Funds raised in this campaign, chaired by CAPTRUST’s Mike Molewski and wife Diane, impacts nearly 250,000 people through Education, Healthy Aging and Community Stability.
Allentown, PA, April 16, 2026 – United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley supporters raised a record-breaking $27,731,984, marking 16 consecutive years of growth and continued
investment in the region’s most pressing needs. Led by Campaign Co-Chairs CAPTRUST’s Mike Molewski and his wife Diane, this year’s campaign reflects how individuals, organizations and partners across the region continue to step up in response to growing and changing needs with generosity and urgency. When including donations to United Way’s Critical Support Fund and contributions through the Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit program, United Way raised $30,436,542 in total.
“As one of seven children and the first in my family to attend college, I know how hard it is to reach your goals when you’re just trying to make ends meet,” shared Mike. “I was fortunate to receive support from mentors who greatly influenced the path of my life. Diane and I are proud to be a part of the life-changing programs at United Way that empower so many in the Lehigh Valley to achieve their dreams.”
Donors and partners helped connect nearly 43,000 students and families with education resources to support learning and growth, increased community stability by ensuring over 178,000 people had access to food, housing and emergency services and supported nearly 8,000 older adults with healthy aging resources that promote health and connection.
“This year, our community showed what it means to respond with care and consistency,” said Marci Lesko, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “What stayed true throughout was our responsibility to respond with care and to move at the speed of need. Mike and Diane’s leadership, generosity and long history of dedication helped set the tone for this campaign and inspired others to step up in meaningful ways.”
Altogether, a strong network of partners and donors increased their contributions to the annual campaign, which ran from April 2025 to March 2026. PPL Corp.’s employees, retirees and corporate foundation reinforced their extraordinary commitment by contributing more than
$10,000,000 this year, a first for the local United Way and their fourth consecutive year raising more than $6,000,000 in support of the community. Air Products raised more than $5,000,000,
marking their fifth straight year raising more than $5,000,000. City Center Group, Crayola, CAI, Victaulic, CAPTRUST Financial Advisors – Allentown and Keel Infrastructure each raised more than $1,000,000.
“United Way’s work is made possible by partners, donors and volunteers who continue to show up for this community,” said United Way Board Chair Joe Savage, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President at Victaulic. “That kind of responsiveness is built on strong partnerships and deep trust. When challenges intensified for families and nonprofit partners, we stayed steady by providing flexible support, listening closely and acting quickly so people could continue to access the resources they rely on.”
United Way announced the results today during Celebration of Caring, presented by Crayola. The event celebrates and honors organizations and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community in partnership with United Way. Together, their efforts helped improve the lives of nearly 250,000 people across the Greater Lehigh Valley this year. Award recipients included:
PPL LIVE UNITED Award – B. Braun Medical Inc.
Campaign Chairs’ Award – Dan and Susan Barnes
Community Builder Award – Greater Community Development Corporation
Air Products Leonard Pool Community Impact Award – The Century Promise
Lifetime Achievement Award – Robert and Susan Gadomski
Valued community partners in sponsorship for this year’s Celebration of Caring include:
Presenting sponsor – Crayola
Platinum sponsors – Dual Temp Company Inc.; PPL Corp.
Bronze sponsors – B. Braun Medical Inc.; CAPTRUST Financial Advisors – Allentown; Keel Infrastructure; Just Born Quality Confections; Turnstone Creative; Victaulic
Pearl sponsors – BSI Corporate Benefits; Alvin H. Butz, Inc.; City Center Group; Jim and Sarah Edwards; Good Shepherd Rehabilitation; HNL Lab Medicine; Lehigh Valley Health Network part of Jefferson Health; Lehigh Valley Community Foundation; Quadrant Capital; Quandel Construction Group, LLC; St. Luke’s University Health Network; Truist Bank; Tuskes Homes
Friends of United Way – Alvernia University; Gallagher Benefits; MCIT; MillerSearles
In-kind contributors – ArtsQuest; RichMar Florist; Working Dog Press
For more information about United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and its impact in the community, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org.
About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
United Way fights for the health, safety and education of every person in the Greater Lehigh Valley and envisions communities where every person belongs and every person thrives. We strive to achieve this goal by assessing community needs, raising funds, investing in solutions and mobilizing our community to action. For more information, visit www.UnitedWayGLV.org
Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
