Heart & Soul of the United Way: Clinton County’s Exciting New Fundraising Event Aimed at Fighting Food Insecurity

By Emily Wright
LOCK HAVEN — Clinton County United Way is introducing a new and exciting fundraising event, “Heart & Soul of the United Way,” scheduled for Friday, January 30, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Historic Fallon Hotel Est. 1856, located at 131 E. Water Street in downtown Lock Haven. Designed as an exclusive event limited to just 75 guests, this unique fundraiser will focus on combating the county’s growing food crisis.

Attendees can look forward to a memorable evening complete with a live jazz band, a menu of mouthwatering Southern comfort food and drinks, live and silent auctions, and chances to win prizes through a variety of engaging games. The event benefits Clinton County United Way (CCUW) while also highlighting one of its newest partner organizations, The New Love Center.

Tickets for Heart & Soul of the United Way are $50 each and must be purchased in advance. “There are only 75 tickets available, and they are available for purchase now,” explained Carleigh Johnson, Executive Director of the Clinton County United Way. “This will be a limited event, so don’t wait to buy tickets!” Tickets can be purchased online by visiting their website.

The Heart & Soul fundraising event aims to address ongoing food insecurity in Clinton County. “We have high hopes that this will be our largest fundraising event of the year,” Johnson shared.

This event will put a spotlight on The New Love Center (TNLC), a local nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity throughout Clinton and Lycoming Counties. TNLC allocates 100% of its donated funds to purchasing fresh food from its regional food bank. Johnson reported that the organization has seen a 20% increase in the number of households seeking food assistance compared to this time last year, placing additional strain on its food supply and volunteer team. As the demand for food assistance grows, TNLC is actively seeking new partnerships and funding and is working to increase its visibility in Clinton County.

TNLC serves residents in Lock Haven, Renovo, Avis, Jersey Shore, Mill Hall, Beech Creek, Loganton, and beyond, providing both shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce through its Pantry Choice and Mobile Food Distribution programs. Currently, TNLC regularly provides fresh food to 1,185 individuals and families in Lock Haven alone. Renovo follows closely, with 580 residents receiving food assistance from the organization.

When asked what inspired the new fundraising event and what sets it apart from previous fundraisers hosted by CCUW, Johnson shared, “Since becoming the Executive Director a year ago, I wanted to explore some new fundraising events to help the Clinton County United Way,” she said. “Together with my board, we decided that this would be a unique event at a historic building in the community, and [it] highlights the importance of nutrition and food for our community!”

The Historic Fallon Hotel Est. 1856 has recently undergone complete renovations and was chosen as the venue for the Heart & Soul of the United Way event to support a small local business while also honoring its rich historical ties to the area. “With its historical connection to Clinton County, we felt it would be the perfect venue for this event,” Johnson said.

Live entertainment for the evening will feature Crooner & Co. Swing Band, a local ensemble formed seven years ago by Dr. James Eldreth, Central Mountain High School’s Music Educator. Comprised of professional-level musicians—including Dr. Eldreth on trumpet—Crooner & Co. is known for performing classic jazz standards and well-known favorites by artists such as Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Harry Connick Jr., Michael Bublé, and Tony Bennett. Bringing the energy and excitement of the swing era to life, the band promises an evening that will get guests on their feet and dancing. Johnson noted that the members of Crooner & Co. Swing Band are generously donating their time and talent to the event in support of CCUW.

Attendees can look forward to enjoying a Southern comfort-inspired menu featuring mini chicken and waffle sliders, Cajun shrimp deviled eggs, fried mac and cheese bites, Cajun shrimp n’ grits, pulled chicken sliders, peach cobbler, and a selection of beer, wine, and sweet tea.

The fundraising event will feature live and silent auctions with a variety of gift baskets and gift cards for bidding. Throughout the evening, various games will also give attendees a chance to win prizes, which include tickets to experiences and adventures across the state, gift baskets, gift cards, lottery tickets, and more.

All proceeds from the Heart & Soul fundraiser will directly support CCUW’s 14 partner agencies—including The New Love Center—as well as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides books to children in the county. Johnson pointed out that, together, these agencies serve more than 15,000 Clinton County residents— 5,000 of whom are children from birth to age 18. For more information about United Way’s partner agencies, visit clintoncountyunitedway.org/partners.

In a recent solicitation letter sent out by CCUW, Johnson noted that donations are still needed for the live and silent auctions at the upcoming fundraiser. “Our goal is to make our new event as successful as possible. To do so, we humbly request your support and partnership via quality auction items and sponsorships of our event,” she said.

Donations can include themed gift baskets, individual items, memorabilia and collectibles, artwork, event tickets, or “any creative idea you may have.” Recognition of all donors will be listed in the event program and on CCUW social media platforms. “Without the sponsorship and support of people like you, we would not be able to reach our goals,” Johnson expressed.

There is a range of sponsorship opportunities available for the Heart & Soul of the United Way fundraising event, allowing businesses and individuals to support the cause at a level that works for them. The 2026 sponsorship levels and associated benefits are as follows:

Platinum Sponsor (Solo Opportunity) – $5,000
– Business name displayed on the event tickets and in print advertising
– Corporate logo and business name featured on the event program cover, in addition to a full-page ad
– Corporate logo displayed at the event (banner or sign provided by sponsor)
– Eight complimentary tickets (reserved table)

Gold Sponsor – $2,500
– Business name included in print advertising
– Corporate logo displayed at the event (banner or sign provided by sponsor)
– Corporate logo and business name featured on a half-page in the event program
– Six complimentary tickets (reserved table/seating)
Silver Sponsor – $1,000
– Business name included in print advertising
– Corporate logo displayed at the event (8” x 10” framed sign)
– Corporate logo and business name featured on a quarter-page in the event program
– Four complimentary tickets (reserved table/seating)

Bronze Sponsor – $500
– Business name included in print advertising
– Corporate logo displayed at the event (8” x 10” framed sign)
– Business name listed in the program
– Two complimentary tickets (reserved seating)

Friend of the Clinton County United Way – $200
– Recognition in the event program
– One complimentary ticket

To learn more about The New Love Center and its range of food assistance programs, or to get involved, visit www.TheNewLoveCenter.com, and be sure to follow the organization on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheNewLoveCenter for the latest updates on food distribution dates, times, locations, and more. TNLC is headquartered at 263 Henry Street, Jersey Shore, PA 17740.

•Email: info@newlovecenter.com
•Office Phone: 570-244-8838
•For more information about Clinton County United Way of Pennsylvania, visit
ClintonCountyUnitedWay.org, and visit CCUW on Facebook for updates by searching “Clinton County United Way of Pennsylvania”.
•Phone: (570) 748-7856
•Email: clintoncountyuw@gmail.com