The United Way of Lebanon County held a ribbon-cutting Thursday for its new office at 604 Cumberland Street in Lebanon.
The United Way also unveiled a plaque dedicating the building’s conference room to Bob Hoffman, this year’s campaign chair and 35-year United Way volunteer.
Once the home of the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce, which has since moved to 989 Quentin Road, the office now hosts both the United Way and several nonprofits it rents space to, including Girls on the Run and Vision Corps.
Karen Groh, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce, said she was happy to see the United Way using the space.
“This was our home for 10 years as well, it’s a place that I hold near and dear to my heart,” said Groh. “We’re so happy that it is under good care and stewardship with the United Way of Lebanon County, and it feels really comfortable being back in here.”
The United Way, which connects funds donated by individuals and companies in the community to programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, Communities in Schools, and the annual Day of Caring, is celebrating 75 years in the community this year.
Lebanon County commissioners Robert Phillips and Michael Kuhn were present, with Phillips making a brief statement.
Lebanon Mayor Sherry Capello, who presented United Way executive director Erin Velazquez with a certificate of recognition, was thanked by Velazquez for letting the United Way know the property was going to become available.
State Rep. John Schlegel also made a statement, and representatives from the offices of Congressman Dan Meuser and Senator Chris Gebhard offered brief remarks.
Hoffman explained that while the United Way normally hosts year-long campaigns, this year it is planning to have a short campaign running from September to January of next year.
This year, Hoffman explained, the event will be kicked off by a speech from retired Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham, with paraphernalia such as jerseys up for auction.
The campaign will kick off during an event at the Expo Center Sept. 10 at 7:30 a.m.
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