MARY JO AND DAN HAFFNER
Lifting up their community for over 20 years.
Mary Jo and Dan Haffner are college sweethearts who have donated to United Way for over 30 years. Mary Jo grew up in the Highland Park section of Pittsburgh and Dan grew up in State College, PA. They met while attending Penn State and were married a couple of years later. Dan studied pre-med in college and attended the Penn State College of Medicine in Hershey, Pennsylvania. After his residency in orthopedic surgery, he served for 4 years of active duty in the United States Air Force. The couple spent time in Tokyo and Northern California during his military service before returning to Western Pennsylvania. The Haffners settled in Greensburg where they raised their two children. Dan has been an orthopedic surgeon with Excela Health for over 25 years.
“Philanthropy has always been important to us,” says Mary Jo. “We have witnessed people and communities struggling. We have always tried to assist with our time and money where needed.” Mary Jo has given back extensively with her time. She has taught English as a Second Language to individuals both abroad and in the community. Currently, she is on the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Westmoreland County and serves on the Racial Justice Committee. Dan, similarly, has shared his time and talents in community projects and programs. In addition, he has volunteered for over 20 years as the sideline doctor for several Westmoreland County High School football teams.
Tocqueville Society is the right fit for the Haffners who trust United Way’s due diligence in researching local needs. “We find it reassuring to donate to United Way knowing that the research has been done for us. They know where deficiencies exist in the community. We generally check the Impact Fund box which directs dollars to the most pressing needs in the area—hardships we may not have the time to be able to identify ourselves,” says Dan. “It is heartwarming to see United Way’s PA 211 field an enormous volume of calls and connect individuals to available resources and innovative programs,” says Mary Jo. “We have encouraged our now grown children to become involved in their local United Way campaigns.”
In their spare time, the Haffners enjoy family, friends, travel, Pittsburgh sports and cheering on the Penn State Nittany Lions.
