Officials with the United Way of the Bradford Area recently announced that Rebecca and Mike Ward will serve as the new chairpersons for the 2021-22 campaign under this year’s theme, “All In.”
Sarah Lonzi, Executive Director for the United Way, said the campaign will kick off today and is expected to continue through Jan. 31, 2022. Funds raised by the United Way campaign will continue to help a number of local charities and nonprofits including those continuing to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In sharing some of their background, Rebecca Ward, a third grade teacher at School Street Elementary and husband, Mike Ward, Chief of the City of Bradford Police Department, say “We were both born and raised in Bradford as our families are both rooted here. I attended our public schools from Kindergarten all the way through 12th grade, graduating from Bradford Area High School in 2000. After high school, I stayed in Bradford and attended the University of Pittsburgh Bradford to study Elementary Education. Mike attended St. Bernard School and graduated from Bradford Central Christian High School in 1997. He stayed in Bradford and attended the University of Pittsburgh Bradford to study Administration of Justice. He also attended Police Academy at Indiana University of Pennsylvania”
“One thing that drives us to stay in Bradford is because it is a small, rural community where we can safely raise our family. Bradford is a place where we know everyone and can rely on family and close friends when we need anything and vice versa, we help others as well” the Ward’s remarked.
They also explained why they decided to accept the request to lead the campaign.
“We were honored and humbled to be asked to be campaign chairs. We agreed to be campaign chairs because we wanted to do our part with this great cause. We see firsthand with our jobs different organizations that benefit from the United Way and were excited for the opportunity to have a role in helping with this year’s United Way campaign,” Rebecca Ward said.
They also commented on the importance of the UWBA campaign and their fundraising goals. “First and foremost we would like to make people aware of what the United Way does and how it benefits our local community through various organizations. We didn’t always know how many local organizations benefited from the United Way and we feel it is important to get the message out that the donations that are given stay in our local community.”
This year, the UWBA seeks to reach a campaign goal of $300,000 for the Bradford community, $17,000 for Port Allegany and $8,000 for the Smethport area. Those interested in making a contribution or volunteering can contact the UWBA office by calling 814-368-6181 or sending an email to Executive Director, Sarah Lonzi, at sarah.lonzi@uwbanews.org.
