The United Way of North Central Pennsylvania (UWNCPA) has announced Barbara B. Hudock, Chief Executive Officer and Founding Partner of Hudock Capital Group, as the recipient of the 2024 Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award — the organization’s most prestigious recognition — at its upcoming United for Impact Annual Dinner & Meeting on Oct. 14 in the Grand Ballroom of the Holiday Inn.

Hudock Capital Group is sponsoring this year’s award in honor of Hudock.

The Dickey Award celebrates extraordinary individuals whose vision, leadership, and generosity have shaped Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga Counties for the better.

Established in 1947 and renamed in 1997 to honor the late Douglas C. Dickey, a former United Way President lost in the crash of TWA Flight 800, the award has been presented to more than 79 community leaders. “As a past award recipient myself, I know first-hand the magnitude of this award, and we are pleased to honor Barbara Hudock, a lifelong philanthropist and community supporter, with this award,” said Ron Frick, president of UWNCPA.

“In addition to the growth of Hudock Capital, Barbara has been instrumental in supporting not only the work of our United Way over the years, but in the mentoring of hundreds of philanthropists who are giving of themselves and their resources to our region.”

Hudock brings nearly five decades of leadership in financial services, consistently ranked among the nation’s top financial advisors. Under her leadership, Hudock Capital now cares for more than $1 billion in assets, while embedding philanthropic community support at the core of its mission. Hudock and her firm have invested more than $7 million in nonprofits across the region, empowering organizations and inspiring team members to give back through volunteerism and matched donations of up to $5,000 per employee.

“I am humbled to be recognized with the Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award, and I am honored to stand shoulder to shoulder with so many others in our community who are determined to make a positive difference in the lives of others,” said Hudock.

“When giving back to the community, it’s never about the amount of any one person’s contribution — because each contribution is important; it’s about the incredible difference we can make when we all give back together,” she said.

The event will also celebrate leadership, service, and innovation with additional honors, including: the Douglas J. Shangraw Memorial Volunteer Award, sponsored by Lycoming College, which is also the presenting sponsor of the event); the President’s Award, sponsored by Weis Markets; and the Harriett Lenhart Memorial Women’s Leadership Award, sponsored by UPMC.

For the first time, UWNCPA will present Innovation Grants to support fresh, community-driven solutions. Of over 100 invitations sent and 26 proposals received, six finalists have been invited to submit complete applications, with winners to be announced at the event.

“We look forward to celebrating the exceptional work of the United Way made possible by our generous friends and community partners. Our annual dinner provides us an opportunity to recognize the employees, companies, and volunteers who have enabled the United Way to make a meaningful impact in our communities during the last year,” said Chip Edmonds, UWNCPA Board Chair and the newly elected President of Lycoming College.

“This year, we will also announce the recipient of our first Community Impact Grant. It will be a wonderful evening to acknowledge the good work that is taking place in our community,” he added.

Thanks to the generosity of past Dickey Award recipient George Tsunis, his wife Olga, and Chartwell Hotels, all proceeds from the evening will directly support UWNCPA programs.

Tickets are $30 per person and available online at givebutter.com/UWNCPA, by calling 570-323-9448, or by emailing rfrick@uwncpa.org. Checks should be made payable to United Way of North Central Pennsylvania.

Both checks and credit cards will be accepted in advance or at the door.