In first rate news the United Way of Warren has announced their “triumphant success” in the United Way Torch Light Campaign 2023.

Celebrating their 100th campaign in the organization’s history. “As we celebrate the success, we look forward to the 2024 campaign. The goal for this milestone campaign will be determined at the United Funds May board meeting and we anticipate continued community support,” said Executive Director Lacy Hanson. “We are an incredible community that has already rallied together and surpassed our $710,000 goal!”

“As Executive Director of United Fund of Warren County, witnessing our community achieve the annual Torchlight Campaign fundraising goal is a source of immense pride. This collective achievement is not just a number; it’s a beacon of hope that radiates throughout our community.” stated Hanson. “The positive impact on our quality of life is immeasurable, and the ripple effect is felt by our 20 local member agencies, enabling them to continue offering crucial services to those in need. Together, we’re not just meeting goals; we’re building a stronger, more supportive community that truly cares for one another.”

This year’s ambitious goal of $710,000 (a $10,000 increase from the previous year) was not only met but exceeded last week, thanks to the generous contributions from key supporters such as Superior Tire and Rubber, United Refining Co., Crossett Inc., Whirley Industries, Ellwood, ErieBank, Northwest Foundation, Betts Foundation, Highmark and several others.

Every dollar given in the campaign goes directly to the member agencies. Past supporters of the Fund, working with the Community Foundation, endowed the organization so that all campaign and administrative costs are paid for in that way.

“I am only aware of one other United Way agency in the United States that operates in this way.” stated Hanson.

Tiger, the Pawsitively Thrilled campaign co-chair at United Fund and honorary head of treats at Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center woofed with joy: “Bar-tastic news folks! Our community didn’t just fetch the annual fundraising goal; we chased it down, tail-wagging and all! I’ve been working my tail off — and believe me, that’s no small feat — to make this happen. It’s almost as exciting as a squirrel sighting, but with more zeros and less chasing around the yard. Cheers to a dog-gone successful campaign — you can say we really know how to roll over fundraising goals!”

Monies raised during the campaign is split between many worth community programs and causes: 46% of the money goes to children for scouting, the Y scholarship program, WASU, dental clinics, etc.; 19% goes to seniors at the Allegheny Community Center and Sheffield Hospitality Center;17% is donated for emergency services at the Red Cross, Salvation Army, The Women’s Care Center and Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center; 12% goes for family counseling, including Hospice, Family Services, Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center and The Women’s Care Center; and 6% is donated for disability services, including BEI, Don Mills and the Achievement Center.

Each year there is an annual review process of each agency and of allocations made from the United Fund. The United Way Torchlight committee allocated a committee of Mike DelPrince, Mark Evans, Michelle Betts, Kay Edie, Lisa To, and Karen Thomas to come together for a day and meet with each agency. They determine allocations and make a recommendation to the board for their approval, according to Hanson.

The United Way Torchlight campaign co-chair, Jennifer Cummings-Tutmaher from NPRC says, “I may not be in the picture, but I’m overjoyed to be part of a community that captures the essence of generosity. The collective achievement of reaching our annual fundraising goal is a testament to the heart and soul of our town. As campaign co-chair, I believe this success will not only boost the financial health of our local initiatives but will also enrich the overall quality of life in our community. It’s a win-win for all of us, and I’m proud to be a part of a community that continually invests in making a difference.”

Local foundations that fueled the success of the Torchlight Campaign include United Refining Co., Betts Foundation, Superior, Northwest, PGE, Highmark, Cummins, Whirley Industries, and many more.

“Let’s celebrate the power of community and the paw-some achievements that make a real difference in Warren County. Thank you to everyone who contributed, volunteered, and supported the Torchlight Campaign. Together, we shine brighter,” exclaimed Hanson. #CommunityWins #TorchlightSuccess #WarrenCountyCares

The Torchlight Campaign has been an annual fundraising event since 1924, which makes the one we wrapped up the 99th campaign. The 2024 Torchlight Campaign will be the 100th in the organization’s history. Started with the idea that a single campaign to benefit multiple agencies would place fewer demands on the public and require less time from the organizations allowing them more time to focus on the work they do in the community. That is still the basic idea, but economics demand that agencies still raise money on their own. We have 20 member agencies who benefit from the annual campaign, they are all listed at www.unitedfundwarren.org. Three of them have been members since day one: Boy Scouts, YMCA and Salvation Army.

“We are not the sole support for any agency, but we are an important support for all agencies,” explained Hanson.

There are 20 agencies which receive support from the United Fund. These are: A Safe Place, Experience, Inc., the American Red Cross, Barber National Institute Bollinger Campus, Boy Scouts, Caring for Life, the Don Mills Achievement Center, Family Services, Girl Scouts, Hospice of Warren County, the Jefferson DeFrees Family Center, New Hope Assistance Dogs, the Ruth M. Smith Center, the Sheffield Area Hospitality Center, the Salvation Army, the Warren County 4-H Program, the Warren Area Student Union, the Women’s Care Center, Warren County Children’s Advocacy Center, and the YMCA. An annual contribution is also made to the USO in honor of the County’s men and women serving in the armed forces.

Donors have various convenient options to contribute including payroll deduction, mailing donations to PO Box 844, Warren, PA, visiting the website at www.unitedfundwarren.org, and utilizing the new text-to-donate feature by texting UFOWC to 41444.

According to Hanson, since 1924, over $26 million has been raised to support human service needs in Warren County. Donations to the Fund can be made throughout the year in person, by mail or on the website, www.unitedfundwarren.org.