The United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has raised a record $27,731,984 for its annual fundraising campaign, more than $1 million more than the year prior.
The nonprofit announced Thursday that the record marks 16 years of consecutive growth and continued investment into the area’s most pressing needs. The campaign, which ran from April 2025 until March, was led by co-chairs CAPTRUST’s Mike Molewski and his wife, Diane.
The results were announced during a Celebration of Caring event at SteelStacks in Bethlehem.
“As one of seven children and the first in my family to attend college, I know how hard it is to reach your goals when you’re just trying to make ends meet,” Mike Molewski said in a news release. “I was fortunate to receive support from mentors who greatly influenced the path of my life. Diane and I are proud to be a part of the life-changing programs at United Way that empower so many in the Lehigh Valley to achieve their dreams.”
The United Way said it had a strong network of partners that increased their contributions, including PPL, which contributed more than $10 million; and Air Products, which raised more than $5 million.
Donors and partners helped connect 43,000 local students and families with education resources to support learning growth, according to the United Way. They also ensured 178,000 people had access to food, housing and emergency services. Additionally, they supported 8,000 adults with healthy aging resources.
“This year, our community showed what it means to respond with care and consistency,” Marci Lesko, president and CEO of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, said in the release. “What stayed true throughout was our responsibility to respond with care and to move at the speed of need. Mike and Diane’s leadership, generosity and long history of dedication helped set the tone for this campaign and inspired others to step up in meaningful ways.”