Press Release
Request for Immediate Release
Submitted by Kim Merithew
Director of Corporate and Community Giving
570-465-3868
September 9, 2019
United Way Announces 2019-20 Campaign Chairs
[New Milford, PA] Tom and Kristen Follert have been named co-chairs of the 2019-2020 United Way of Susquehanna County Annual Campaign.
The Follerts are deeply involved in the regional community and they are strong supporters of and advocates for the mission of United Way of Susquehanna County.
United Way Director of Corporate and Community Giving/Kim Merithew said the dedication to improving the region which the Follert’s exhibit make them natural leaders for the annual campaign, aimed at building community participation in United Way’s Helping Children Do Well movement, which is focused on improving academic readiness, childhood wellness, mentorship and family stability in Susquehanna County.
“Tom and Kristen bring great energy to everything they set out to do and are passionate about helping children and families,” Merithew said. “They understand that the United Way’s work is vital to our community and we are thrilled that they’ve enthusiastically seized the challenge of leading our 2019 Annual Campaign.”
United Way of Susquehanna County’s 2019-2020 campaign will kick off on Wednesday, September 25th, with its Raise the Bar Celebrity Bartender celebration at Chet’s Place in Union Dale from 6-8 PM with the public welcome. Visit unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org web page for event details and names of this year’s participating celebrity bartenders.
“I saw the important work which United Way of Susquehanna County is doing to improve the lives of children and their families and had to get involved,” Tom Follert said. “United Way is already touching the lives of so many children in need in our community, and I’m determined to do all I can to advance its objective of helping children do well and the programs and initiatives it supports.”
As one of the founding members of the Chocolate and Wine Festival which was recently entrusted to United Way of Susquehanna County to carry on the tradition of this much loved community event, Tom Follert recognized the natural alliance with United Way which is committed to continue investing event proceeds directly back into funding nonprofit agencies and signature programs that serve Susquehanna County residents.
Kristen Follert is the Director of Quality Assurance for NEPA Community Health Center where she is responsible for overseeing the quality management and quality improvement programs for the healthcare organization. Follert said she is a passionate advocate for the community.
“The work of United Way of Susquehanna County is vital to our community,” Kristen Follert said. “But with 81% of children under age 5 living in economically disadvantage circumstances in Susquehanna County, everyone who is interested in our future and in improving the lives of children in poverty needs to support them as well.”
The Follerts shared they will work hard to make sure everyone in the community knows about the progress United Way is making, and urge them to help.
The Follerts reside in Montrose with their three children.