Allentown, PA, April 18, 2019 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) is poised to make the most significant community investment in the organization’s 101-year history, following a recording-breaking $16,659,000.27 annual campaign. With an additional $3.5 million raised to support specific programs through sources such as grants and sponsorships, UWGLV’s total annual support tops $20 million for the first time.
“We are thankful to each and every person who joined us to make this historic impact in the Greater Lehigh Valley. They are truly PEEPS® Helping Peeps, and we’re proud to work together to make our community the very best place it can be. Imagine what would happen if everyone gave just 27 cents a day. Together, we can make an astonishing, multi-million dollar difference,” said campaign co-chairs David and Sue Shaffer of Just Born Quality Confections, who announced the total at UWGLV’s annual Celebration of Caring event at DeSales University.
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley raises money and invests in programs to achieve three bold goals: increase the number of third-graders reading on grade level, decrease the number of food insecure residents and increase the number of seniors whose basic needs are met at home.
“I’m overwhelmed by this display of generosity. Over the past five years, we’ve made significant, measurable progress toward each of these goals. None of this is possible without the commitment of the 100 nonprofit partners, 400 companies and 18,000 people who supported this campaign,” said David Lewis, President, UWGLV.
A first-of-its-kind sweepstakes called PEEPS® Helping Peeps raised $70,000 to support local education programs during the campaign. Through the promotion, Just Born Quality Confections offered one UWGLV supporter the chance to win the ultimate PEEPS® experience, including an exclusive factory tour, trip to Bethlehem and shopping spree at their PEEPS & COMPANY® Store.
The sweepstakes received national media coverage from outlets such as Forbes and USA Today. The winner, Jennifer Nallo of Westminster, Maryland, will redeem her prize later this year.
“We are especially grateful to David and Sue Shaffer and the entire Just Born team for the enthusiasm and unwavering commitment they brought to this campaign,” added Lewis.
Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org
Contact:
Laura McHugh
Director, Communications and Media Relations
610-504-9452
lauram@unitedwayglv.org