Centre County United Way’s 2018 campaign raised $1,917,834, exceeding the campaign’s goal by more than $67,000.
More than 100 board members, volunteers, and representatives of partner agencies and Penn State gathered Monday night at Foxdale Village to learn and celebrate the results, which were unveiled by campaign co-chairs, Joleen Hindman and Tammy Miller.
Penn State’s campaign raised 38 percent of the total, with $732,606.
“I am very proud of the Penn State community for their dedication to Centre County United Way,’ said David Gray, Penn State campaign chair and senior vice president for finance and business. ‘We respect and value the role they play in making lives better and we are proud to be a part of the United Way team.”
For this year’s effort, a social media campaign, #LiveTheShirt, accounted more than $50,000. Major donors made $25 contributions for every photo shared on social media by supporters wearing ‘Live United’ shirts and using the hashtag. The donors also made matching contributions for each.
Nick Lingenfelter, CCUW board chair, lauded the combined efforts of Penn State, the social media campaign, and all donors and volunteers.
“This is a team effort and this year our team made it an engaging and exciting campaign,” Lingenfelter said. “I am so pleased that we surpassed our goal and that our neighbors who need support can turn to our partner agency programs for help.”
CCUW will begin the process of allocating the money raised to partner agencies in March.
Community volunteers serve on panels of six that visit with agencies and learn about the services they provide to the community, their finances and the outcomes being measured. Each panel makes recommendations for the level of funding the programs should receive, which are then presented to the CCUW board for approval.
“This is an excellent way to learn more about our community and the programs funded by CCUW,” said Tammy Gentzel, CCUW executive director. “I encourage everyone to participate in the funds distribution process and to Live United.”
