“We work with what is given to us, and this year, our community and supporters have generously entrusted us with a over $1.15 million to help Schuylkill County. We are grateful!” These were the words spoken by Schuylkill United Way (SUW) Campaign Chair, Chris Dende, at their annual Appreciation Breakfast held on Friday, November 14 at St. Nick’s Hall in Primrose. Dende announced the total raised by their 2026 Campaign was $1,140,000. While the goal of $1,190,000 was not achieved, the campaign was a success.
Helping Other People Everyday is the theme of the Schuylkill United Way annual campaign. SUW Board President, John Gleisner, stated, “This is an incredible number to reach, especially when we look at the current economic climate and the distress of some of our neighbors. Several of our Partner Agencies have seen sharp increases in need for their programs and services.” Gleisner referenced various community campaigns for food and winter items and echoed Dende’s thanks for the generous donors in supporting SUW and their 15 Partner Agencies.
The other major announcement at the breakfast meeting was that after over 33 years with Schuylkill United Way, Kelly K. Malone is retiring as executive director on December 31. Malone read a letter of thanks to Schuylkill County and all of the SUW supporters, with special acknowledgement to her family who were in attendance. Malone began her career with SUW in 1992 as a part-time bookkeeper and was named executive director in 2003. She was at the helm the first-time campaign broke one million dollars and has expanded on and added annual programs ran by SUW including the Nurse’s Pantry and the High School Football Challenge. Malone’s leadership and creativity also successfully lead the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. Mike Joyce, current SUW Director of Community Engagement, was named as Malone’s successor effective January 1, 2026.
Michele Mickonis of Hydro was awarded the Billie Payne Lifetime Achievement Award. Presenting the award was Patrick Kane, SUW board member and Chair of the Pacesetters Club. Kane explained the award is named for Schuylkill County community service legend, Billie Payne. The long-time deputy executive director of the Pottsville Housing Authority, Payne was an icon of service in Schuylkill County with her involvement in Winter Carnival, Relay for Life, Schuylkill Community Action, Schuylkill Wellness Services, and the Schuylkill United Way, among others.
“Michele knows the power of giving back and is not afraid of the hard work it takes to make a strong community,” Kane stated. He went on to say her personal efforts of leading by example inspired hundreds of her fellow employees to contribute to SUW and other local organizations over the years. Michele obtained an Associate’s and a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State
University, while working and going to school as an adult student. Michele is SHRM-CP certified and has attended numerous conferences and training sessions on Human Resources and Organizational Development. She was nominated for Hydro’s President’s Council, which is reserved for the highest performers across their entire 23 plants in North America. She served as SUW Board President from 2021-2022, chaired the 2020 SUW Campaign, and has been involved with SUW for many years.
In addition to Dende, Gleisner, and Kane, SUW 2026 Assistant Campaign Chair Andrew Umphrey presented several awards and recognitions during the breakfast. Umphrey was also named next year’s Campaign Chair.
Of the many awards and recognitions given at the SUW Appreciation Breakfast, a new one was for the first SUW United We Dine Week where 16 dining and drinking establishments helped kick off this year’s campaign. Taking the top prize for money raised was Vito’s Coal Fired Pizza & Restaurant bringing in $542. Combined, the 16 establishments contributed $2,724 to the SUW campaign.
All companies and donors recognized include:
• Hydro again took home the Houser Award for the company with the greatest overall giving to the campaign with a total of $180,388. The Houser Award is named in honor of Clare J. Houser, Jr. who served as SUW Executive Director from 1971-2003.
• Bob Weaver Auto was recognized as the top giver for companies with 1-200 employees raising a total of $53,136.
• Mrs. T’s Pierogies gave the most for mid-sized companies with 201-400 employees bringing in $40,769.
• Wegmans was the top winner for company giving in the 400+ employees tier with their whopping $164,127 contribution.
• Mrs. T’s Pierogies was recognized for giving the greatest company increase by donating $4,771 more than last year.
• Child Development, Inc was the SUW Partner Agency with the largest donation coming in at $20,869.
• Event Achievement Award went to the SUW Golf Committee headed by Charles Ladd, IV and Chris Cohoon for raising $26,000 this year.
Mr. Kane put the spotlight on the top five companies with the most Pacesetters. Pacesetters are individuals who contribute $500 or more in a year. Hydro again took the first-place prize with 223, followed by Wegmans with 152. Third place honors went to Bob Weaver Auto with 76 and then St Luke’s Miners Hospital/Geisinger St. Luke’s Hospital with 37. Shalmet/Carpenter Technology had 23 in the fifth spot.
Local businesses donated big ticket items to incentivize giving. Winners were drawn during the event and will be contacted directly over the next few days. The prizes and donors included:
• 2025 Chevrolet Trailblazer AWD LS ($28,000 value) – sponsored by Bob Weaver Auto, J. Bertolet Volkswagen, Rinaldi Family Dealerships, Sands Ford of Pottsville, and Williamson, Friedberg & Jones, LLC
• Boyer’s Food Markets, Inc. donated gift cards valued at $1,500, $1,000, $750, $500, and $250 • $1,600 Vacation Package – donated by AAA of Schuylkill County
• Husqvarna Snowblower ($1,500 value) – donated by Dewald & Lengel Hardware • Weber Gas Grill ($500 value) – donated by Hadesty’s ACE Hardware
• iPAD ($500 value) – donated by Hydro
Submitted photos and press release
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