Centre County United Way (CCUW) Announces 2025 Campaign Results
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February 27, 2026
Centre County United Way Announces 2025 Campaign Results
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ja Nae Wian, Brand and Engagement Manager
Centre County United Way
janae@ccunitedway.org | 814-238-8283 ext. 221
Date: 02/27/2026
Centre County, PA – February 25, 2026 — Centre County United Way (CCUW) celebrated the results of its 2025 Annual Campaign at Celebrate United, hosted by Centre Care, where more than 120 donors, volunteers, partner agencies, and community leaders gathered to reflect on a year defined by momentum, collaboration, and shared impact.
Opening the evening, 2025 Board Chair Lynne Johnson described the year in one word: momentum — momentum in leadership, in innovation, and in the way this community continues to show up for one another. She reflected on a pivotal year that included the appointment of Megan Evans as Executive Director, a seamless leadership transition that ensured the organization’s work continued to accelerate. Johnson also highlighted key milestones from the year, including the expansion of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library now serving more than 1,600 children across 28 municipalities, continued investment through Women United, record-breaking generosity at signature events, and the collective effort that strengthens the partner agency network.
Executive Director Megan Evans reminded attendees that “our work is funded by dollars — but it is sustained by people.” She emphasized that every financial gift, volunteer hour, leadership role, and act of advocacy fuels the mission and sustains the programs that serve Centre County residents.
The strength of partnership was especially evident in the Penn State Campaign. Lance Kennedy-Phillips, 2025 Penn State Steering Committee Chair and Vice President for Outreach and Vice Provost, announced that Penn State faculty, staff, and retirees raised $505,229.18 through employee giving, grassroots fundraisers, and volunteer engagement. Signature efforts such as the PSIT Golf Tournament, which raised more than $123,000, underscore the depth of commitment across campus. Together, these efforts represent more than 40% of the overall campaign total and reflect a decades-long tradition of collaboration between Penn State and Centre County United Way. “Together, these efforts reflect the spirit of the Penn State United Way campaign: a community coming together to create hope, expand opportunity, and strengthen the well-being of our neighbors,” Kennedy-Phillips shared.
Corporate and workplace giving continues to power the campaign in meaningful ways. Businesses across Centre County demonstrate leadership not only through financial investment, but through employee engagement and a shared belief in community impact. During the celebration, Ja Nae Wian, Brand and Engagement Manager, recognized local organizations for their outstanding support and long-standing partnership. Among those honored were many members of the Partner Agency Network — agencies that serve our neighbors every day and invest in the broader mission at leadership levels. It is a powerful reflection of a community that truly unites in service.
Wian also presented the 2025 Above and Beyond Award to Centre Care, accepted by Andrew Naugle, in recognition of the organization’s extraordinary partnership. In addition to hosting Celebrate United for three consecutive years, Centre Care leads a workplace campaign, sponsors events, supports the annual campaign, and serves as home to one of CCUW’s partner agencies — exemplifying the spirit of “United is the Way.”
The evening concluded with Finance Manager, John Sutilla announcing the final 2025 campaign total raised: $1,193,694.97
The funds raised will support local programs addressing food insecurity, housing stability, early childhood literacy, mental health, and other essential health and human services across Centre County.
“Behind that total are children receiving nutritious meals, neighbors finding support, and families accessing vital resources,” Evans shared. “Help us strengthen the network that makes thriving possible in Centre County. We move forward not as individuals, but as neighbors. Not in competition, but in collaboration. Not for recognition, but for impact. United is the way we move forward — together.”
About Centre County United Way
The mission of Centre County United Way is mobilizing our community to action so everyone can thrive. For more information visit us online at www.ccunitedway.org.
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