Brian Hagberg
WARREN, Pa. – The United Fund of Warren not only reached but exceeded its Torchlight campaign goal last week.
“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,” 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. “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!”
Even with a $10,000 increase in this year’s goal ($710,000) over last year’s, the campaign exceeded expectations. Funds raised go directly to member agencies.
“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,” United Fund Executive Director Lacey Hanson said. “This collective achievement is not just a number; it’s a beacon of hope that radiates throughout our community. 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.”
Twenty agencies receive support from the United Fund, including 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.
“I may not be in the picture, but I’m overjoyed to be part of a community that captures the essence of generosity,” Campaign Co-Chair Jennifer Cummings-Tutmaher from NPRC said. “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.”
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.
Donors have various contribution options including payroll deduction, mailing donations to PO Box 844, Warren, PA, visiting the United Fund’s website, and utilizing the new text-to-donate feature by texting UFOWC to 41444.
The 2024 Torchlight Campaign will be the 100th for the United Fund of Warren County. The goal for that campaign will be set during the May United Fund board meeting.
