WILLIAMSPORT, LYCOMING COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)- An organization dedicated to improving communities in several counties is hosting an event to kick off its annual fundraising efforts.
Lycoming County United Way is holding a carnival at New Trail Brewing Company to celebrate the community. It’s the start of their year-round fundraising efforts for their partners.
This year, Lycoming County United Way celebrated 100 years of service. As part of their centennial campaign, they are holding a carnival to kick off their fundraising goal of $2,000,000.
“We will have carnival games, there will be a tank. The House of Hats is coming up with their mobile ax throwing event. We also have live music, heart strings are coming and we will have an amazing raffle,” said Betsy Reichenbach, Lycoming County United Way Administrative Manager.
The kickoff carnival is set up at New Trail Brewing Company in Williamsport. Mike Larosa, partner and director of brewing operations, said they have worked with United Way for years and are happy to host the event.
“Our position has always been that rising tides save ships. So we want to support the local economy in any way we can. Whether this has to do with the business itself or it has to do with private organizations or public organizations. We want to make Williamsport better,” Larosa told Eyewitness News.
United Way works to improve communities through education, financial stability and health. They donate to organizations like the YMCA, YWCA, American Rescue Workers and more. President Ron Frick said they are determined to reach this year’s goal and continue their support.
“Covid-19 and a lot of things that have happened in the community, inflation, the economy have really affected a lot of our programs. And so there’s really never enough money, and so the more we can raise to support the community, the better off we all are,” Frick explained.
Frick added that without businesses like New Trail, they wouldn’t be able to donate to their partners. So, if you have time, come down to the carnival, it will be open until 20.00.
