The United Way of Berks County successfully launched its annual Campaign Kickoff Event at FirstEnergy Stadium Wednesday morning, gathering more than 250 community members, volunteers, and local leaders for a morning of inspiration and action. The event marked the beginning of the 2024 campaign, which seeks to raise critical funds for programs that support education, financial stability, and basic needs for local residents.
This year’s campaign is led by a unique trio of chairs, known as “The Big 3.” Mike Duff, along with Kelly Fessler and Dharma Sivasamy from Penske Transportation Solutions, took center stage to announce the campaign’s ambitious goal of 10.6 million. Duff, a familiar face in the community, previously chaired the United Way Campaign in 2011 alongside his wife, Diane. Fessler and Sivasamy have also been long-time supporters of the organization, each contributing over a decade of leadership within Penske’s United Way efforts.
Additionally, 14 Loaned Campaign Specialists, sponsored by local companies, were introduced at the event. These specialists will work closely with the United Way to ensure a successful campaign and make lasting contributions to the community.
Following the kickoff, hundreds of volunteers participated in the organization’s annual Day of Caring, one of the largest single-day volunteer events in Berks County. Nearly 500 volunteers, representing various local businesses and community groups, spent the day supporting nonprofit organizations across the county. Throughout the day, teams tackled a variety of hands-on projects, including gardening, painting, and serving meals at shelters.
Key projects included: Cleaning up the 18th Wonder Community Garden in Reading. Painting and cleaning at the Reading Area Firefighter’s Museum. Gardening and interior painting at Opportunity House. Maintenance projects at GoggleWorks. Installing smoke detectors with the American Red Cross in Wernersville as part of the “Sound the Alarm” initiative. Fall maintenance and camp clean-up at the South Mountain YMCA Camp in Reinholds.
“United Way is proud to work with community partners, donors and volunteers to improve lives and strengthen Berks County. A successful campaign translates into investing in crucial community programs to help our children be prepared for kindergarten and achieve academic success, to help individuals develop job skills for employment, empower families to become financially stable and help our most vulnerable neighbors with the most basic needs of food, shelter and safety. It’s all about a commitment to doing right, right here,” said Tammy White, President of United Way of Berks County.
The day was filled with community spirit and a shared commitment to improving lives across Berks County. United Way’s Campaign Kickoff and Day of Caring serve as powerful reminders of what can be achieved when a community unites for a common cause.
For those interested in contributing to the campaign or getting involved with future volunteer opportunities, more information is available on the United Way of Berks County’s website.
