Elk County, PA — Mark Saline, President of Gasbarre Thermal Processing Systems, recently presented a $7,000 donation to representatives of the St. Marys Area United Way, including Doug Bauer, Leah Whitman, Shane Ford, and Doug Gaffey. This generous contribution helped the organization reach its ambitious 2025 fundraising goal of $200,000, supporting vital programs that address critical needs in health, education, and human services throughout the community.

Saline, who has served as a dedicated board member of the St. Marys Area United Way for several years, exemplifies the strong partnership between Gasbarre and the local community.

St. Marys is home to Gasbarre’s state-of-the-art, 150,000-square-foot furnace manufacturing facility. The company also maintains offices in Livonia, Michigan providing sales, service, and engineering support to regional customers. Headquartered in DuBois, Pennsylvania, Gasbarre operates manufacturing facilities in DuBois, St. Marys, and Olanta, Pennsylvania.

Founded in 1973, Gasbarre has expanded from its original powder compaction press technologies to include industrial furnaces, precision tooling, and automation integration. With a steadfast commitment to its employees, product diversification, and technological innovation, Gasbarre has established itself as a leading original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the North American market and exports 20 percent of its products worldwide. Today, the company employs 180 people across five locations in three states, serving both domestic and international customers.

For 2026, the St. Marys Area United Way has once again set a campaign goal of $200,000. In 2025, the organization surpassed that benchmark, raising a total of $208,076. This total included $19,301 from employee payroll contributions, $86,765 in corporate donations, and $90,409 from Leadership Donors — individuals contributing $500 or more. Additional support included $7,367 in other individual gifts, $4,204 in commercial donations, and $30 in memorial contributions.

As a result of the successful campaign, the Board conducted its annual agency reviews on January 20 and 21 and recommended grant awards to a variety of local organizations providing essential services. Agencies receiving support include Alcohol & Drug Abuse Services; the Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys; CAPSEA; Crystal Fire Department; Dickinson Center’s Crossroads Program; Elkland Search & Rescue; Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania; Guardian Angel Center; Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (c/o Johnsonburg United Methodist Church); Jay Township Fire Department; St. Marys Ambulance Service; the St. Marys Area School District Library Program; St. Marys Public Library; the City of St. Marys Recreation Department; West Creek Recreational Trail; and gas costs to maintain the Eternal Flame located in downtown St. Marys.

The St. Marys Area United Way deeply appreciates the continued support of individuals and businesses alike. Donations directly benefit residents throughout the St. Marys Area School District, including the communities of Force, Brynedale, Kersey, Weedville, Benezette Township, Fox Township, Jay Township, and St. Marys.

Photo (L–R): Doug Bauer, Shane Ford, Mark Saline Leah Whiteman, and Doug Gaffey