Tag Archives: volunteer

Ronald McDonald House sets Gourmet Gala for April 3

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Gourmet Gala dunmore Volunteers 16

Planners for the Gourmet Gala, set for April 3, are from left: Kathy Nelson, event co-chair; Nadine Ferrario, Dunmore volunteer and basket raffle c0-chair, and Michelle Margotta Neary, event chair.

Gourmet Gala “In Wonderland,” a harlequin-themed extravaganza will set the tone for the 29th annual Ronald McDonald House Gourmet Gala.  Last year was the first year at a new venue, Mohegan Sun at Pocono Down, and it was a record-breaking year for both attendance and money raised.

“We hope to have another breaking year”, said event chair Michele Margotta Neary.  “With delicious food provided by over 40 local restaurants and music by Picture Perfect Band, how can we go wrong?” she added.  The theme “In Wonderland” was selected based on the feeling of warmth and welcoming the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton gives to families with hospitalized children who are receiving treatment locally.

The House accommodates these families in a safe, loving and private environment helping to alleviate fear, helplessness, confusion and some financial burden that is associated with hospitalizing a child.

The Gourmet Gala “In Wonderland” is a major fundraiser for the Ronald McDonald House of Scranton, which serves the families of children who are hospitalized here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The event is set for Sunday, April 3, at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Wilkes-Barre.  The chairperson is Michele Margotta Neary and co-chair Kathy Nelson.

For information on volunteering, tickets or participating as a restaurant or sponsorship contact the Ronald McDonald House at 570-969-8998.

Keystone UNICO 2015 Scholarship Recipients

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The UNICO motto is “Service above self,” and that motto is the basis of how the Dunmore Keystone Chapter UNICO recently selected their three 2015 scholarships recipients: Jenna Lopatka of Dunmore High School; Drew Magda of Holy Cross High School; and Jeff Panetti of Mid Valley High School.

UNICO Scholarships_Lopatka of Dunmore

At the May Board Meeting of Keystone UNICO at Mecca’s Place, Dunmore senior Jenna Lopatka (right center) was awarded a Keystone UNICO scholarship.

Lopatka is the daughter of David and Antoinette Lopatka. One of her favorite volunteer opportunities was organizing and coordinating a Feed A Friend food Drive.  She plans to attend Millersville University in the fall with an undeclared major.

Magda is the son of Robert and Michelle Magda.  He is a regular volunteer at Griffin Pond Animal Shelter and has logged 1,070 hours of service.  He has committed to attend Drexel University in the fall to major in engineering.

Panetti is the son of Jeff and Barbara Panetti.  Along with volunteering at his church in many different capacities, he has helped at Volunteer Village, an organization for special needs children. He will continue his education at Penn State’s Worthington campus in the fall where he will major in information science and technology.

UNICO Scholarships_Magda of Holy Cross and Panetti of MidValley

At the May General Chapter Meeting of Keystone UNICO at La Buona Vita, Drew Magda and Jeff Panetti were each awarded a Keystone UNICO Scholarship. (Courtesy: Keystone UNICO)

Each scholar received a Keystone UNICO Certificate and a check for $750.  The criteria for these scholarships include being accepted to a school of higher learning and a proven commitment to community service.  Sandy Collins serves as the local UNICO Scholarship Chairman.

Keystone UNICO is a member of UNICO National, the largest Italian American service organization in the United States. Membership is open to U.S. citizens of Italian lineage beginning at the age of 13 and into adulthood.  If you have an interest in joining, contact Membership Director Cathy Bianchi at (570)489-3003.