United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Announces New Chair

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike expresses its deepest gratitude to George Lynett, Jr. for his outstanding service and dedication as Chairman of the Board. Under George’s leadership the last four years, the organization has made significant strides in addressing the critical needs of the community, fostering collaboration, and driving impactful change through a unique social landscape that was infamously highlighted by a pandemic in the middle of his tenure.

“George Lynett has been a guiding force for the United Way, and his contributions have been invaluable,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “His commitment to our mission and vision has helped us achieve numerous milestones, and his legacy will continue to inspire our work for years to come. We are immensely grateful for his years of service and leadership.”

As we bid farewell to George, we are thrilled to welcome Deb Kolzovsky, PNC Bank, as the new Chair of the Board. Deb brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to the role, and we are confident that her leadership will usher in a new era of growth and innovation for the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike.

“Deb Kolzovsky has been an integral part of our organization for years, and her deep understanding of our mission, coupled with her strategic vision, makes her the perfect leader for this role,” Drapek continued. “We are excited to work with Deb as we continue to build on our successes and explore new opportunities to serve our community.”

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains committed to improving lives and strengthening communities through education, health, and financial mobility. With Deb Kolzovsky at the helm, the organization is poised to continue its legacy of positive change and community empowerment.

For more information about the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike please visit uwlc.net or contact Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community Outreach, 570.343.1267 x237 or bsnyder@uwlc.net

United Way Announces Scholarship Recipient

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike awarded the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to Celia Emiliani, a 2024 graduate of West Scranton High School. The scholarship award was officially presented as part of the 28th Annual Mike Munchak Charity Golf Classic to benefit the United Way held at the Country Club of Scranton.  The sold-out golf tournament raised over $100,000 for United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike.  Over $1,600,000 have been raised during the 28 years of this golf outing.

“For the past 28 years it has been our honor to welcome Mike back home to Scranton, and we remain grateful to him for his unwavering commitment to the people of our community,” said Gary Drapek, President and CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike.

The United Way established the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to assist high school students from Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties, who plan to continue their education in an accredited university, college, or trade school in a two or

four-year degree program. The amount of the one-time scholarship is $6,300 in honor of Mike’s #63, retired by the Houston Oilers in 1994.  Completing the scholarships 13th year of existence, a total amount of $81,900 in scholarship funds have been distributed to local graduates.

To be eligible, candidates must be volunteers in programs funded by the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, have a demonstrated commitment through community service activities and be full-time residents and/or students of a school district within Lackawanna, Wayne or Pike Counties. Additional requirements include a demonstrated financial need, academic achievement, agency recommendation and a track record of community service.

“Education is one of our pillars here at the United Way.  This scholarship is a prime example of how important a good education along with strong community involvement is in helping ensure Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties continue to Live United.  Every year we are amazed at the amount of Hall-of-Fame caliber seniors who apply for this scholarship.  The future certainly remains bright here in NEPA,” added Drapek.

The 2024 scholarship recipient is Celia Emiliani, a West Scranton High School graduate who will be attending the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in International Business.

Celia’s community service accomplishments include the American Red Cross Blood Drive, activities at the Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick’s Food Pantry, Scranton 1/2 Marathon, Community Intervention Center, Read Across America, Scranton Public Library among many other activities. Additionally, Celia is a member of the National Honor Society, West Scranton High Class President of 2024, Student Representative to the Scranton School Board, SADD Club Secretary as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she is engaged.  The Scholarship Committee noted Celia’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at West Scranton.

“Funding essential programs throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike Counties as well as running our own community outreach programs has led us into our 2nd Century of Service in Northeastern Pennsylvania.  Continuously evolving each and every year has been the key to our success.  Like the mindset of a Hall-of-Fame Athlete, we set a goal every year and do everything in our power to achieve that goal, just like our homegrown football legend himself, Mike Munchak,” Drapek concluded.

United Way Receives Generous Donation

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is excited to announce a generous donation of $50,000 from the Hawk Family Foundation, Dunmore, in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library as well as the allocation process of the United Way. This generous contribution will not only help provide free books to children, fostering a love of reading and promoting early childhood literacy but also be distributed to various agencies throughout NEPA during United Way’s allocation process.

The donation was presented on June 25th, 2024 at the Gertrude Hawk corporate location in Dunmore, PA.  $25,000 will be directly donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to community engagement and support for educational initiatives. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a beloved program by many, mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of the family’s income.  The other $25,000 donation are non-designated funds which allows the United Way to distribute them to various programs administered by agencies throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike County that focus on key areas of the United Way; Health, Economic Mobility and Education.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Hawk Family Foundation for their generous support of the United Way,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This donation will have a profound impact on the lives of many children and families in our community.”

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community through education, health, and economic mobility programs. This donation from the Hawk Family Foundation will help further the mission of the United Way and ensure that children and households have the resources they need to succeed.

United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counties Receives Donations

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is excited to announce a generous donation of $2,500 from RJ Burne Cadillac, Scranton, in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This generous contribution will help provide free books to children, fostering a love of reading and promoting early childhood literacy.

The donation was presented on June 12th, 2024 in RJ Burne Cadillac’s showroom, highlighting the dealership’s commitment to community engagement and support for educational initiatives. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a beloved program by many, mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of the family’s income.

“We are incredibly grateful to RJ Burne Cadillac for their substantial support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This donation will have a profound impact on the lives of many children in our community, giving them access to books and the joy of reading from an early age. Investing in early literacy is crucial for the future success of our children, and we are thrilled to have RJ Burne Cadillac as a partner in this important initiative.”

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community through education, health, and economic mobility programs. This donation from RJ Burne Cadillac will help further the mission of the United Way and ensure that children have the resources they need to succeed.

For more information about the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, please visit uwlc.net or contact Matt Ceruti, Vice President of Resource Development and Campaign, 570.343.1267 x234 or mceruti@uwlc.net