Winner Announced in YMCA Lap Swim Challenge Fundraiser On Saturday, June 17th, the Greater Scranton YMCA held its Inaugural Lap Swim Challenge. The event was a great success, raising $3,602 for the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Stingrays Swim Team. We had 38 community members participate in the challenge. The grand prize winner, Rachel Frissell, swam 134 lengths of the pool in the allotted 45-minute challenge time frame. She will receive an annual membership to the Greater Scranton YMCA. Attached are the results of the challenge.
Northeast Regional Cancer Institute Receives Donation from Fundraiser The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute received $7,675 from La Belle Soirée à Paris Fundraiser. In August, the family of Judi H. Perry Hartridge, a cancer survivor who passed away in 2007, hosted a fundraiser, La Belle Soirée à Paris. The event was held at Maiolatesi Wine Cellars. It featured live music by concert pianist, John Paris and Paul LaBelle and The Exact Change All Star Band. Additionally, there was a 50/50 and a basket raffle. Over $7,600 was raised from the fundraiser. Proceeds support the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute. The Judi H. Rock On Committee has been working with NRCI and hosting fundraisers for several years in honor of Judi H. Perry Hartridge. Paul LaBelle is the Founder of Judi H. Rock On. About The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute The Northeast Regional Cancer Institute is a nonprofit community-based agency serving seven counties in northeast Pennsylvania with offices located in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Focusing on surveillance, community and patient services, and hospital and practice support services, the Cancer Institute invests 100% of its resources locally. PHOTO ATTACHED: La Belle Soirée Check Presentation The Judi H. Rock On Committee presented the Cancer Institute with a check from the La Belle Soirée event. From left to right: Amanda E. Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, John Hartridge, Karen M. Saunders, President, Northeast Regional Cancer Institute, Paul LaBelle, Founder of Judi H. Rock On, Johnny Hartridge, Sharon LaBelle, Carmel D’Angelo, and Dana Morris.
Woodloch Resort to Host 14th Annual “A Night for the Cure” On Sunday, October 23, 2022, Woodloch, an inclusive resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, will host the 14th annual A Night for the Cure. The tricky-tray fundraiser benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure as part of BK Hope Cures. Originally established 23 years ago by Bob Kiesendahl (BK), co-owner of Woodloch and leukemia survivor, the organization’s mission is to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer. Held in the Heritage Nightclub at Woodloch from 5 to 8 PM, the family-friendly evening will feature over 150 items donated by local individuals and businesses, as well as wine and beer tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a dessert table, and a 50/50 raffle. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and have the chance to win dining gift certificates, unique gift baskets, and overnight stay packages at the area’s leading resorts and hotels. Admission costs $10, and 100% of the proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure. 50% of the dollars raised stay right here in Pennsylvania for education, screening and treatment grants, and 50% goes towards cancer research. The dress code is casual, and attendees are encouraged to wear pink in support of the cause. Last year, over 400 people attended and more than $15,000 was raised. “Every year the event gets bigger and better. It’s a great night to celebrate with friends, raise money for the cause, show our support for survivors, and take a chance on some really great prizes. We are extremely grateful to the local businesses and individuals who donate their time and talents to make A Night for the Cure the special event that it is,” said Bob Kiesendahl. In addition to A Night for the Cure, Hope Cures also holds two other fundraising events each year — a golf tournament and a 5K run/walk. Over the past 23 years, Hope Cures has raised over $1.3 million. These funds benefit cancer research and patient care at several worthy facilities and foundations. For more information, please visit: www.bkhopecures.org/trickytray. Additionally, table and room reservations can be arranged by calling Woodloch Resort at 570-685-8002.
Rescue & Restore Church Fundraising Banquet Join Rescue & Restore Church for dinner and an evening of hope and encouragement with Auntie Anne Beiler, founder of Auntie Anne’s® Pretzels. The “Beauty for Ashes: Nothing In Life Is Wasted.” fundraising banquet will take place on Friday, August 26th from 7-9 p.m. at Fiorelli Family Catering. Anne Beiler, better known as Auntie Anne, the Founder of Auntie Anne’s® Pretzels, the world’s largest hand-rolled pretzel franchise. Anne’s journey towards success began many years before she rolled the first pretzel when she and her husband experienced any parent’s worst nightmare – losing a child. This propelled Anne into years of darkness, depression, sexual abuse, and despair, but out of her pain came purpose and the desire to persevere towards personal and professional success. Many television shows have featured Anne’s Entrepreneurial insights and personal story, including Secret Millionaire, The Oprah Winfrey Show, Good Morning America, ANDERSON, and Food Court Wars. Many of us can relate to Anne’s personal struggles. Her mission is to help women overcome the pain, blame, and shame of their past by sharing their stories so they can lead with purpose. We hope you’ll join us for this very special evening! Register here.
Waverly Community House Events The Waverly Community House is hosting several events. Easter Bunny Hop Saturday, April 9thWhen: Saturday, April 9th, 2022 1:00pm – 3:00pm Where: Comm Back Lawn 1115 North Abington Rd, Waverly $30.00 per family Join us for crafts, games, live music from the Doug Smith Dixieland Band, a bake sale, egg hunt, and of course, a visit from our favorite Easter Bunny! Today is the last day to buy tickets! Please click HERE for tickets. The 2022 Waverly Waddle Saturday, May 7thWhat: A 5K Run/Walk fundraiser around scenic Waverly Where: The Waverly Community House, 1115 N. Abington Road, Waverly, PA When: Saturday, May 7, 2022 – 8:00-8:45 am check in – 9:00 race start! Register online HERE! Register by April 15th to receive a race tee shirt! Questions: Please call 570.586.8191, Ext 2 Kathy Wright Visit “The Upstairs Thrift”! Our upscale thrift shop featuring women’s, men’s, and children’s clothing and housewares. Spring is in the shop!!! Stop by The Comm Library Enjoy our lending library. We have an updated assortment of adult and children’s books. Check out our Destination Freedom Special Exhibits GalleryAmong the exhibits are a wooden cane with names of local Civil War prisoners of war, a Bible found on the Gettysburg battlefield, medicinal bottle from the practice of Waverly’s Dr. Andrew Bedford, Waverly Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 307 Sketch Book, a portrait of Jonathan Jasper Wright, a poster sized image of African American Civil War veterans returning to Montrose in 1865, and a collection of Civil War era newspapers, to name just a few. The Gallery is open on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 pm or by appointment by calling 570-586-8191 Ext. 2 or by visiting the website: www.waverlywalkingtours.org. Questions may be emailed to ejmurphy@waverlycomm.org.
Funds Raised for Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital The KISS for Kids Holiday Radiothon held on Dec. 9 and 10 in support of Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital was a huge success, raising $75,690 for the health of local sick and injured children. The two-day, 26-hour broadcast featured local children who have been treated at the hospital, as well as families’ stories of how the hospital and pediatric services have made a difference in their lives. Hosts Gary Chrisman, Bob Hauer, Andi Kurzweg and Gail Bair spent the two days telling miracle stories and encouraging listeners to become Miracle Makers by giving $20 per month. All the funds raised during the radiothon event will stay local to provide high quality care for children in our region. KISS FM and the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger team would like to thank the listeners and sponsors who gave generously to help provide care for kids and their families. Thank you to title sponsor, Moff and Associates, phone bank sponsor, Weis Markets; and Angel Hour sponsors: Sunbury Motors, Ford, Hyundai and Kia, PALCO Federal Credit Union, and Wyrope Williamsport Federal Credit Union; Wall of Miracles sponsor: Alexander Family Dealerships; and Giggle Break sponsor, Ciocca Dealerships. Additionally, a special thanks to Bloomsburg Walmart for donating a new blanket to patients in the children’s hospital on behalf of each miracle maker donor and to matching donors, Ray and Erin Hayes, Bloomsburg Walmart, Dr. and Mrs. Frank Maffei and Judy Graham and Nick Jones. This year’s event was the 17th annual radiothon which has raised more than $445,000 for local children treated at Geisinger. For more information or to make a donation, visit online at go.geisinger.org/kissradio or call 1.800.322.5437.
Geisinger Community School of Medicine Virtual Event Raises Money for Student Scholarships The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSoM) Black Ties for White Coats event was held virtually this fall and raised in excess of $260,000 in commitments. Proceeds from the Gala support student scholarships and, this year, the creation of the Dean Steven J. Scheinman Endowment for Student Scholarships, in honor of Dr. Scheinman who is retiring at the end of December after serving for nine years as GCSoM’s dean. “Finances are the number one barrier to medical school education and these funds will help break down those barriers for GCSoM students and build up the medical care we offer to our community and beyond,” said Virginia McGregor, chair of GCSoM’s Board of Directors. In addition, the Gala honors community members, and past students and faculty who have made an impact on and spread the school’s values to the greater community. The 2021 honorees are highlighted with videos on the Gala’s event website, go.geisinger.org/gala2021. Rachel Brutico-Giannotti, MD and her husband Dr. Vincent Giannotti, MD received the Founders honor. The pair met at the school in 2011 and both continue to practice medicine with Geisinger in northeast Pennsylvania. Na Tosha Gaston, MD, PhD, FAAN received the Innovation award. Dr. Gaston has served as the assistant dean for equity and inclusion and as an associate professor of research and medicine at GCSoM. Alana Roberts, regional affairs director of PPL Foundation accepted the Well-being honor on behalf of the foundation. PPL is a long-time supporter of GCSoM and is committed to education in science, technology, engineering and math. Charles J. Bannon, MD, and his son Joseph “Jay” Bannon, MD, FACS, received the community honor for their longtime commitment to the school. Dr. Charles Bannon was one of the Founders of the school while Dr. Jay Bannon has served the school in many roles during his career. Dr. Scheinman gave a special thanks to the donors and sponsors for the event. “I am sincerely grateful to our donors and sponsors for your dedication and commitment to our students year after year and for supporting this year’s virtual celebration,” he said. “It is wonderful that we can offer generous financial assistance from philanthropy, and for that, we cannot thank you enough.” There is still time to contribute to the Dean Scheinman Scholarship Endowment to recognize his years of service to the school and honor his retirement. Visit the Gala site (go.geisinger.org/gala2021) for more information and to view the Gala program book and videos from all of the honorees.
