Anne's Arts & Activities Blog

It will be a sister act for the United Way of the Bradford Area’s Red Feather volunteer recognition event, as Jane Luzzi and Mary Reiley will be honored at a luncheon on Wednesday, May 1st. “I am so proud to announce this recognition for two women whose services to this organization date back several years,” said Executive Director Mandi Wilton Davis. “Jane and Mary – although at different times – both paved the way for outstanding volunteerism and leadership for our local United Way, and they continue today to be strong supporters of our efforts.” The Red Feather award was implemented to honor outstanding individuals and/or businesses who have made an impact on the united Way, and the local community as a whole, through their day-to-day selfless attitude and commitment to exemplify the organization’s mission of enhancing the quality of life in the greater Bradford area. Vonda Reese, President of the Board, commented on how the two women have humbly and quietly been fierce leaders....

Mandi Wilton Davis has been named Executive Director for the United Way of the Bradford Area, according to Vonda Reese, president of the United Way board of directors. The announcement was made on Tuesday December 18, 2012. “The Personnel Committee, as well the members of the Executive Board, have spent the past several weeks in performing a search, conducting interviews, and ultimately arriving at this decision regarding the new Executive Director,” states Reese. “The Board has full confidence in Mandi’s ability to lead the United Way of the Bradford Area, hopefully for many years to come.” Davis, who previously worked for the United Way from 2004 to 2010, will serve as chief executive officer in organizing the annual fundraising campaign, including the development of a plan with a campaign budget, goal, procedures and timeline; implementing the operational budget and policies; maintaining strong relationships with community leaders, agency representatives and donors; developing...

With only 4 days left in the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc.’s annual appeal, the organization announced today that it has raised 75% of its $330,000 goal. The campaign officially closes on December 15, but the organization’s staff will continue to accept donations until January 5, 2013. “Last year at this time, the appeal was at approximately 80% of goal. We truly need the entire community’s support to reach $330,000 and ensure that agencies can still receive the funding they need to continue services,” United Way Board President Vonda Reese said. “It doesn’t matter what you give, just that you give and invest in your fellow neighbor, especially during this holiday time.” As always, United Way is stressing to the community the policy and practice of keeping 100% of the donations local. “We are committed to working to make sure we use every donor dollar to do the most good in the greater Bradford area,” said Executive Director Megan Minich. A separate solicitation for the ne...

After two and a half years of leading the efforts of the United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc., Megan Minich has announced her resignation as Executive Director, effective December 15, 2012. “My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the entire Bradford community for embracing my leadership and my passion for this organization,” says Minich. “The devotion of past and present board members, donors, volunteers and staff has made my short time at United Way so much more than just a job.” Minich, who has served in this capacity since June 2011, began her career with UWBA as a Community Relations and Marketing Specialist in 2010. As a Warren, PA native, she welcomes a new opportunity in her hometown; however Megan and her husband, Brian, will continue to reside in Bradford as she looks forward to playing a vital part in our local volunteer community. With the assistance of the United Way campaign team, Minich will finish out the 2012-2013 Campaign: LIVE UNITED as Executive Director. Efforts w...

Cara Costik has been selected as the Community Relations Specialist for the United Way of the Bradford area, according to Vonda Reese, president of the United Way’s board of directors. “The Board of Directors is excited to welcome Cara to the United Way organization,” says Reese. “Her qualifications, education and commitment to the area will be an asset to the organization as we move into the 2012 - 2013 campaign.” United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. is a non-profit organization with the mission of raising and distributing funds for the purpose of community building and enhancing the quality of life in the greater Bradford area. “I am honored to have been chosen to represent the United Way and very excited to continue strengthening the Bradford community through the work of this wonderful organization,” says Costik. “The United Way is vital to enhancing the well-being of the Bradford community.” Costik will manage external communications, fundraising, community involvement and volun...

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. announced today the final results for its 2011 Campaign: Live United and Lend a Helping Hand. With a campaign goal of $325,000, organization officials announced the final amount raised at $328,730. “We are so proud and appreciative of the Bradford community for stepping in to achieve this goal,” says Executive Director Megan Minich. “We are ecstatic with the total raised during this campaign season. More importantly, we’re grateful for the amount of good these dollars can do and the lives we can change through our partner agencies with the money entrusted to us.” Board President Vonda Reese added that “We could not achieve this kind of success without the hard work and dedication of numerous volunteers. On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to thank campaign co-chairs Christine Minich, Karen Costello-Pecht, and Steve Cottillion for their enthusiasm and commitment to United Way and this year’s appeal process. In addition to this yea...

The United Way of the Bradford Area, Inc. announced today that the organization has raised 27% of its $325,000 goal. With roughly six weeks left in the United Way’s annual fundraising drive, officials of the organization are asking for the community’s help in achieving its goal. Executive Director Megan Minich stated that “This year the United Way provided critical funding to 17 agencies and 38 programs in the Bradford area. Without United Way funding, many of these agencies will not be able to continue providing key services to those less fortunate. The need for these funds is greater than ever due to state budget cuts to many of our partner agencies, as well as the tough economic challenges that we face as a society. We are already seeing an increase in the number of agencies requesting support and in the amount they are requesting.” United Way Board of Directors President Vonda Reese added that “We are fortunate to live in a community that has been very caring and generous. I am hop...