United Way Holds 31st Annual Day of Caring
1,000+ Volunteers Unite to Enhance the Community and Support Local Children at 31st Annual Day of Caring
More than 1,000 volunteers helped kick off United Way of the Capital Region’s 2023 campaign on September 8 by participating in the 31st annual Day of Caring sponsored by Highmark Blue Shield.
“Highmark Blue Shield employees continue to look forward to participating in United Way’s Day of Caring,” said Joe Haddock, Eastern Pa. market president for Highmark Blue Shield. “Last year, Highmark Health employees raised $1.1 million toward our communities through United Way. We are thankful for the opportunities this great organization offers.”
United Way announced its 2023 campaign goal of $8,710,000 this morning at a kickoff event sponsored by Penn State Health, UPMC Central PA and Wegmans.
“United Way’s initiatives are making a tangible difference in our community,” said Timothy B. Fatzinger, United Way of the Capital Region president and CEO. “We empower independence to help people move forward through our access to health care, basic needs, school readiness and workforce development programs.”
United Way recently formed new partnerships in basic needs. Through these collaborations, the organization can help more people receive food, housing and utilities, child care, information and referral services, and language support. Some of the new partners include Bethesda Mission, Downtown Daily Bread, and Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors. At the same time, United Way will continue to support many of its traditional partners.
Leading the fundraising efforts are Campaign Chair Brian Jackson, chair of McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC, and Campaign Vice Chair Nora Habig, regional president for M&T Bank.
“We have two outstanding leaders working together for United Way,” added Fatzinger. Brian and Nora are passionate about improving life in our community and believe United Way can help make that happen.”
“I am proud to serve as campaign chair because I believe in the mission of United Way,” said Jackson. “United Way has a proven track record of moving the needle on the most pressing issues facing our region. I ask business leaders and community members to help support the campaign this year.”
As part of the event, United Way also held its “Stuff the Bus” project to collect health and school supplies for children in its Ready for School, Ready to Succeed community initiative, which helps prepare children for kindergarten.