The United Way of the Bradford Area is moving along in its 2023 campaign, “Stronger Together, Building a Better Community,” led by Zonta Club of Bradford.
The campaign launched Aug. 31 with the celebratory annual Pig Roast and Clam Bake at the Bradford Township Lions Club. The next phase of the UWBA’s campaign efforts opens today, with United We Dine.
Campaign co-chairs Eric and Suzi Marasco in 2020 imagined and established the United We Dine event during the COVID-19 pandemic to not only bring in funds for the annual campaign, but also to support local restaurants during a particularly challenging time.
UWBA Executive Director Sarah Lonzi said, “The goal was increased patronage during a time when some locations were being forced to close their doors altogether, that would in turn provide a monetary contribution to the annual United Way campaign.
“Eric and Suzi found a way to bring awareness and recognition to our local restaurants that supported two very important goals in our community and it took off,” Lonzi explained. “We are now in our fourth year hosting this event. We find grave importance in supporting the community in whatever capacity we can, and this is just one additional way we can help local, for-profit small businesses.”
UWBA features a different restaurant each Wednesday in October for United We Dine. Partners, in order, are Pizza Napoli, The Seneca, Model T Inn, Liberty Tavern and Tasta Pizza & Taproom (first Wednesday in November). Each partner will donate a portion of its sales, or a set rate, toward the goal.
Lonzi said the campaign is off to a slow start, adding that is “typical for the beginning of the campaign.”
“We are hard at work reaching out to community members for support and conducting in-person presentations at our larger employers that offer payroll deductions and one-time giving options for the campaign,” she said. “I find the community becoming more receptive to sharing our mission, bringing awareness to what we provide to the community and its importance.”
Lonzi said she has returned to a few locations this year, which she said is a promising sign for the campaign.
“I’ve also been contacted by several individuals looking to volunteer their time to help our mission,” she continued. “It has been very uplifting and our campaign team, the Zonta Club of Bradford, are incredibly passionate about helping others — their energy is infectious.
“The UWBA Board of Directors and I are looking forward to working alongside them for the remainder of the year to reach another successful year of achieving our campaign goals.”
Lonzi noted 2022 was the first time UWBA met its fundraising goal in the three years since the pandemic. Campaign goals remain the same in 2023 at $300,000 for Bradford, $18,000 for Port Allegany and $10,000 in Smethport.
Several other events are planned to support the campaign. During the Business Blitz set the first Friday in November, the UWBA’s Student Ambassadors will canvas Main Street to place collection jars at various locations.
Then Nov. 17 the annual Soup Lunch returns at First Presbyterian Church. Orders can be placed for pickup or delivery and proceeds benefit the campaign.
Bradford Water Authority’s 2024 “We Love Marilla” calendars are for sale at its office, Chamber of Commerce and United Way for $15 each, and all proceeds go to the United Way.
