United Way awards presented at luncheon
United Way of Washington County celebrated its 90th anniversary at its annual campaign celebration and awards luncheon on Thursday in Canonsburg and honored several award recipients.
Mark Kempic, president of Columbia Gas of Pennyslvania and Maryland, who served as the 2015 United Way campaign chairman, announced the total for the 2014-15 campaign as $1,328,261.
“The generosity of the people and businesses in Washington County is outstanding,” Kempic said. “Their support and compassion will make it possible for United Way to meet the funding needs of the local charities that provide programs and services to Washington County’s people in need.”
Proceeds from the annual campaign will be used to fund community impact grants for local charities, as well as donations directly designated to charities and other United Ways selected by the donors.
The Campaign Excellence Award for outstanding campaign practices was presented to Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, which had a $17,000 increase over the previous year.
The President’s Award for the most improved campaign was presented to FTS International for a 350 percent increase in their local campaign. The Chairman’s Award recognizes the five most successful local campaigns and was presented to Observer Publishing Co., Mylan, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Giant Eagle and Range Resources.
The Clyde Tracanna Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Matt Miller, director of advertising for Observer Publishing Co. Miller served on the local United Way’s board of directors for six years. He has chaired the annual campaign kickoff and golf outing for seven years and also chaired a community impact panel for many years.
The Liza N. Beale Loyal Contributors Award was presented to Allen Koch, executive vice president and treasurer at Precision Marshall Steel. This award recognizes the number of years a person has contributed. Koch has been a United Way contributor for 46 years.
The Alvin C. Janovich Community Leadership Award was presented to Mylan, the global pharmaceutical company headquartered in Southpointe. The management team and employees of Mylan are generous United Way supporters and dedicated community champions.
The M. Kathleen Ramsey Student Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Lauren Hess, a senior at Canon-McMillan High School, who amassed hundreds of volunteer hours during her high school career. A $1,000 scholarship named in honor of Dr. Howard Jack is part of the award. Hess will be attending Lebanon Valley College in the fall.