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This year, the Schuylkill United Way is bringing H.O.P.E. to the community by Helping Other People Everyday. 

Board President Jack Bertolet, Jr. announced the upcoming 2010 Campaign theme during the February monthly Board of Directors meeting.

Bertolet used the H.O.P.E. acronym during last year’s appreciation breakfast and how it sums up what each of the 15 partner agencies do in just four simple words.  Board members agreed; H.O.P.E. is just what Schuylkill County residents will come to be grateful for especially since this year is already proving to be difficult for many families here in our own backyard.   “We all need to pull together and help one another so that we can get through this as a community, because whether you realize it or not, we are all in this together!” Bertolet said.   

During the meeting, Michael Tobash was named the 2010 Campaign Chairman.  Tobash is a long standing member of the Schuylkill United Way and has served in many different capacities over the last 8 years.  Born in Schuylkill Haven and raised in Hegins, he attended Tri-Valley School District.  With a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Management and Marketing from Elizabethtown College, Tobash is the Agency Principle of Tobash Insurance Agencies that has several locations throughout Schuylkill County.  Tobash is also involved with the St Joseph Center for Special Learning, Tri-Valley Lions Club and Family Service Agency.  He currently resides in Pottsville with his wife Amie and their two children Alexia and Mikaela. 

Bertolet also announced the 2010 Campaign goal.  After a lengthy discussion the committee agreed to once again raise over a million.  “We talked about the possibility of assigning an actual number such as $1.01 million, but we realized it isn’t going to make much of a difference.  The community is only going to remember the fact that we raised over a million dollars even during these difficult times and an exact numberis somewhat beside the point” noted Tobash.    

 The 2008 Campaign was the first year raising over $1 million.  Since then, the 15 partner agencies were able to receive funding at the same levels and fortunately did not see a decrease in funds given by the Schuylkill United Way.  In fact, last year’s campaign was the second year in a row and second time ever reaching the $1 million mark and many of the agencies were granted an increase in funding to support additional programs and services.  “Given the recent history, we feel confident in setting the goal to reach yet another million dollar campaign” added Tobash.    

Joining forces with Tobash will be Tamaqua resident Allen Keich, who will be leading the Tamaqua area campaign to reach its goal of $120,000. 

Helping this year’s chairman will be Assistant Chairman Eric Hollen, Financial Center Manager at Wells Fargo/Wachovia Bank, and Assistant Tamaqua Chairman Joseph Pilla, President of ETA Benefits Group. 

The Schuylkill United Way 2010 H.O.P.E. campaign officially begins in September at the annual campaign kick-off breakfast to be held on September 11 at 8:00 AM at Penn State Schuylkill.  Tamaqua’s kick-off breakfast will be held on September 14 at 8:00 AM at DiMaggio’s La Dolce Casa, Tamaqua.  While there will once again be two kick-off breakfasts, a joint appreciation breakfast is scheduled for November 20 at 8:00 AM at Penn State Schuylkill. 

The Schuylkill United Way is proud to run a unique, individual campaign, specific to the needs of this county, and independent of all other United Way efforts.  All funds raised stay in Schuylkill County.

2009 Annual Campaign Video

This year's grand prize, a 2010Volkswagen Jetta, valued at $17,000 is being donated by J. Bertolet Volkswagen.  Participating dealers include Bob Weaver Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac & GMC; Rinaldi Family Dealership; Sands Ford/Suzuki of Pottsville; Freedom Toyota & Hyundai and the law firm of Williamson, Friedberg and Jones, LLC.

Other prizes include:

$2,500 and $1,500 Gift Certificate from Boyer's Food Markets Inc.

$2,000 Gift Certificate from Wal-Mart DC #7030

$1,600 Home Improvement Package from Lowe's RDC 961

$1,600 Vacation Package from AAA Travel

$1,000 Gift Certificate from Big Lots! Inc.

$500 Weber Gas Grill from Hadesty's Ace Hardware

$500 Gravely Lawn Mower from M & S True Value Hardware

All prizes that are used as incentives for the campaign are donated by community minded companies and corporations that serve our community here in Schuylkill County.  It's important to know that when giving to the Schuylkill United Way, your donations are not then spent to purchase prize incentives, your money goes straight to the agencies who provide programs and services to county residence at little or no charge.  Every penny that is raised in Schuylkill County STAYS in Schuylkill County!    

By contributing to the 2010 Schuylkill United Way campaign, you are eligible for prizes based on the amount of the donation.  For a minimum of $1 per week or $52 per year, you will receive one ticket stub for the $500 Weber Gas Grill from Hadesty's Ace Hardware or the $500 Gravely Lawn Mower from M & S True Value Hardware. For a minimum of $3 per week or $156 per year, you are eligible to fill out two ticket stubs. The first stub goes into the Gas Grill or Gravely Lawn Mower drawing and the second stub goes into the drawing for the remaining prizes which are listed below. For a minimum of $5 per week or $260 per year, you are eligible to fill out three ticket stubs. The first stub goes into the Gas Grill or Gravely Lawn Mower drawling, the second stub goes into the drawing for the remaining prizes and the third stub gives you a second chance for the remaining prizes. 

The winners of the 2010 Schuylkill United Way Campaign prizes are drawn during the Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 20, 2009 at Penn State Schuylkill Campus.  Contributors to the 2010 Schuylkill United Way campaign are eligible for prizes based on the amount of the donation.