW’s partner agencies. Centre County United Way this year distributed $830,000 to local nonprofit partners—funds raised through the previous year’s campaign that will support essential community programs from July 2025 through June 2026.
In a symbolic gesture of collaboration and transparency, allocation volunteers helped distribute the checks, celebrating the process as well as the outcomes.
“In 2024, our partner agencies impacted over 40,000 lives right here in Centre County,” Evans said. “That’s the real value of your donation—it’s not just a gift; it’s a message of belief, unity and hope.”
CCUW wrote in a press release that “amid national uncertainty” it is “doubling down on local strength and stability.”
“The 2025 campaign is focused not only on raising critical funds but also on rebuilding momentum, restoring community confidence and reinforcing the safety net that many families rely on,” the organization wrote.
The campaign encourages donations of all sizes, with the message that it “isn’t about equal gifts — it’s about equal commitment.”
“Let’s be the constant in a world full of change,” Evans said. “Let’s be the light for someone who’s struggling. Let’s prove, once again, that when we unite around a shared mission, we rise together. United is the way.”
To donate, visit ccunitedway.org/form/donate.
