ALLENTOWN, Pa. – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has broken a record as part of its fundraising efforts.<\/p>\n
It raised $27,731,984, marking 16 consecutive years of growth and continued investment in the region\u2019s most pressing needs, the organization said in a news release.<\/p>\n
When including donations to United Way\u2019s Critical Support Fund and contributions through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, United Way raised $30,436,542 in total, the organization said.<\/p>\n
The organization said donors and partners:<\/p>\n
Helped connect nearly 43,000 students and families with education resources to support learning and growth<\/p>\n
Increased community stability by ensuring over 178,000 people had access to food, housing and emergency services<\/p>\n
Supported nearly 8,000 older adults with healthy aging resources that promote health and connection.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
PPL Corp.\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
United Way said Air Products raised more than $5 million, marking their fifth straight year raising more than $5 million.<\/p>\n
City Center Group, Crayola, CAI, Victaulic, CAPTRUST Financial Advisors \u2013 Allentown and Keel Infrastructure each raised more than $1 million, according to United Way.<\/p>\n
Campaign Co-Chairs CAPTRUST\u2019s Mike Molewski and his wife Diane led this year\u2019s campaign.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs 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\u2019re just trying to make ends meet,\u201d shared Mike.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Together, their efforts helped improve the lives of nearly 250,000 people across the Greater Lehigh Valley this year, United Way said.<\/p>\n
Award recipients included:<\/p>\n
PPL LIVE UNITED Award\u00a0\u2013 B. Braun Medical Inc.<\/p>\n
Campaign Chairs\u2019 Award \u2013 Dan and Susan Barnes<\/p>\n
Community Builder Award \u2013 Greater Community Development Corporation<\/p>\n
Air Products Leonard Pool Community Impact Award \u2013 The Century Promise<\/p>\n
Lifetime Achievement Award \u2013 Robert and Susan Gadomski<\/p>\n
United Way said valued community partners in sponsorship for this year\u2019s Celebration of Caring include:<\/p>\n
Presenting sponsor\u00a0\u2013 Crayola\u00a0<\/p>\n
Platinum sponsors\u00a0\u2013\u00a0Dual Temp Company Inc.; PPL Corp.<\/p>\n
Bronze sponsors\u00a0\u2013 B. Braun Medical Inc.; CAPTRUST Financial Advisors \u2013 Allentown; Keel Infrastructure; Just Born Quality Confections; Turnstone Creative; Victaulic<\/p>\n
Pearl sponsors\u00a0\u2013 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\u2019s University Health Network; Truist Bank; Tuskes Homes<\/p>\n
Friends of United Way \u2013 Alvernia University; Gallagher Benefits; MCIT; MillerSearles<\/p>\n
In-kind contributors\u00a0\u2013 ArtsQuest; RichMar Florist; Working Dog Press<\/p>\n