Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

The United Way of the Bradford Area held its first Spring Arts Gala Thursday at The Lodge at Glendorn. The event was sold out three weeks prior and raised over $8,000. “We were astounded with the responses we received from our local community,” says Executive Director, Kelly Z. Case. “We had a great turnout of artists and attendees and know everyone is looking forward to next year.” The gala featured items from local artisans and craftsmen. The scope of talent was immense. The United Way was pleased to be able to auction several paintings, wood pieces, and pieces made of ceramic, glass, floral arrangements, and hand stitched creations. “There were a total of 28 auction packages,” says Community Relations and Marketing Specialist, Megan Minich. “When we were in the planning process our goal was to secure 15 auction items. We were so appreciative to receive 28 items.” “We could not have accomplished such a successful event without the support of our volunteers and the local comm...

With only a couple of loose ends to tie up, the United Way of the Bradford Area is at 90% of its $325,000 goal, and the local staff remains very optimistic that they will soon close out the 2010 campaign at 100%. “Last year at this time, the appeal was at 83%,” says Megan R. Mangini, Community Relations & Marketing Specialist. “As it stands right now, there are a couple of outstanding accounts that are annual contributors, but we are reaching out to new community contributors to help us raise the last $32,000.” The United Way is extremely pleased to say they have realized over 50 new donors during the 2010 campaign. “I can honestly say that gratitude is truly a gift. No one has to donate, they choose to,” says campaign co-chair Mary Ann Quinn. “We greatly appreciate the hard-earned dollars that this community chooses to contribute.” The campaign appeal process ended yesterday, however the United Way accepts pledges for the 2010 campaign until January 5, 2011. “If the campaign falls...

With only 9 days left the United Way needs your help. “We are currently at 70% of our $325,000 goal” and “it’s the best news I’ve heard in a long time”, says Megan Mangini, Community Relations and Marketing Specialist. The 2010 campaign, “A Lifetime of Gratitude”, officially closes on December 15th, but the organization’s staff will continue to accept donations until January 5, 2011. “We started off the campaign with a wonderful pacesetting drive – but things tend to slow down after employee presentations are conducted and pledges have been received,” says Kelly Case, Executive Director. ”We shift into overdrive in December and rely heavily on community members to help close our campaign and reach goal.” As always, the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. is stressing to the entire community the policy and practice of keeping 100% of the donations local. The mission of the UWBA is and always has been to raise and distribute funds locally in the Bradford community. “That belief is the ...

Local parents, child care providers, and educators now have a consolidated venue to turn to for information on child development, parenting, and issues specific to children with delays and disabilities with the unveiling of the Parent Resource Center at the Bradford Area Public Library. CARE for Children initially developed a collection of materials following a Children First Priority One grant that the agency received from the Kiwanis Club of Bradford in 2001. The number of resources has grown considerably over the years, with continued funding from the Kiwanis Club and the United Way of Bradford. Donations of books were also received by the March of Dimes, the Bradford Area School District and local individuals. “CARE had all these great resources for parents but they were underutilized,” stated Tina Martin, Executive Director. “We decided to collaborate with the library, and Director Linda Newman graciously set aside a prominent space next to the circulation desk to house the col...

The United Way of the Bradford Area has made great gains in recent days, announcing today that the organization has to date raised 51% of its $325,000 goal. “We couldn’t be more excited about this,” says Executive Director Kelly Case. “We knew we had received a substantial amount of pledges in, but were honestly shocked to be able to make such a leap. We still have a lot of work to do with only 22 days remaining. We need the entire community to embrace our mission and help us reach the necessary $325,000.” “It’s always inspirational to see the generosity in this community during the United Way campaign,” says Megan Mangini, Community Relations and Marketing Specialist. “We still have a long way to go; $158,300 is a large amount to raise in less than a month. The United Way needs the support of the community to realize their goal. Each and every community member makes a difference and we cannot express our gratitude enough for all that everyone does. The organization is continuing this ...

The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, along with two of its student groups, is working with the United Way of the Bradford Area to gather food next month for area food banks. The food drive, which is being organized by Pitt-Bradford’s Students in Free Enterprise, will gather non-perishable items from Nov. 1 through 19. Items will be split between the Bradford YWCA food pantry, the Bradford Salvation Army food pantry and The Friendship Table, which provides evening meals for those who are hungry. On campus, the Student Nurse Organization will be collecting at several sites: Frame-Westerberg Commons, Hanley Library, Fisher Hall, Swarts Hall, Blaisdell Hall and the Sport and Fitness Center. Off-campus drop points for individuals or organizations to make donations are Bradford branches of Northwest Savings Bank and the lobby of Pitt-Bradford’s Seneca Building on Marilyn Horne Way downtown. Non-perishable food and hygiene items are welcome...

Scott and MaryAnn Quinn gained insight into their new roles as chairs of the 2010 campaign during a training session held Tuesday. Executive Director Kelly Case and Community Relations & Marketing Specialist Megan Mangini provided information regarding responsibilities and time lines for the coming appeal, noting that the effort will be one that is supported heavily by the United Way staff and Board of Directors. "The Quinns are veterans when it comes to the United Way," says Case. "They have been involved with the Untied Way for more than 15 year." MaryAnn has been a board member, campaign division chair, & 2008 Red feather recipient. Both Scott & MaryAnn have been volunteers in every sense of the definition. "We're proud and honored to take on the role of chairpersons," says Scott Quinn. "This campaign has such a rewarding goal." For their part, the dedicated campaign volunteers are looking forward to the task at hand and taking...