The United Way of Berks County raised more than $10.7 million, surpassing this year’s campaign goal.
“Your support extends to classrooms, senior centers, job training centers and food pantries,” Joni Naugle, chair of the organization’s board of directors, told donors Wednesday night at a victory celebration. “Together, we drive school success, financial stability and better opportunities for 190,000 Berks Countians. Thank you.”
The event at the DoubleTree hotel by Hilton in Reading was a chance to thank donors and supporters as well as celebrate the community’s commitment to strengthening Berks County, United Way officials said.
In an outstanding show of support, county residents contributed $10,782,333 to the 2024 campaign, exceeding the $10.6 million goal.
Campaign chairs Mike Duff, Dharma Sivasamy and Kelly Fessler, affectionately known as the Big Three, also shared their gratitude.
“From day one of serving together as campaign chairs, we have felt tremendous support from everyone we have met and worked with, from United Way’s board of directors, our campaign cabinet, company coordinators and corporate leaders to many others,” they said in a statement. “All are driven by a strong community spirit and the desire to improve people’s lives. This community is simply the best. We are so grateful to each of you for caring so deeply about Berks County.”
All dollars raised in the 2024 Campaign will support health and human service needs in the coming year, impacting 190,000 local people.
The United Way’s 80-plus programs and initiatives focus on early childcare and learning, financial capability and workforce development, along with tackling food, housing and health insecurity challenges.
Those initiatives include vital programs such as Meals on Wheels, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Safe Berks and United Way’s 211 phone line that connects residents seeking help with community services.
The ceremony also honored the United Way’s loaned campaign specialists for their efforts in coordinating with local employers and the community to achieve campaign goals.
Also part of the event was a campaign incentive raffle, giving individual donors a chance to win various prizes.
The following are the 2024 incentive winners:
Jesse Palmer of Met-Ed, a FirstEnergy Company won a new Corolla Cross, courtesy of Kelly Auto Group.
Tim Dietterick, East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc won a $2,000 Travel Voucher, courtesy of AAA Travel.
Jorge Quinones and Henry Rodriguez of Carpenter Technology Corporation each won a $500 Boscov's Gift Cards, courtesy of Boscov's Department Stores.
Mary Mcgeehan won a $1,500 Gas Card, courtesy of Rhoads Energy.
Thomas Henefer of Stevens & Lee won a 3-Minute Shopping Spree, courtesy of Redner's Fresh Market.
Kemian Flowers of Alcon Research Ltd. Won a wheelbarrow full of “Berks Best”, courtesy of Brentwood Industries.
Joshua Hill, East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. won an Item valued at $575, courtesy of Lasting Image, a TSC Company.
Lavyrt Crafton of East Penn Manufacturing Co. Inc. won a $500 Visa Gift Card, courtesy of Visions Federal Credit Union.