The United Way of Chester County recognized the following Chester County companies and individuals for their outstanding 2014 campaigns and contributions at the Campaign Kickoff and Awards Ceremony on August 27th at Penn Oaks Golf Club:

2014 Spirit of Chester County Award- DuPuy Synthes (top photo)

DuPuy Synthes earned the highest honor given by United Way of Chester County and was the first time a brand new campaign was chosen for the coveted award.  Synthes executives fully immersed themselves into learning the work of United Way and dedicated a month to event planning, educating volunteers, and providing autonomy to the individual sites to customize their own campaigns. 100 staff volunteered as campaign champions at each of the building sites kicking off 10 opening ceremonies during the two week campaign run. The results were staggering and in their first year goal became one of the top 5 largest campaigns for United Way of Chester County.

2014 Corporate Partner of the Year- Penn Medicine Chester County Hospital

Chester County Hospital’s most successful United Way campaign to date boasted an unprecedented 42% contribution increase with employee participation nearly doubling over last year. First year Campaign Chair, Taylor Lopolito, helped organize special evens to generate excitement, education and awareness. The Hospital also designed and printed customized posters to further communicate the need and call to action.

2014 Corporate Partner of the Year- Comcast (Co-award winner with Chester County Hospital)

Comcast Cable reached new levels in their 2014 campaign efforts with creative ways to promote the cause. Campaign Chair, Jen Boyett, along with her team increased dollars raised by 20% and overall employee participation went up 12%. Additionally, employees participated in many Days of Caring volunteer projects and provided a team of volunteers for the United Way 5K Color Run.

2014 Workplace Campaign Team of the Year- Wegmans Food Markets, Downingtown

Wegmans Food Markets, in Downingtown, was a leader in exemplifying a “can do” approach and commitment throughout the entire campaign year. Wegmans Campaign Chair, Jose Frazier, and his team increased their employee participation by 40% over the pervious year and generated 13% more in funds. Wegmans continued their commitment throughout the year by supporting the United Way Color 5K and Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive for the Chester County Food Bank, collecting 2.5 tons for needy families in the community.

2014 Community Partner of the Year- Pro Signs

Pro Signs demonstrated unparalleled generosity in donating countless hours and resources in both design and printing services for United Way’s events over the past two years, saving thousands of dollars in expenses that could be directed to invaluable community programs.  ProSigns has renewed their commitment for 2015 as they will provide signage for both the Live United in Music event and the third annual 5k Color Run. CEO, Pete Uhlman, has extended his commitment beyond special events and this year will conduct ProSigns first United Way employee campaign.

2014 Partner Agency of the Year- Legal Aid of South Eastern Pennsylvania

Legal Aid of South Eastern Pennsylvania has been a model service partner in their everyday work providing legal assistance to the community and furthering their outreach through United Way’s Financial Stability Center, by way of monthly legal clinics and educational workshops. Their legacy includes a long list of anecdotes about their commitment and passion to the community. Legal Aid of SEPA have also always been willing to step up and engage with other providers in Chester County to share their expertise and experience, ensuring that everyone is operating at their fullest potential.