From staff reports
The United Way of Venango County announced Wednesday evening that it raised $1,004,200 during its 2022 campaign drive — the largest sum the local nonprofit has amassed during any of its annual drives.
“The magnitude of people helped through the United Way annually is incredible,” United Way Executive Director Will Price said in a statement released before the announcement was made during the United Way’s celebration event at Wildcat Mansion. “Through this generosity, so many people will receive support for their education, health, basic needs and financial stability.”
The strategic plan created in 2022, he said, ensures the organization is “effective and efficient and that we build community awareness and understanding of the work we do and the needs of our residents. We feel that we are on the right track of achieving that goal.”
“It’s an amazing thing that United Way does for the community,” board President Erin Hanna said in the statement. “As we continue to grow, the true winners are the individuals who will benefit from the United Way.”
According to United Way statistics, at least 45% of Venango County residents benefit via the nonprofit, including through The Back to School Hair Affair, PA211, or any of the numerous programs of the agency’s community partners. In 2022, funds raised by businesses, individuals and foundations benefited over 30,000 people.
In addition, the United Way said, the agency “supports and enhances” 21 community programs through “our very competitive grant process.” Each year, the programs impact over 12,000 residents.
Along with supporting other programs, the United Way operates 12 internal programs of its own. They include The Imagination Library, an early literacy program that provides free books to children ages birth through 5; Success by 6, an early education program for children about to enter kindergarten; and The Personal Care Closets, a semi-yearly distribution of hygiene products for middle and high school children.
Award presented
During the celebration, the United Way honored Courtney Cox with the Marion Spence Award, which is presented to the United Way volunteer who goes above and beyond the call of duty.
Cox, a resident of Franklin since 1987, currently serves on the United Way’s Funds Distribution Committee, a role that she has had for over 20 years. Cox also served on the board of directors for 14 years and the Executive Committee for four years, where she had the roles of president, vice president and secretary.
Her other roles include personnel committee member, campaign chair and vice chair, and finance committee and golf committee member.
“Through her years Courtney has been a beacon of knowledge, providing United Way with incredible insight from her years of experience,” the agency’s release said. “Courtney has continued to prove her selflessness and commitment to the area and our local residents. She is always willing to lend a helping hand in whatever way possible.”
Cox is EHS/HR director at Industrial Truck and Crane in Harrisville.
