The Lackawanna County Commissioners presented a $200,000 American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) check to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter/Humane Society of Lackawanna County. The much-needed resources will provide finances for the organization to cover staff costs, supplies, medicine, and general operations. Like all small, non-profits, Griffin Pond was negatively impacted tremendously during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shown from left: Commissioner Jerry Notarianni, Commissioner Debi Domenick, Commissioner Chris Chermak, Sherry Crolly, Executive Director of the Humane Society of Lackawanna County/Griffin Pond Animal Shelter and Brenda Sacco, the County’s Economic Development Director.
Shown at the presentation are, from left: Jacob Torba, Administrator, Griffin Pond; Rebecca Richardson, Electronic Banking Supervisor, FNCB; Kimberly Cullen, Treasury Sales Officer, FNCB; Alison Joyce, Business Manager, Griffin Pond, and Anthony Besciglia, Maintenance Supervisor, FNCB. In front is Odina, a stray dog rescued by Griffin Pond.
On Tuesday, February 22, 2022 (2.22.22), also known around the world as “Twosday,” FNCB Bank wanted to do something unique for this rare palindrome. Afterall, the date was so rare, another Twosday won’t happen again for another 400 years, in 2422.
In addition to every employee wearing custom designed 2.22.22 t-shirts, team members were asked to nominate local charities to receive a special donation of $222.22.
Initially the Bank was going to select two winners for obvious reasons but selected four due to the tremendous response. In fact, the Bank selected two “human” winners, Ruth’s Place and the Children’s Advocacy Center and two “non-human” winners, Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge and Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.
“The response was overwhelming,” said Michael Cummings, FNCB Bank Vice President, Marketing Manager. “We’re glad we were able to have a little fun and help some very deserving organizations at the same time. In 2422 when FNCB is 512 years old, we will do it again.”
The Twosday fundraiser was part of FNCB’s larger Community Caring initiative. As a true, local community bank, FNCB Bank is making a difference through volunteerism, donations and outreach programs.
Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, Clarks Summit, is proud to announce they received over $20,000 in monetary donations from the public in support of its recent Betty White Challenge. As Northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest no-kill animal shelter, Griffin Pond was grateful to join the grassroots effort to raise funds to honor the beloved American and entertainment icon on what would have been her 100th birthday.
The digital campaign, which took place from Friday, Jan. 14, through Monday, Jan. 17—Ms. White’s birthday—included social media posts of photos and biographies of their adoptable animals along with insights White offered throughout her life about her love of animals and life. The campaign also included a coordinated email and mobile message blast encouraging friends to contribute via the shelter’s website or mail in Ms. White’s name to support the care of the more than 200 animals at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter.
All proceeds will be used to replenish the shelter medical account with an emphasis on supporting its spay/neuter program—a cause White advocated for as a champion of animal welfare.
