LOCK HAVEN — The Clinton County United Way is launching a brand-new fundraising event, and organizers hope it will become their largest of the year.

Heart & Soul of the United Way — a Louisiana-inspired evening featuring live jazz, a soul-food menu and both live and silent auctions, with a grand-prize three-night trip to New Orleans — will take place at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at the renovated Fallon Hotel in downtown Lock Haven.

Tickets are limited to just 75 guests and are available now. United Way representatives are urging interested participants to purchase early, while supplies last.

All proceeds from this event will benefit the United Way’s 14 partner agencies, which collectively help more than 15,000 Clinton County residents, including 5,000 children ages birth to 18, according to Carleigh Johnson, executive director of the organization. The event will also support the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for local children.

Johnson said the Fallon Hotel, with its historical significance, was a natural choice for the new event.

“The Fallon has recently undergone complete renovations and, with its historical component to Clinton County, we felt it would be the perfect venue for this event! We want to support small businesses in the area, too, and believe it will be a great new event for the community,” Johnson said.

Since becoming executive director of the local United Way a year ago, Johnson has sought to explore new fundraising opportunities to further support the community, and she hopes this event will become a unique way to engage the community while raising crucial funds for local programs.

“Together with my board, we decided that this would be a unique event at a historic building in the community, highlighting the importance of nutrition and food for our community,” she added.

The evening will feature an exciting soul-inspired menu including mini chicken and waffle sliders, Cajun shrimp deviled eggs, fried mac and cheese bites, beer, wine, sweet tea and more. Live jazz music will be provided by Crooner & Co Swing Band, who are generously donating their time to support the United Way.

The highlight of the evening will be its live and silent auctions, with items including a three-night trip to New Orleans donated by Travel Haven Agency and McIntyre Chevrolet, tickets to experiences across the state, gift baskets, memorabilia, artwork and gift cards.

Dave Winkleman will also be presenting about the New Love Center as one of United Way’s newest partner agencies.

As a partner agency, the United Way will support the organization financially with the funds raised. All of the funds will be used to purchase shelf-stable pantry items and fresh produce from the regional food bank.

Support for the organization is all the more important given the 20 percent increase in the number of households seeking food assistance across the community compared to last year.

“While we are grateful to meet this need, it has placed additional pressure on our food supply and volunteer teams. We are actively seeking new partnerships and funding to help us keep up with demand. We are working hard to become more visible in Clinton County as a Clinton County organization. With that, we are so thankful for Clinton County United Way investing in us to serve those in Clinton County,” said the New Love Center.

United Way is also seeking sponsorships and auction donations from businesses and organizations. Contributions, which may include themed baskets, memorabilia, artwork, tickets or other creative items, will be recognized in the event program and on social media.

“Without the sponsorship and support of people like you, we would not be able to reach our goals,” Johnson said.

For tickets, sponsorship information or a full list of partner agencies, visit clintoncountyunitedway.org.