DICKSON CITY - With final numbers tallied Thursday evening, Tim and JoAnn Speicher had reason to celebrate. The co-chairmen of the United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties' annual fundraising campaign met the goal of raising $3.5 million to help people in need in the community. In the last two weeks of the fundraising campaign, volunteers raised about $900,000 to meet the goal.
At a time when many people and businesses continue to struggle financially, generosity prevailed.
"We were definitely out shaking the trees to make this happen," Mr. Speicher said. "Everything came together."
Speaking to a crowd of about 250 supporters at Genetti Manor in Dickson City, the Speichers and other volunteers announced a successful campaign that raised $3,500,512, which will help the United Way and 23 area partner nonprofit organizations.
The 10 week fundraising campaign began in September with hundreds of volunteers in the community working with businesses, organizations and other individuals to encourage them to contribute. Community supporters have said willingness to help the less fortunate helps define people in Scranton and other communities in Northeast Pennsylvania.
"We really are at our best when we're united together to help others," Bishop Joseph Bambera of the Diocese of Scranton said during the evening's program.
Gary Drapek, president and CEO of the area United Way, said extended unemployment in the community and the lagging economy made this year's fundraising campaign one of the most challenging.
"In the last 72 hours, we had a flurry of activity in the office," he said. "There's a lot of people who helped make this happen."
United Way leaders and area nonprofits have said support this year remained critical. Earlier this year, the organization learned that it would not receive funding from the state to support the local Success by Six program, which helps prepare young children for school, and the food purchase program, which helps local food pantries.
Of the many volunteers helping the United Way, Leo and Ann Moskovitz have remained supportive of the organization for many years. This year, they were among seven people who co-chaired of the foundations and individuals committee. Mr. Moskovitz, who will turn 108 on Dec. 8, has received recognition as the "most experienced" active United Way volunteer in the world.
While Mr. Moskovitz was unable to attend the gathering Thursday, his wife said helping comes as a second nature for them.
"People need help, including heating in the winter," Mrs. Moskovitz said. "We have so many things to be grateful for."
Mr. Speicher, who co-chaired the overall campaign for the first time, said people donating their time, money and other resources sends a message of compassion.
"Giving back to our own community, we're doing our best to be good stewards of our citizenship," he said.
Contact the writer: rward@timesshamrock.com, @rwardTT on Twitter.