United Way surpasses annual fundraising goal
The United Way of Venango County has a little extra dough to help area residents thanks to the efforts of volunteers, board members and the generosity of the community.
The not-for-profit community organization wrapped up its annual impact fundraising campaign on Monday night with a big announcement. The group raised $602,836, surpassing their $530,000 goal by more than $70,000.
“We are blessed with the generosity and concern of so many that allow us to continue to see growth year after year,” said Will Price, Venango County United Way executive director. "(With this money the) United Way is able to invest in programs and services to help children achieve their potential, improve community health, and assist individuals and families to become financially independent.”
The campaign received strong support in a combination of individual gifts, community fundraisers and corporate donations, according to Price.
Campaign co-chairs Ashley Nichols and Laura Ordez described the announcement as a "surprise," especially given the recent effects of the pandemic on the job market.
“(The money) means everything for our community,” said Erin Hanna, president of the United Way board. “Our campaign makes a difference in critical services. We’re extremely grateful for where we are and it means we get to continue the great work that we do.”
United Way helps more than 13,000 residents or more than a fourth of the county's population by distributing funding to 23 local programs hosted through local organizations. The United Way also has 11 internal programs focused on reducing the number of residents struggling to meet their health, education, and income needs.
Through the funding raised by previous Impact Campaigns, the Venango County United Way has been able to accomplish many things, including the following:
“This year’s campaign will continue to help the lives of a vast amount of Venango County residents.” Price said. “A huge thank you to everyone who made a donation or ran an internal campaign at their business or workplace. We are also thankful for our amazing volunteers and board members and their tireless efforts to support the campaign.”
For more information on how to become a United Way volunteer or to donate to the next year's campaign, go online to www.unitedwayofvenangocounty.org.
The not-for-profit community organization wrapped up its annual impact fundraising campaign on Monday night with a big announcement. The group raised $602,836, surpassing their $530,000 goal by more than $70,000.
“We are blessed with the generosity and concern of so many that allow us to continue to see growth year after year,” said Will Price, Venango County United Way executive director. "(With this money the) United Way is able to invest in programs and services to help children achieve their potential, improve community health, and assist individuals and families to become financially independent.”
The campaign received strong support in a combination of individual gifts, community fundraisers and corporate donations, according to Price.
Campaign co-chairs Ashley Nichols and Laura Ordez described the announcement as a "surprise," especially given the recent effects of the pandemic on the job market.
“(The money) means everything for our community,” said Erin Hanna, president of the United Way board. “Our campaign makes a difference in critical services. We’re extremely grateful for where we are and it means we get to continue the great work that we do.”
United Way helps more than 13,000 residents or more than a fourth of the county's population by distributing funding to 23 local programs hosted through local organizations. The United Way also has 11 internal programs focused on reducing the number of residents struggling to meet their health, education, and income needs.
Through the funding raised by previous Impact Campaigns, the Venango County United Way has been able to accomplish many things, including the following:
- Provided 1,712 children and youth (age 0-20) with educational programming opportunities.
- Supported kindergarten readiness and grade improvement programs.
- Helped 745 individuals maintain or obtain employment.
- Assisted 555 individuals improve their financial management skills.
- Set up community support and personal care that helped 305 adults to avoid out-of-home placement.
- Improved hospitalization rates and improved healthy eating habits among adults.
- Helped 4,663 participants achieve fitness and/or health goals.
“This year’s campaign will continue to help the lives of a vast amount of Venango County residents.” Price said. “A huge thank you to everyone who made a donation or ran an internal campaign at their business or workplace. We are also thankful for our amazing volunteers and board members and their tireless efforts to support the campaign.”
For more information on how to become a United Way volunteer or to donate to the next year's campaign, go online to www.unitedwayofvenangocounty.org.
RSS Feed