United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s supporters raised a record-breaking $25,002,145 during the organization’s annual fundraising campaign, marking 14 consecutive years of growth for the nonprofit. The campaign was chaired by Tony and Adrienne DaRe of BSI Corporate Benefits with a specific emphasis on the region’s rising mental health needs.

“At BSI, we saw this need and heard it personally as we visited United Way Community Schools and Healthy Aging Community Hubs,” said BSI Corporate Benefits Chief Executive Officer Tony DaRe. “We knew it was imperative that we act now. That’s the inspiration behind United for Mental Health. By integrating new solutions into our existing networks, United Way can take swift, effective and meaningful action to tackle the mental health crisis in our community.”

United Way announced the results today during Celebration of Caring, presented by Crayola. The event celebrates and honors the collaborative spirit and profound impact achieved through the dedication of organizations, United Way donors, volunteers and partners positively impacting the lives of over 175,000 people this year.

“Thanks to our dedicated supporters, over 120,000 people were connected to food, housing and mental health services, quality of life was improved for nearly 10,000 older adults and caregivers and over 40,000 students were supported so they can thrive in school,” said United Way President David Lewis.

Throughout the annual campaign, which ended on March 31, BSI Corporate Benefits pledged to make an additional gift in honor of every new or increased donation to support our neighbors’ mental health needs. Across the nation, mental health needs are rising rapidly, creating substantial impacts on all parts of life including physical health, quality of life and even a student’s ability to learn in school.

“So many people in our community are struggling, and we believe we can make a real difference by working together to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and to raise funding for numerous United Way-supported programs and efforts to connect children, parents, employees and their families with the services they need,” said Adrienne DaRe.

Altogether, a strong network of partners and donors increased their contributions to the annual campaign, which ran from April 2023 to March 2024. PPL Corp.’s employees, retirees and corporate foundation have contributed more than $6,000,000 for the second year in a row-a first for our United Way; Air Products raised more than $5,000,000 for the third consecutive year; City Center Group and Crayola each raised more than $1,000,000.

At this year’s event, the organization recognized David Lewis’ 36-year career with United Way and celebrated the new dynamic, incoming CEO, Marci Lesko. Also during the ceremony, four organizations were honored and presented awards. Award recipients included: HNL Lab Medicine, PPL LIVE UNITED Award; Veronica Gonzalez and Valley Health Partners,

Community Builder Award; Quadrant Capital, Campaign Chairs’ Award; Valley Youth House,

Air Products Leonard Pool Impact Award.

Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include:

Presenting sponsor – Crayola

Platinum sponsor – Dual Temp Company Inc.

Silver sponsor – Air Products

Bronze sponsors – Capital Blue Cross; Fulton Bank; Highmark Blue Shield; Just Born Quality Confections LLC; Olympus

Pearl sponsor – Equinox Benefits Consulting; King, Spry, Herman, Freund & Faul, Lehigh Valley Health Network

In-kind sponsors – ASR Media; City Center Group; RichMar Florist; Social T Marketing; Working Dog Press