Successful Workplace Giving Campaigns don’t just happen on their own.  

United Way has facilitated annual campaigns since 1923. From September through December, generous workplaces and philanthropic employees choose to make a difference by giving a portion of their paychecks to our region’s fight against poverty. 

At UGI, they are meticulously planned by a small group of dedicated volunteers. Led by Megan Mayo, corporate communications manager, the company’s 15 workplace campaign volunteers met several times a week to plan their campaign’s kick-off carnival and a virtual event to educate employees about United Way, our initiatives, and to encourage them to take part in workplace giving.  

Robert Ferris, vice president of communications, and the company’s co-executive sponsor for its workplace campaign, talked to us about this year’s big kick-off event.  

“As a company, we knew returning to the office after two years of remote work would be challenging,” he said. “We wanted to give our employees something to look forward to, to make coming back to the office fun. So, we used our workplace campaign to have a big welcome-back event.”  

According to Robert, being back in the office and raising funds through a workplace campaign felt normal, and “normal is good.” 

"We wanted to give our employees something to look forward to, to make coming back to the office fun."

“After Covid and much uncertainty, this workplace campaign became a beacon for comfort – bringing people back to the office with something bigger than themselves,” he added. 

The largest in UGI’s history, this year’s kick-off carnival featured games like blow-up axe throwing and a giant game of Operation, food trucks, raffle prizes, and endless entertainment for all employees and their families. There was even a basset-hound kissing booth where you could get some love from an adorable furry friend.  

This year, UGI’s campaign reached its goal of 90% participation in workplace giving from employees, resulting in more than $350,000 raised for United Way’s mission and community partners. Robert noted that the best part about the campaign is that they were able to make their employees feel good about the company and what they can do for the community. 

"There’s a reason we reached 90% participation this year,” he said. “And our goal is to continue to build that momentum and provide opportunities for all employees to get involved and give back.”  

A big thank you to UGI and its employees for hosting a wonderfully successful workplace campaign. Because of campaigns like yours, our nonprofit partners have reliable access to the funds they need to serve our community. We can’t wait to see what you do in the future.