BETHLEHEM, Pa. — United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley set another record this year, collecting more than $26 million in its annual fundraising campaign.
It was the 15th consecutive year of growth, led by campaign Chairman Chris Martin and Martin Guitar. Chris Martin is the Upper Nazareth-Township based instrument maker’s executive chairman.
“I am incredibly proud to see how this community rallied together to make real change,” Martin said in a news release. “It’s been an honor to witness the generosity and compassion that defines the greater Lehigh Valley.”
The $26,231,833 raised topped last year’s record of just over $25 million. It will help more than 200,000 people in the region through education, healthy aging and community stability, according to the United Way.
“I am incredibly proud to see how this community rallied together to make real change."Chairman Chris Martin
Hundreds celebrated Thursday night at the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks during the United Way’s Celebration of Caring.
The campaign ran from April 2024 to March of this year.
Corporations, individuals honored
Said Marci Lesko, chief executive officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley: “This year, our network of deeply invested donors and partners connected over 41,000 students and families with the tools to succeed in school and life, supported almost 9,500 older adults and caregivers through programs that promote health and social connection and ensured nearly 110,000 people had access to food, housing, mental health care and emergency services.”
PPL Corp.’s employees, retirees and corporate foundation contributed more than $7 million — a first for the United Way and PPL’s third consecutive year raising more than $6 million.
Air Products raised more than $6 million — its fourth-straight year raising over $5 million. CAI, City Center Group and Crayola each raised more than $1 million, officials said.
Awards as well as organizations and individuals recognized during the program were:
- PPL Live United Award — Dual Temp Co. Inc.
- Campaign Chair’s Award — Vince and Michelle Sorgi
- Community Builder Award — Slate Belt Angels
- Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award — Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival
- Lifetime Achievement Award — Lee and Dolly Butz