This story shared with permission of The Beaver County Times
HOPEWELL TWP. — The United Way of Beaver County held its fifth annual Recognition Dinner at the Club at Shadow Lakes with a record attendance of 330 supporters.
The crowd cheered when the final total for the 2018-19 campaign of $922,522 was revealed. This is the highest amount in the past 13 years. More than 50 local charities will benefit from these funds in 2019.
Executive Director Mike Rubino noted that 187 companies and thousands of individuals helped generate this total. He said, “Beaver County has demonstrated a true sense of community on all levels.”
He stated that if we all continue to work together, a new renaissance for this area will benefit all who live here, while at the same time becoming a light on the hill that will lead others to live in our community.
This event annually spotlights a United Way agency for its work and a special client helped by United Way dollars. The Agency of the Year award was given to Beaver County Homemaker Home-Health Aide Service. This agency supports more than 900 Beaver County residents so that they can stay in their homes instead of having to move to assisted-living facilities.
The client testimonial was provided by the Salvation Army of Beaver County. Divisional Music Director Bryan Cook talked about the Salvation Army’s music program and the impact it has had on students and their families. Jenaia McClellan of Aliquippa was inspired by the program and began attending the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School.
Several other awards were presented to highlight exceptional support for the United Way of Beaver County:
Community Leader Award — Del E. Goedeker.
Impact Award — Heritage Valley Health System and “Have a Heart” Employee Giving Program.
New Supporter of the Year — McDanel Advanced Ceramic Technologies.
Extra Effort Award — Beaver County Career and Technology Center.
Labor Award — Construction and General Laborers, Local 833.
Spotlight Award — First National Bank of Pennsylvania.
Carol Ruckert-Fiorucci Service Award — Joseph G. Vular.
