PHOTO PROVIDED Over 100 people turned out for the Clinton County United Way’s 11th Annual Sports Night & Fine Arts Auction, held at the Central PA Auto Auction, which raised over $30,000.

LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County United Way is gearing up for its biggest fundraiser of the year — all to help those that help themselves.

“A future where everyone thrives is possible. United is the Way. It only takes one individual to make a difference, but when many people come together with hope and determination, we can shape a brighter tomorrow for us all,” United Way Director Carleigh Johnson said.

An opportunity to do just that will take place in May.

The United Way’s 12th Annual Sports Night & Fine Arts Auction will be held on May 2 at the Sons and Daughters of Italy heated outdoor patio, 1 N. Henderson St., Lock Haven.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with tickets on sale now at $40 each. Tickets will include drinks, food and live music by Mike Weyrauch and may be purchased at https://bit.ly/UWSportsNight.

PHOTO PROVIDED The Clinton County United Way recently coordinated with Central Mountain High School Art Teacher Ashley Rippey to complete a mural at one of its partner agencies, The Infant Development Program.

“It’s going to be a really great event. It features an Italian theme and should be a lot of fun,” Johnson said.

Sports Night’s honoree this year is Carl Poff.

Poff, a three-time NCAA qualifier and team captain during his time at Bloomsburg University in the 1970s, was named the head wrestling coach at Lock Haven University in 1990 following a coaching career at other universities.

His tenure at LHU spanned 12 seasons. As head coach, Poff took the program to new heights. The winningest wrestling coach in school history, Poff’s teams went 167-62-3 and amassed a winning percentage of .726. His teams won four PSAC titles in addition to winning the EWL in 1997. The 1996-97 team finished fifth at the NCAA Division I Championship — the highest finish in school history — led by five individual All American performances. His coaching yielded 80 National qualifiers, 14 All-Americans and Cary Kolat won two National Championships. Poff also coached 20 EWL Champions and 30 PSAC Champions. He was named PSAC Coach of the Year six times and on two occasions was EWL Coach of the Year. Poff has coached both male and female wrestlers that went on to represent the United States at Olympic and World levels.

Poff is a member of the Lock Haven University Athletics Hall of Fame, The National Wrestling Hall of Fame, Council Rock Athletics Hall of Fame and was recently inducted into the Bucks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Pictured are a group of Renovo Elementary students after receiving new coats and shoes during the “Operation Warm” event in February.

Poff is a past faculty member, Athletic Director and Executive Director of the Lock Haven University Foundation. He is in his 28th year as Director of the TNT Wrestling Camp and has been instrumental in developing wrestlers of all ages for the past 45 years. His camps have had a tremendous positive impact on thousands of athletes and the sport of wrestling for decades.

Carl and his wife, Sharon, presently live in North Carolina and are the parents of three children, Casey, Corey and Tanner.

Johnson noted this year’s auction will feature signed sports memorabilia, experience packages, gift baskets and much more.

The event is sponsored by a variety of local donors including:

— Platinum Sponsor: First Citizens Community Bank.

BREANNA HANLEY/THE EXPRESS Students line up to receive new coats, with many options to pick from, at “Operation Warm” in Renovo.

— Gold Sponsors: The Sons and Daughters of Italy, Bald Eagle Beer Distributor and UPMC.

— Silver Sponsors: Central PA Auto Auction and Woodlands Bank.

— Bronze Sponsors: First Quality Products, RTG Solutions and State Senator Cris Dush.

— Friend Sponsor: Faber Burner Company.

The non-profit is still accepting sponsors for the event. Those interested in becoming a sponsor can contact Johnson at clintoncountyuw@gmail.com.

All money raised, Johnson added, will stay within Clinton County and help those in need.

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.

Currently, the United Way has partnered with 12 organizations including: American Red Cross, Annie Halenbake Ross Library, Susquehanna Council Boy Scouts of America, Catholic Charities, Clinton County Healthy Communities Dental Clinic, Clinton County Housing Coalition, Roads to Peace, Horses of Hope, Infant Development Program, Lock Haven Area YMCA, North Central Sight Services, The Pennsylvania State University — Penn State Extension in Clinton County, Clinton County 4-H and the Western Clinton County Recreation Center.

Another program, which has an impact on local children, is the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. According to Johnson, there is currently no waiting list in Clinton County — with 800 kids within the county receiving books through the nationwide initiative.

“We secured some grant funding to get books to kids. My goal is to never have a waitlist,” Johnson said.

New this year, Johnson said the United Way has begun partnering with local automotive garages for the Stay Mobile, Stay Employed program.

So far, Woodward Automotive has signed up to take part in the program — which assists individuals with car repairs.

With the program, the United Way will provide up to $400 in funding towards the labor and/or equipment needed to repair a participant’s vehicle. The participant is required to pay 20 percent of the repair themselves.

To learn more about how you may qualify, or to sign up for the program, you can email clintoncountyuw@gmail.com or call 570-748-7856.

Johnson said the United Way is working toward partnering with other garages within Clinton County to offer other options for those in need.

Outside of this new program, the United Way has taken on a variety of initiatives to help those in need.

In fall 2024 and again this year, the United Way partnered with Blaise Alexander Subaru for two coat drives — one at Robb Elementary School and another at Renovo Elementary School.

It also raises funds for its programs through United Way Night at Stella A’s each year and partners with The Express to put on a Masquerade Ball in the fall.

The community also turns out in support of the organization and its efforts. Johnson noted Weis Market in Mill Hall and Lock Haven held a special round up event in January and the newly renovated Dunkin Donuts in Lock Haven donated $1,000 towards its cause.

“A helping hand can make someone’s day or even change their life,” Johnson said. “But in times of great need, it takes many hands and hearts working as one to change the world.”

Outside of monetary donations, Johnson said she hopes to help forge other connections within the community with its partner organizations.

Recently, Johnson was able to coordinate efforts between partner organization The Infant Development Program and Central Mountain High School.

Johnson said she was touring IDP recently when she noticed it had an unfinished mural. She worked with CMHS art teacher Ashley Rippey and her students to see it completed.

“I’m trying to connect people in the community with parallel interests,” she said. “It strengthens the community and connects resources in that way.”

To keep up with what the Clinton County United Way is doing, you can visit their website — www.clintoncountyunitedway.org — or their new Facebook page Clinton County United Way of Pennsylvania.