The total was revealed at the organization’s annual Appreciation Breakfast, held at St. Nick’s Hall in Primrose.
Campaign Chair Chris Dende delivered the announcement, applauding the county’s giving spirit.
“We work with what is given to us, and this year, our community and supporters have generously entrusted us with over $1.15 million to help Schuylkill County. We are grateful!” Dende said.
Although the campaign fell just short of the $1.19 million goal, SUW leaders emphasized the fundraising effort as a major success amid economic challenges and increased need for social services.
SUW Board President John Gleisner underscored the significance of the achievement considering current pressures many families and agencies are facing.
“This is an incredible number to reach, especially when we look at the current economic climate and the distress of some of our neighbors,” he said. “Several of our Partner Agencies have seen sharp increases in need for their programs and services.”
The Schuylkill United Way supports 15 Partner Agencies across the county through its annual “Helping Other People Everyday” campaign.
Presenting the award, SUW board member Patrick Kane praised Mickonis’s longstanding commitment to service:
“Michele knows the power of giving back and is not afraid of the hard work it takes to make a strong community,” Kane said.
Mickonis has served SUW in several leadership roles, including Board President (2021–2022) and 2020 Campaign Chair. Her leadership within her company has encouraged hundreds of Hydro employees to support SUW and other community causes.
Campaign Chair Chris Dende delivered the announcement, applauding the county’s giving spirit.
“We work with what is given to us, and this year, our community and supporters have generously entrusted us with over $1.15 million to help Schuylkill County. We are grateful!” Dende said.
Although the campaign fell just short of the $1.19 million goal, SUW leaders emphasized the fundraising effort as a major success amid economic challenges and increased need for social services.
SUW Board President John Gleisner underscored the significance of the achievement considering current pressures many families and agencies are facing.
“This is an incredible number to reach, especially when we look at the current economic climate and the distress of some of our neighbors,” he said. “Several of our Partner Agencies have seen sharp increases in need for their programs and services.”
The Schuylkill United Way supports 15 Partner Agencies across the county through its annual “Helping Other People Everyday” campaign.
Awards and Recognitions Highlight a Strong Year
The breakfast featured a wide range of awards highlighting individual leadership, business contributions, and creative campaign efforts.
Billie Payne Lifetime Achievement Award
Michele Mickonis of Hydro received the Billie Payne Lifetime Achievement Award.Presenting the award, SUW board member Patrick Kane praised Mickonis’s longstanding commitment to service:
“Michele knows the power of giving back and is not afraid of the hard work it takes to make a strong community,” Kane said.
Mickonis has served SUW in several leadership roles, including Board President (2021–2022) and 2020 Campaign Chair. Her leadership within her company has encouraged hundreds of Hydro employees to support SUW and other community causes.
Company & Campaign Honors
Campaign awards highlighted businesses and donors who contributed significantly:
- Hydro earned the Houser Award with $180,388, the highest overall company contribution.
- Bob Weaver Auto topped companies with 1–200 employees, raising $53,136.
- Mrs. T’s Pierogies led mid-sized companies (201–400 employees) with $40,769.
- Wegmans topped the 400+ employee tier with a remarkable $164,127 contribution.
- Mrs. T’s Pierogies also earned recognition for the largest company increase, donating $4,771 more than last year.
- Child Development, Inc. was the top Partner Agency donor, contributing $20,869.
- The SUW Golf Committee, chaired by Charles Ladd IV and Chris Cohoon, received the Event Achievement Award for raising $26,000.
Kane also spotlighted the top companies with the most Pacesetters—donors giving $500 or more annually:
- Hydro – 223 Pacesetters
- Wegmans – 152
- Bob Weaver Auto – 76
- St. Luke’s Miners Hospital / Geisinger St. Luke’s – 37
- Shalmet/Carpenter Technology – 23
United We Dine Week Raises $2,724
A new campaign initiative, United We Dine Week, brought together 16 local restaurants and bars, collectively raising $2,724.
Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza & Restaurant earned top honors by contributing $542.
Prize Giveaways
Local businesses donated high-value prizes as fundraising incentives. Winners will be notified directly. Highlights included:
- 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD LS – Sponsored by multiple local auto dealers and Williamson, Friedberg & Jones, LLC
- Boyer’s Food Markets gift cards totaling $4,000
- $1,600 vacation package – AAA of Schuylkill County
- Husqvarna snowblower ($1,500) – Dewald & Lengel Hardware
- Weber gas grill ($500) – Hadesty’s ACE Hardware
- iPad ($500) – Hydro