ALLENTOWN, Pa. – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has broken a record as part of its fundraising efforts.

It raised $27,731,984, marking 16 consecutive years of growth and continued investment in the region’s most pressing needs, the organization said in a news release.

When including donations to United Way’s Critical Support Fund and contributions through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, United Way raised $30,436,542 in total, the organization said.

The organization said donors and partners:

Helped connect nearly 43,000 students and families with education resources to support learning and growth

Increased community stability by ensuring over 178,000 people had access to food, housing and emergency services

Supported nearly 8,000 older adults with healthy aging resources that promote health and connection.

United Way said a strong network of partners and donors increased their contributions to the annual campaign, which ran from April 2025 to March 2026.

PPL Corp.’s employees, retirees and corporate foundation contributed more than $10 million this year, a first for the local United Way and their fourth consecutive year raising more than $6 million in support of the community, according to the news release.

United Way said Air Products raised more than $5 million, marking their fifth straight year raising more than $5 million.

City Center Group, Crayola, CAI, Victaulic, CAPTRUST Financial Advisors – Allentown and Keel Infrastructure each raised more than $1 million, according to United Way.

Campaign Co-Chairs CAPTRUST’s Mike Molewski and his wife Diane led this year’s campaign.

“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,” shared Mike.

“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.”

United Way announced the results Friday during Celebration of Caring, presented by Crayola. The event celebrates and honors organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community in partnership with United Way.

Together, their efforts helped improve the lives of nearly 250,000 people across the Greater Lehigh Valley this year, United Way said.

Award recipients included:

PPL LIVE UNITED Award – B. Braun Medical Inc.

Campaign Chairs’ Award – Dan and Susan Barnes

Community Builder Award – Greater Community Development Corporation

Air Products Leonard Pool Community Impact Award – The Century Promise

Lifetime Achievement Award – Robert and Susan Gadomski

United Way said valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include:

Presenting sponsor – Crayola 

Platinum sponsors – Dual Temp Company Inc.; PPL Corp.

Bronze sponsors – B. Braun Medical Inc.; CAPTRUST Financial Advisors – Allentown; Keel Infrastructure; Just Born Quality Confections; Turnstone Creative; Victaulic

Pearl sponsors – BSI Corporate Benefits; Alvin H. Butz, Inc.; City Center Group; Jim and Sarah Edwards; Good Shepherd Rehabilitation; HNL Lab Medicine; Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health; Lehigh Valley Community Foundation; Quadrant Capital; Quandel Construction Group, LLC; St. Luke’s University Health Network; Truist Bank; Tuskes Homes

Friends of United Way – Alvernia University; Gallagher Benefits; MCIT; MillerSearles

In-kind contributors – ArtsQuest; RichMar Florist; Working Dog Press

 For more information about United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and its impact in the community, people can visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org.