Wyomissing Foundation Also Boosts Fund
With the pandemic crisis creating significant challenges for Berks County nonprofits serving individuals
and families most-in-need, United Way of Berks County created the Berks COVID-19 Response Fund last
week to raise and distribute funds to support busier than ever local nonprofits. “Organizations trusted to
support our community during “normal” times are facing a tremendous increase in demand for
services,” explains Tammy White, President, United Way of Berks County. “The increased needs around
food, housing assistance, childcare and veteran services continue to escalate. The response fund will
help our most vulnerable neighbors and help keep nonprofit doors open to help during this crisis.”
United Way committed initial funding of $100,000. The fund just received a significant boost thanks to
Customers Bank, who is joining forces with United Way by offering to match all individual giving to the
Berks COVID-19 Response Fund, up to $100,000. “We are so grateful to Customers Bank for sharing their generosity and compassion to help Berks Countians,” says White. “This is an incredible gift to our
community and provides individuals the opportunity to maximize their contribution to help neighbors in
need.” Contributions can be made at www.uwberks.org or by texting UWBCGIVE to 85511. A list of
frequently asked questions is also available on the website for reference.
“We are so proud of our Customers Bank team members who asked ‘how can we do something for our
hometown?’ so we are creating matching programs across the footprint,” says Dick Ehst, President and
CEO, Customers Bank. “Those conversations were taking place when United Way of Berks County shared the creation of the Berks COVID-19 Response Fund. It was an obvious solution. There is no better way to deliver the funds where they are needed most and can do the most good. We are excited by the opportunity of doubling $100,000 in individual donations; nothing would please us more to use every penny of the match,” said Ehst with a smile.
White also shared the fund recently received another lift, thanks to a $100,000 gift from The
Wyomissing Foundation. “Their long-standing commitment to Berks County is unwavering, and we share
our gratitude for this amazing gift. It will allow us to expand the response work taking place across the
county.”
“These are extraordinarily difficult times, and we are in uncharted waters. It is precisely in these times
that we are required to step forward and provide leadership and support. Our very own nonprofit
organizations, those we rely upon to do our work, are in serious trouble and we need to act. This gift is
in keeping with the legacy of our founder; he would expect no less,” says Karen Rightmire, President,
The Wyomissing Foundation. The Thun family, Wyomissing industrialists and philanthropists, established
the foundation, and it continues to be led by Thun family members and community leaders.
To date, the Berks COVID-19 Response Fund has received more than $17,300 in individual gifts. Since
the fund was established on March 25, United Way has received ten applications from area nonprofits
seeking funding as they respond to crisis needs; they are anticipating a slate of additional
applications. A team of volunteers and professionals having experience evaluating needs and fund
distribution are reviewing the applications; United Way’s Board of Directors will approve all funding
decisions. Nonprofits can apply at www.uwberks.org.
“This is a time like no other. From our experience, this community is like no other because Berks County
pulls together when times are tough and reaches out to help each other,” shares White.
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