DICKSON CITY — The United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties reached its 2019 campaign goal this afternoon with hours to spare.
By 7 p.m., local donors raised $3.2 million to help community members in need.
“Today was a good day,” said Gary Drapek, United Way president and CEO.
The organization celebrated another successful campaign at Genetti’s Manor in Dickson City Thursday. This year, a light-hearted video took guests aboard the starship from “Star Trek,” where campaign chairman and Wayne Bank President and CEO Lewis Critelli, captaining the U.S.S. Enterprise, and PNC Bank’s Debbie Kolsovsky, dressed as Mr. Spock, visited 1920 Scranton.
“All of you here tonight have opened your heart,” said Critelli, the first Wayne County chairman. “You lent your muscle and joined the fight for education, financial stability and health for everyone who calls Lackawanna and Wayne County home. Vital, life-sustaining services would be left undelivered if not for your commitment.”
The organization receives more requests from the community every year, said Critelli.
“That’s what the United Way is there for,” he said.
Critelli also noted that the local United Way received the highest four star honor from Charity Navigator for the eighth consecutive year.
To celebrate its 100th year, the organization’s annual campaign is going without a solo chairman next year, said Drapek. Instead, United Way is bringing back all of its living chairs from past campaigns to lead the 2020 fundraising efforts and will have Roaring ‘20s-themed events throughout the year.
“For an organization to be around for 99 years it has to be relevant, vibrant and needed,” Critelli said.
For more details, visit www.uwlc.net.
Contact the writer: kbolus@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5114; @kbolusTT on Twitter