Celebrating community: 2013 campaign raises nearly $3.8M for residents in need

LATROBE, Pa., April 16, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- During a lunchtime gathering on Wednesday, April 16 at the Conference Center at Saint Vincent College, United Way of Westmoreland County (UWWC) and its partners, including community donors, corporate supporters, nonprofit partners and volunteers, will celebrate the nearly $3.8M raised during its 2013 campaign. The afternoon will honor several key corporate and individual campaign contributors.

"United Way greatly appreciates the many ways that companies and individuals support advancing the common good in our community. We look forward to celebrating that support at the event," said Bobbi Watt Geer, UWWC President and CEO.

Kennametal Inc., UPS Mid Atlantic District and West Penn Power will be honored as "Above and Beyond" campaign contributors, for campaigns that each raised over $200,000.

Kennametal also will be honored with UWWC's first "Live United" award. The distinction recognizes Kennametal's $1M campaign, as well as the company's longstanding and multifaceted support of the community.

"I have never been more proud of our employees than I am right now, for their tremendous effort that helped us raise $1 million in this year's United Way campaign," said Kennametal Chairman, President and CEO Carlos Cardoso.  "Earning our community's first-ever 'Live United' award is a great moment in our company's 75-year history, and it belongs to every one of our employees who demonstrate Kennametal values by giving generously in our communities!"

Nearly 1,600 Kennametal employees pledged $679,000 to the campaign through annual contributions or participation in fundraising events. The company raised an additional $172,000 in its annual Strategic Supplier Golf Outing, while leadership donations garnered $107,000 in matching grants from a community foundation, and the Kennametal Foundation added its annual contribution of $45,000, bringing the final total to $1 million for the first time in the company's history.

Other key supporters of UWWC's 2013 campaign include Carpenter – Latrobe Specialty Metals, Elliott Company, Giant Eagle and Westinghouse Electric Company. All are members of UWWC's "Cornerstone Club" for their campaigns that raised over $50,000.

Funds contributed to the Community Impact Fund in the campaign will be invested in the community through UWWC's strategic partnerships with nearly 40 local human service programs. Partnerships are targeted within the areas of education, financial stability and health.

"Contributions to the Community Impact Fund allow us to support critical human service programs that increase children's success in school, help families establish more financial stability and enhance the lives of older adults and people with disabilities," said Watt Geer.

Campaign funds are raised primarily through workplace campaigns administered by local businesses and organizations. The campaign total also reflects individual donations, corporate sponsorships and grant funds awarded to UWWC.

UWWC's campaign celebration lunch will be emceed by Andrew Stockey, news anchor and sports director of WTAE News.

UWWC is a nonprofit organization that raises funds and invests resources in programs and agencies that solve critical community problems with measurable results. Covering Westmoreland and Fayette Counties and a portion of Armstrong County, UWWC serves nearly 140,000 people through partnerships in three targeted areas: education, income and health. Learn more at unitedway4u.org.

SOURCE Kennametal Inc.; United Way of Westmoreland County