United Way of Chester County welcomed in the 2016 fundraising season with a special luncheon at Penn Oaks Golf Club on last Thursday sponsored by Arthur Hall Insurance.

The event, attended by over 180 guests including political dignitaries, donors, corporate partners, non-profit agencies, community partners, honored last year’s employee giving campaign leaders.

Citadel was awarded the Spirit of Chester County Award, the highest award given by United Way each year representing the pinnacle of giving, advocating and volunteering.

Interfaith Housing Assistance Corporation of Chester County received the Partner Agency of the Year award for leadership in educational outreach and support services.

UPS and Transamerica both received the Corporate Partner of the Year award honoring their unparalleled efforts in overall campaign growth and employee participation.

Star Print Mail received Community Partner of the Year thanks to embracing community investment as part of corporate culture.

Finally, CTDI’s dedication and inexhaustible commitment to United Way won the East Goshen-based electronics integrator the Workplace Campaign Team of the Year award.

The annual meeting included a re- election of existing United Way of Chester County board members and an indoctrination of one new member, Doug Kaiser of Bentley Systems.

United Way of Chester County’s CEO, Claudia Hellebush, thanked all attendees and recognized everyone as champions for the cause, “This room is a microcosm of the surplus of talent, resources, and the will to make Chester County a vibrant community for everyone. It’s because of all of you that our work is possible.”