$10,000 donation made to Equines for Freedom

Posted on July 3, 2024 by The Dunmorean

The Keystone Chapter of UNICO National recently donated $10,000 to “Equines For Freedom” (EFF). The Chapter was given a tour and history at the site of the facility by Founder Ann Lewis. Desert Storm Veteran Philip Hawthorne spoke of his moving experience as both a client and now as a Director at EFF, which offers therapy to individuals suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) using horses as the conduit (not for riding). This service is offered to clients with PTSD ranging from Armed Services Veterans and First Responders and there is no fee.

If you or someone you know can benefit from this therapy, call 570-319-9684 or visit the website at equinesforfreedom.org.

Shown at the presentation, front row from left: Keystone UNICO Treasurer Mike Gramigna; Keystone Board Member and Pig Roast Cochair Sylvia Tagert; Bruce Roast Co-chair Bob Tagert.

Back row: Keystone Board Members Cesira Berardelli and Marge Ruggiero; EFF Board Di Jolley; EFF Founder and Lead Psychologist Ann Lewis; Keystone Board Member Gloria Rizzo; Keystone Chapter President Nan Gramigna; Keystone Board Member Val Riggi; EFF Board Vice-President Mary Beth Guyette; Keystone Board Member Marilyn Vitali; EFF Board Member Philip Hawthorne; Keystone Board Chairman Louise Ligi and Chapter V.P. Michele McDade.

UNICO plans charity pig roast for April 20th

Posted on April 2, 2024 by The Dunmorean

Dunmore’s Keystone Chapter UNICO National will host its 12^th annual Charity Pig Roast on Saturday, April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at Fiorelli’s Catering.

“Equines For Freedom” is the primary beneficiary of this year’s event which has the theme of “A Little Bit Country.” There will be an open bar from 5-7 with passed hors d’oeuvres, Italian buffet dinner, and “EJ the DJ” will provide music. There will be chances for an extensive basket raffle, money umbrella, Wilbur the money pig, and new this year is a “Wheelbarrow of Spirits.” Cost is $70.

Reservations are a must and can be made with Michele at 570-343-7009 Sponsorship opportunities are available by calling Mark at 570-335-7830.

Planning committee members are, front row from left: Cochairs Bob and Sylvia Tagert; and representing “Equines For Freedom” are Roxann Nole-Graham, Therapist LPC; and Bruce Spencer, Board of Directors president. Second row: Mark McDade, sponsorships; Michele McDade, reservations; Chapter President Nanine Gramigna, decorations; Gloria Rizzo, “Wilbur The Pig” money raffle coordinator; Cesira Berardelli, “Italian Money Tree” coordinator, and Mary Lou Karliak, coordinator of the Super Italian Basket Raffle. Missing from photo are Anne and Vince Martino, coordinators of the “Wheelbarrow of Spirits.”

UNICO presents check to Equines for Freedom

Posted on September 28, 2016 by The Dunmorean

The Keystone Chapter UNICO National presented a $1,754.70 check to “Equines for Freedom” from the proceeds of their “Applebee’s Flapjack Breakfast”. “Equines for Freedom” is an organization at Marley’s Mission that offers horse therapy to veterans suffering from post traumatic stress disease (PTSD).

Pictured from left are Frank Coviello, breakfast event co-chairman; Sylvia Tagert, “Equines for Freedom” executive board member and fundraising chairwoman; Cathy Bianchi, Keystone Chapter President; and Mary Ann Coviello, breakfast event co-chairwoman.