LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County United Way is gearing up for its 11th Annual Sports Night to raise money to support those in need in the area.

Although a branch of a national organization, the Clinton County United Way focuses solely on its residents.

According to United Way Director Ben Green, the United Way uses its resources and funding to assist those in the ALICE population. ALICE stands for Adult Low Income Consistently Employed.

Those who fall under ALICE often make too much money to fall below the poverty line, but still aren’t making enough to be financially stable.

The United Way’s Sports Night, an initiative to raise money to help the ALICE population, will take place on May 3 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Central PA Auto Auction, 31 Airstrip Drive, Mill Hall.

“The Miller family generously donated the auction space for this event. They have everything we need to host it,” Green said.

Tickets cost $35 and include heavy hors d`oeurves — provided by The Beech Creek Hotel — drinks, entertainment, live and silent auction items and more.

As usual, the United Way will also be honoring a local resident for their commitment to both the sports community and Clinton County. This year’s honoree is long time Lock Haven University Soccer Coach, Lenny Long.

“The board was very excited to honor the athletic and community accomplishments from Long,” Green said. “Lenny came up and everyone was on board immediately.”

The event will include sports memorabilia along with a focus on “experience” auction items, Green said.

The event will feature a live auctioneer and Albert Jones is set to MCee the entire evening.

Green said the United Way is still looking for entertainment. Any bands or musicians interested in providing entertainment may contact Green at clintoncountyuw@gmail.com.

Sports Night is just one of a few ways the United Way aims to assist members of the community. It also hosts a United Way Night at Stella A’s each year and partners with The Express to put on a Masquerade Ball in the fall.

All of this to support the United Way’s mission. Green provided the organization’s mission statement, which gives the community a look into what they do:

“Our mission is to improve the health, education, and financial stability of Clinton County residents through direct assistance, local program funding, and advocacy.

“Our focus is on the men and women of our community who get up each day to go to work but at the end of the day still struggle to make ends meet. Those among us who live paycheck to paycheck. “We help those who are trying to help themselves.”

The United Way offers emergency financial assistance, mobility programs and agency referrals for shelter and food insecurity. It also partners with national program Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Local programs funded through the United Way see the following partnerships: American Red Cross; Boy Scouts; Catholic Charities; Clinton County Community Dental Clinic; Clinton County Housing Authority (Life Center & Merrit House); Clinton County Libraries; Horses of Hope; Infant Development Program; Lock Haven YMCA; North Central Sight Services; Penn State 4H; Roads to Peace; Western Clinton County Rec Center.