Celebrating Campaign Success, New Leadership, and Bold Future
SVUW raises over $687,000 to support regional programs, honors local champions, and unveils refreshed brand identity.
Susquehanna Valley United Way proudly wrapped its 2024–2025 Campaign on a high note during a special celebration held Thursday evening at Susquehanna University’s Downtown Center. Surrounded by friends, donors, community partners, and staff, the gathering not only marked the culmination of a record-breaking year of impact but also ushered in a new era of leadership and brand identity.
This year, the organization exceeded its campaign goal of $665,000, raising a total of $687,702 – a $38,835 increase over last year’s results. Thanks to this generosity, $290,000 will be distributed in direct allocations to local funded partners, supporting critical services in early and STEAM education, after-school programming, food security, mental health, and housing across the five-county region.
Much of this success was made possible thanks to the incredible support of local workplaces and their dedicated employee campaign coordinators. Organizations such as PPL Corporation, Geisinger Health System, Weis Markets, SECA, Bucknell University, SEKISUI KYDEX, and UGI Penn Natural Gas played a vital role in the campaign’s success.
PPL Corporation was this year’s top campaign contributor, combining employee giving, corporate sponsorships, and matching gifts. Meanwhile, both Susquehanna University and Talen Energy Supply LLC raised over $10,000 each, with 100% of contributions coming directly from employees—a remarkable testament to their commitment to community giving.
Board President Steve Keifer credited the region’s generous spirit.
“The annual campaign was a success because of the generosity of spirit in the five-county area. When times are tough, our residents and businesses step up to the plate and choose to take care of everyone we can, to the greatest extent possible. This year, they hit a home run. We at SVUW are thankful to live and work in this caring community.”
In addition to funds raised through the campaign, Susquehanna Valley United Way continues to manage and distribute a wide range of grant funding aimed at deepening long-term impact. During the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the organization is administering more than $1.4 million in active grants to support key initiatives such as United in Recovery, Family Services programs (including Parents as Teachers, Triple P, Active Parenting, and 24/7 Dads), Makerspace learning initiatives, the VITA Tax Program, and Emergency Food and Shelter Programs. These investments directly address the complex challenges facing ALICE (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed) households and vulnerable families across the region.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Advancing the Common Good Award to Chrissy Paterson, Director of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. The award honors an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the United Way mission and made a meaningful difference in the lives of others in our community.
Under Chrissy’s leadership, the VITA program filed 801 tax returns this year—a 35% increase over last year—and helped local taxpayers save an estimated $227,640 through free, reliable tax preparation. Those savings represent real dollars back into households—money that can be used for groceries, bills, or emergency expenses. Chrissy’s efforts continue to strengthen financial stability for individuals and families across the region.
“It’s such an honor to receive this award from the United Way,” said Chrissy Paterson. “I’ve always believed in helping our community in whatever ways we can – and for me, that’s through a free tax program. I’m so grateful to be part of the larger United Way family that supports our region in so many meaningful ways. This program wouldn’t be possible without our amazing volunteers who generously give their time and energy to VITA. Thank you to each of them – let’s keep it going!”
The event also served as a welcome to new President and CEO Mark Stankiewicz, who expressed his enthusiasm for the road ahead.
“I am excited to be able to wrap up an amazing campaign and would like to thank the staff and board at the Susquehanna Valley United Way for leading the charge in this endeavor. As we look to the future, I am confident that the passion of our entire team will continue to push our United Way forward as a leader in the fight for a better world for all our community members. Together, we can make a big difference – not only across our five-county footprint, but in creating a better world for everyone.”
The evening also marked a major brand milestone with the official unveiling of the organization's new logo and the refreshed message: United is the Way.
“This brand refresh isn’t just a new look,” said Danielle Velkoff, Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. “It’s a renewed promise to our community. ‘United is the Way’ captures the belief that meaningful change only happens when we come together. It reflects the energy, unity, and resilience we see every day in the people and partnerships across our region.”
With campaign momentum and a clear vision for the future, Susquehanna Valley United Way is poised to deepen its impact by championing solutions for ALICE families and building a stronger, more connected community for all.
Media Contact:
Danielle M. Velkoff
Senior Director of Marketing and Communications
t: (570) 360-5009 | e: marketing@svuw.org
