When times get tough, the tough get generous.

Schuylkill United Way (SUW) is overjoyed to announce their 2023 H.O.P.E. Campaign hit their goal of $1,165,000! Thanks to your generosity, SUW and our 15 Partner Agencies can continue to spread H.O.P.E. by Helping Other People Everyday here in Schuylkill County

H.O.P.E. was the theme and it was abundant during the campaign, which saw its finale event on Friday, November 11th with over 110 people attending the SUW Appreciation Breakfast held at St. Nicholas Banquet Hall in Minersville. 2023 Campaign Chair, Mike Joyce of the Republican Herald, announced the grand total and thanked all who contributed and ensured many Schuylkill Countians will continue to have the services they need.

Joyce and SUW Board President, Michele Mickonis of Hydro in Cressona presented several awards and recognitions during the breakfast. Those recognized are as follows:

• Billie Payne Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Mr. Jeff Wessner of Tompkins Community Bank for his dedication to Schuylkill United Way and our county. Among many other roles, Wessner has previously served as the SUW 2014 Campaign Chair and is currently the Budget Committee Chair.

• Houser Award presented to the company who raised the most money went to Hydro at $175,000.

• Bob Weaver Auto was recognized as the top giver for companies with 1-200 employees.

• Mrs. T’s Pierogies gave the most for mid-sized companies with 201-400 employees.

• Wegmans was the top winner for company giving in the 400+ employees tier. They were also recognized as the organization with the largest increase in giving from last year with $15,000.

• Child Development, Inc was the SUW Partner Agency with the largest donation.

• The Republican Herald was recognized for outstanding commitment to the Schuylkill United Way H.O.P.E. Campaign through advertising and promotions.

 Pacesetters, individuals who contribute $500 or more in a year, were also recognized by the Pacesetters Club Co-Chair, Mr. Patrick Kane of ETA Insurance Group. Kane celebrated the top five companies with the most Pacesetters: Hydro with 238, Wegmans with 140, Bob Weaver Auto with 68, St Luke’s Miners Hospital/Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital with 55, and Child Development Inc. with 13. Kane made special note that Bob Weaver Auto has a total of 74 employees, meaning 92% of their employees generously contribute to make the campaign a success. Jay Jones, Jr. is the other Co-Chair of the Pacesetters Club.

Local businesses donated big ticket items to incentivize giving. Winners were drawn during the Appreciation Breakfast and will be contacted later that day if they were not present.

The prizes and donors included:

• 2022 Chevy Trax ($20,000 value) – donated by Rinaldi Family Dealerships, Bob Weaver Auto, J. Bertolet Volkswagen, Sands Ford of Pottsville, Williamson, Friedberg & Jones, LLC

• Boyer’s Food Markets, Inc gift cards valued at $1,500, $1000, $750, $500, and $250

• Ariens Snow Blower ($1,800 value) – donated by Lowe’s RDC 961

• $1,600 Vacation Package – donated by AAA

• Weber Gas Grill ($500 value) – donated by Hadesty’s ACE Hardware

• iPAD ($500 value) – donated by Hydro

SUW Executive Director Kelly Malone reported that 65% of the campaign total came from individual giving. Malone acknowledged the struggle everyone is feeling to fill their fridge and heat their homes. “Every donor, every dollar, every partner, advocate, and volunteer – including YOU makes a difference!” Malone concluded by announcing next year’s Campaign Chair will be Dr. Gregory Koons, Executive Director of Schuylkill Intermediate Unit #29.

The Schuylkill United Way and its 15 Partner Agencies express a heart-felt thanks to all who made this year’s H.O.P.E. Campaign a huge success for our county!