| The United
Way of Lebanon County began our 2008 Campaign on September
3, 2008 with a campaign goal of $2,050,000.
With difficult economic times, one might assume that Report
Meetings would be depressing. Times are tough, and it's
not easy to make ends meet. While it is true that many businesses
in Lebanon County have experiences lay offs and pay cuts,
which decrease the number and amount of money that many
can donate, we have seen our community work together to
find some money to help.
Companies such as Hershey Co. reported that although employee
participation has decreased, donation amounts have increased
for those who are able to give. At our third and final report
meeting, Lebanon County employees alone were able to raise
$181,000 and representative Susan Sinclair fully expects
that amount to increase.
Businesses all over Lebanon County are opening their doors
to United Way representatives, with many organizations running
their own campaigns. Fulton Bank, whose 114 employees have
contributed $17,197, has employee incentives, such as drawings
for four hours of time off and prize raffles.
There are countless examples of the generosity of the businesses
and people of Lebanon County. It is at our report meetings,
that business owners, volunteers, residents and board members
come together to share how they are Living United.
There is no better example of Living
United than the generosity and talents of some of our youngest
community members.
Beth Yocum, along with over 25 participants, spoke to represent
the Cornwall-Lebanon School District on December 18th. The
school's United Wayve Swimathon managed to raise $3,163
for the United Way of Lebanon County.
The Annville Cleona school district was represented by
teacher Gail Weidman and four of her students who won a
national financial competition. The four students, Elissa
Meyer, Kelly Hitz, Jason Shay and Kirby Kaylor presented
the United Way with a check for $1,000.
Other examples of students pitching in include students
at HACC who have been raising students collected funds for
the United Way both at Art Walk events and when the CLA
had Santa on campus for the annual tree lighting.
We have also had the honor of having students donating
their time to perform their musical talents at our report
meetings. Our first meeting featured the talents of the
Cedar Crest Middle School Sax Ensemble, lead by Middle School
Band Director, Susan Diffenbach.
At our second report meeting, board member Greer Anderson's
son Zachary, performed with the Cedar Crest High School
Barbershop Quartet.
Our final report meeting featured performances by the Lebanon
High School Show Choir, under the direction of Tim Eck.
We have not yet reached our goal of $2,050,000, but hopefully
these student groups can be an inspiration to us all.
Please ask everyone you see if they have given to United
Way this year and please tell them how critical it is to
the services provided to everyone in our community!
Thanks for all you do for us.
Our Report Meetings were held thanks to the generosity
of Corporate Sponsors:
First National Bank of Fredericksburg
Beers, Hoffman, Ltd
UGI Utilities, Inc.
Northwest Savings Bank
Weiss, Weiss & Weiss Attorneys
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