The Lycoming County United Way expects the 2013 fall campaign will raise more than $1.6 million when all campaign proceeds have been finalized.
"Several workplace campaigns and a number of corporate contributions are still in the process of completing their campaigns but based upon their past support we expect this year's campaign to achieve $1,612,125 once those contributions are received," said Virgil Probasco, 2012 LCUW campaign chairman.
"The heightened awareness and compassion of our donors, both individual and corporate, for the county-wide critical missions of United Way's program partners drove the success of this campaign, making it the highest amount raised in the organization's 90-year history," said Probasco. "The people of Lycoming County understand the growing needs of the human service programs and trust United Way to be a good steward of their investments."
This year, United Way provided funding for 44 programs at 28 agencies in Lycoming County that meet the community's most critical needs nurturing children, caring for people in crisis, strengthening families, supporting seniors, and serving those with special needs. LCUW officials said 97 percent of funds raised stay in Lycoming County.
"With each year's campaign, new stories reflecting the generosity and caring spirit of Lycoming County residents are exhibited. This year, in the face of some difficult times, that heart-warming compassion reached new levels," said LCUW executive director Scott N. Lowery. "This campaign's achievement exceeded the amount raised in any previous campaign. That is a remarkable effort that would not have been possible without Virgil's leadership and the tremendous effort of our volunteer network."
While the amount raised is the largest amount in the organization's history, LCUW officials point out it is likely still not enough to meet the needs of the program partner requests.
"Last year we looked at the amount we had to allocate to our partners and the amount they had requested. The amount we needed to be able to fulfill their requests was $1,723,311 and while we are pleased to have had a campaign increase of about 6 percent over last year, we will likely still not have enough to meet every program's request," Lowery said.
"All programs that receive LCUW funding must demonstrate measureable results. Our volunteers are very thoughtful in how the dollars are allocated. They meet with every program partner to learn about the programs and ensure that the money is invested addressing the most pressing community needs through proven programs. It is never a simple process."
"When Virgil Probasco announced to our board that Lycoming County United Way raised $1,612,125, there was a sense of both great accomplishment as well as immense relief. That's because our campaign raised a record amount to help our neighbors," said Mary Wolf, LCUW board president.
For more information, contact Lycoming County United Way at 323-9448.
