Tannersville, PA – Volunteers, individuals, businesses and organizations who contributed to the 2011 United Way of Monroe County campaign are invited to a dinner in their honor on Thursday, March 22, at The Inn at Pocono Manor.
The Campaign Appreciation Dinner will begin at 5 p.m. with hors d’ oeuvres and a cash bar in the resort’s Valley View Room. The dinner and awards program will run from 6:30 to about 9 p.m. in the Mountain View Dining Room. Cost per person is $40 and tables of eight are available.
“This event is all about honoring those who have made a positive difference in our community through our United Way campaign,” said 2011 Campaign Co-Chair Connie Roberts. “Donors, volunteers and advocates will be recognized,” she said. “We are looking forward to a great turnout, an exciting evening, and some surprises,” added Campaign Co-Chair George Roberts.
Although it was a challenging campaign, $907,738 was still raised last year thanks to involvement from all sectors of the community. This total was announced at a recent meeting of United Way of Monroe County volunteers, board members and staff. Poor economic conditions, job losses and downsizing, local business closures, other capital campaigns and rising consumer prices all were factors that affected the amount raised.
“We did have a lot of fun and successful events in 2011, like a local movie premiere, wiffle ball tournament and a Makeover/Makeup Expo. We also had some new workplace campaigns,” Connie Roberts said. “We began a presence on Facebook and Twitter and introduced mobile giving,” said George Roberts. “Our mobile network now has about 200 members and keeps growing.”
During the Campaign Appreciation Dinner, many contributors will be thanked and special honors will be presented. These include awards for employee campaigns, outstanding volunteerism, and exceptional commitment to the United Way’s mission and to “Live United.”
A silent auction to benefit the 2012 campaign will be part of the evening’s festivities. Auction donations are being accepted until March 12, with a minimum value of $25 per item. Contact Chris Grape-Garvey at the United Way office (570-629-5657) if you would like to contribute an item, gift certificate or gift basket.
The Inn at Pocono Manor is located off Route 314 in Pocono Manor, PA. Reservations for the dinner can be made at www.unitedwaymonroe.org. Dinner choices include chicken, salmon and vegetarian and the registration deadline is March 5.
The United Way of Monroe County is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2012. The organization provides health and human services through community initiatives and funding to more than 30 local programs. Its targeted need areas include Engaging Youth, Meeting Basic Needs, Helping Children Succeed and Promoting Self-Sufficiency. “Live United” is part of the United Way’s mission of giving, advocating and volunteering to produce lasting changes in the community and advance the common good. Learn more at www.unitedwaymonroe.org.
