Mohegan Pennsylvania Partners with Team Allied Services

Mohegan Pennsylvania is thrilled to announce the public kick-off of the 2024 Team Allied Services & You fundraising campaign, in partnership with Allied Services, who they have been a major sponsor for 15 years. The campaign launch will be celebrated at Mohegan Pennsylvania’s Party on the Patio event on Thursday, August 15th. The celebration will begin at 4:00pm with a live broadcast by WNEP TV’s Chelsea Strub, who will introduce viewers to members of the fundraising and marathon team. Doors open at 6:00pm for the free 21-and-over concert, with live music from Parrot Beach, a Jimmy Buffett tribute, starting at 7:30pm. Official Team Allied Services exercise shirts and wristbands will be available for sale and volunteers will be collecting donations.

“What makes Mohegan Pennsylvania so special as part of Team Allied Services is that in addition to hosting our campaign launch, they always have a team member that raises additional funds, trains for the marathon, and makes the trip to New York City to run the marathon in November,” – said Charlotte Wright, Assistant VP of Marketing & Development. “It has been a tremendous partnership with Mohegan Pennsylvania, and we’re thrilled to again kick our fundraising season off at Party on the Patio on August 15th!”   

Team Allied Services & You is an annual charity campaign designed to inspire fitness, challenge disability, and change lives. The months-long campaign culminates with a dedicated team of 68 volunteers participating in the prestigious TCS New York City Marathon on November 3rd, 2024. Proceeds from the campaign will benefit children with disabilities at the Allied Services John P. Moses Esq. Pediatric Rehab Centers in Northeast and Central Pennsylvania. Donations will help the non-profit health system extend specialized rehabilitation services to more underinsured children with disabilities, life-changing injuries and chronic illnesses.

For each of the 15 years that Mohegan Pennsylvania has been a major sponsor, at least one team member has represented Mohegan Pennsylvania (or its parent company, Mohegan) as a fundraiser and a marathon runner. This year is no exception, with Jason Bohenek, Internal Audit Manager of the Mohegan Tribe, and Jennifer Ducharme, Director of Events at Mohegan Pennsylvania, participating. All funds raised this year will be allocated to pediatric services within Allied Services.

The Greater Scranton YMCA Joins Five Days of Action to Protect Children

The Greater Scranton YMCA is participating in the Five Days of Action, April 24-28, 2022. The Five Days of Action is a week long campaign to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse.

The Greater Scranton YMCA encourages adults and organizations to join in marking this special week as the Greater Scranton region comes together to make the community a safer place for children to live, learn, and play. With summer right around the corner—when children gather for activities and camps, it is a wonderful time to bring attention to the simple ways we can all make the children in our community safer. The Know. See. Respond. campaign is back this year, tying in three impact areas –preventing child sexual abuse at both summer camp and in youth sports, and internet safety. “The children of our communities have the right to a happy and safe childhood, and it’s our responsibility as adults and organizations to stand up to protect that right,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “By joining in the Five Days of Action campaign, we hope to inspire other organizations and members of our community to create safe spaces that protect children from sexual abuse.”

For more information about the Five Days of Action, check out the Greater Scranton YMCA’s blog post. For more information and resources about the prevention of child sexual abuse, visit From Darkness to Light. For more information about the Greater Scranton YMCA, visit www.greaterscrantonymca.org.

Greater Scranton YMCA Giving Tuesday Campaign

The Greater Scranton YMCA believes all children, adults and families from our community deserve the chance to experience all the Y has to offer. For so many, though, the resources are not available to join the Y, send a child to preschool or enroll in the after-school program.

That’s why on Giving Tuesday, November 29, 2022, we’re asking for support. GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and the world. On Giving Tuesday, our goal is to raise the funds needed to ensure those most in need from our community can benefit from our services.

“The Greater Scranton YMCA is proud to turn no one away for an inability to pay,” said Trish Fisher, President & CEO, Greater Scranton YMCA. “Annually, we award hundreds of thousands of dollars to low-income children, adults and families from our community, allowing them to benefit from all the Y has to offer. Funds raised for our year-end appeal will allow us to continue fulfilling our mission.”

As part of the Greater Scranton YMCA’s fundraising efforts, the Y is proud to participate in AllOne Charities’ Give Day. From Monday, November 28th through Wednesday, November 30th at 4:00pm, AllOne Charities will match contributions participating organizations raise up to $1,000. Donations can be made on AllOne Charities’ Give Day donation form or mailed to 83 East Union Street, Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701. Checks must be made payable to AllOne Charities and need to be received by December 8th in order to count towards bonuses.

For more information or for questions on how to donate to the Greater Scranton YMCA or participate in AllOne Charities’ Give Day, contact Meghan Carnevale, Mission Advancement & Marketing Director, at mcarnevale@greaterscrantonymca.org or (570) 828-3113.

Geisinger Health Foundation Launches Beyond the Bricks Campaign

Geisinger has provided unwavering care to the community for more than 100 years, including for mothers and families. With the launch of the “Beyond the Bricks”fundraising campaign, Geisinger Health Foundation plans to “go beyond” by providing more impactful, innovative and patient-centered care that addresses many of the most pressing needs faced by young people and families from our region.

“Throughout its first quarter-century, Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital has been synonymous with excellent care,” said Gary and Sandy Sojka, campaign co-chairs for Beyond the Bricks. “With philanthropic support, we will empower care providers as they address emerging concerns in pediatric medicine and work in our communities to combat growing problems. We hope you will recognize the importance of these and other pressing issues — and join with the pediatric and women’s health teams at Geisinger to make a difference for your friends and neighbors.”  

The campaign aims to continue Janet and Sigfried Weis’ mission to provide the best care to children and families across the Geisinger footprint through the creation or expansion of programs and services that align with the campaign’s five guiding commitments:

  • Protecting our children
  • Enhancing care across our footprint through access and innovation
  • Improving access to behavioral healthcare
  • Caring for mothers and babies
  • Promoting education and scientific inquiry 

Johnson College News

Johnson College $5 Million Comprehensive Capital Campaign for Campus Enhancements

Johnson College publicly launched its new, $5 million comprehensive, five-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work,” during a community kickoff event on Wednesday, June 8, where it revealed plans for major campus-wide projects.

The “Innovation at Work” campaign consists of four components that will create an environment for growth and success: the construction of a new gateway building, which will become the official entrance to the campus and include new lab and classroom space; the expansion of Woolworth Hall which houses on-campus lab space for programs including Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning and Electrical Construction Technology; the creation of a Transportation Education Center; and support of the College’s Annual Fund and student scholarships.

A crucial catalyst for the “Innovation at Work” campaign is a $1 million contribution from Ideal T. Saldi, a Johnson College alum from the class of 1949, and his wife, Frances Saldi, alongside other funders who have invested in the College. The Saldis’ gift, announced in April before the college community, is the largest gift from a Johnson College alum to date and will have a lasting impact on the school, and its students. To honor this gift, the new, state-of-the-art gateway building will be named Ideal Saldi Hall.

“At the heart of this campaign is our students. It is focused on helping them be successful,” President and CEO, Dr. Katie Leonard said. “We strive to carry forward Orlando S. Johnson’s vision of providing a trade school to the region where young men and women can learn useful trades that will enable them to make an honorable living and become contributing members of society.”

As the world of technology continues to change rapidly, Johnson College must change with it. The College’s facilities must remain in sync with industry as new technologies, emerging fields of study, and more sophisticated equipment modernize how the world does business. 

Dave Boniello, president of Simplex Homes, Johnson College Alum from the class of 1984, former Johnson College Chair of the Board of Directors, and chair of the “Innovation at Work” Capital Campaign, announced that during the campaign’s silent phase, the College has already raised 75% of its $5 million-dollar goal thanks to loyal and generous donors from the community. After noting his personal pledge to support the campaign, Boniello asked the Johnson College community to join him in participating in the school’s most comprehensive capital campaign thus far.

“If you have an opportunity to support Johnson College and its students, through the “Innovation at Work” campaign, your gift will have a tremendous and lasting impact on our students, employers, and the region. Together, We Work!” said Boniello.  

For more information about Johnson College’s comprehensive, 5-year capital campaign, “Innovation at Work,” visit Johnson.edu/innovationatwork.

Johnson College Enrolling Students in OBDII Emissions Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education department is enrolling students into its next OBDII Emissions Training. The class will be held on the Johnson College campus in Scranton on Monday, June 27, Tuesday, June 28, and Thursday, June 30, 2022, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The class fee to be paid to Johnson College is $180, and a study material and testing fee of $39.99 is paid directly to the PA Training Portal. For more details, visit Johnson.edu/continuingeducation, call 570-702-8979, or email continuinged@johnson.edu.

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Team Enrolling Students in Two Different Welding Classes

Johnson College’s Continuing Education Program is currently enrolling students in a Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate MIG Welding starting June 21, 2022, and Fundamentals of Welding and Intermediate Stick Welding beginning June 30, 2022. Both classes will be held on the Johnson College campus in Scranton. To learn more or enroll, visit https://johnson.edu/continuingeducation/ or contact the Johnson College Continuing Education department at 570-702-8979 or email continuinged@johnson.edu. 

Both classes will teach the basics of the major welding processes and then focus on either Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) or Shielded Metal Arc Welding (Stick).

Johnson College Enrolling Students in Forklift Operator Training Course

Johnson College’s Continuing Education program is offering a Forklift Operator Training Course on Saturday, July 23, 2022, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Diesel Truck Technology Center on the College’s campus in Scranton. The cost of the course is $200, but if you are a current Johnson College student or alum the cost is only $100. Space is limited! Visit johnson.edu/continuingeducation or contact our Continuing Education team at 570-702-8979 or continuinged@johnson.edu to learn more and enroll.

Johnson College Receives EITC Contribution in Support of STEM Outreach and Industry Fast Track Programs

Recently, Johnson College received a $5,000 EITC contribution from Pride Mobility in support of the College’s STEM Outreach and Industry Fast Track Programs.

Pride Mobility’s contribution to Johnson College is part of Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The program offers businesses a tax credit for supporting state-approved educational improvement programs. Johnson College is approved to accept EITC contributions in support of its STEM outreach and Industry Fast Track programs.

Through its STEM Outreach, Johnson College utilizes its experience in providing industry-focused, hands-on technical education to expand its outreach to elementary, middle, and high school students. The outreach raises awareness of the benefits of STEM education and the possibilities of achieving economic independence through employment in a STEM career field.

Johnson College’s Industry Fast Track program offers high school students from participating area school districts an opportunity to enroll simultaneously in secondary and post-secondary coursework at Johnson College. The course meets state requirements for high school graduation while providing college-level courses. Students remain enrolled full-time at their high school while attending classes at Johnson College.

St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen Continues ‘Host for A Day’ Campaign

The St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen in Scranton is conducting its annual “Host for A Day” campaign. An individual, a family, a business, a community organization or faith-based group can sponsor the day’s meal at the kitchen. The day’s meals may also be sponsored in memory of a loved one. Under normal operating procedures, the Kitchen serves 250 hot, nutritious meals every day to men, women and children in need.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the Year Campaign in Northeast PA

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Man and Woman of the Year campaign in Northeast PA is slated to kick off on March 16, 2021 and we are looking for YOU! Are you looking to join an organization and make a HUGE impact in the fight against cancer? Why not be a candidate for the Man and Woman of the Year Campaign?

What is Man & Woman of the Year?

Each year, in communities across the country, dynamic, passionate candidates engage in a spirited competition to earn The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s “Man & Woman of the Year” titles by raising funds for blood cancer research. The candidates compete in honor of children who are local blood cancer survivors, the Boy & Girl of the Year. Every dollar counts as one vote, and the titles are awarded to the man and woman with the most votes at the end of ten weeks. The top local fundraisers in the country win the national titles.

To date, these dedicated leaders have helped LLS invest almost $1 billion in research to advance the LLS mission. In 2020, 800 candidates from across the country collectively raised 50 million.

Man & Woman candidates are goal-orientated and compassionate. Their relentless efforts help us in pursuit of our goal: a world without blood cancer.

The funds raised through Man & Woman of the Year are used in many ways:

  • LLS offers free blood cancer information, education and support.
  • Help patients, survivors, families and healthcare professionals.
  • Touch patients in communities through the 60 Chapters across the U.S. and Canada.
  • Drive policies that accelerate the development and approval of new treatments.
  • Advocate for blood cancer survivors and their families, helping patients navigate their cancer treatments and ensuring they have access to quality, affordable and coordinated care.

How to Participate

If you know someone you think would be an ideal candidate you may nominate them and/or become part of their campaign team. Or, you may want to find out more about becoming a candidate yourself. In any case, you should contact Megan Galko, Campaign Development Manager – Man & Woman of the Year, at 570-751-6281 or megan.galko@lls.org to discuss the nomination further. If you’re a born leader, ask about being part of Leadership Committee. If you prefer to have your company associated with this prestigious campaign, find out about becoming a corporate sponsor. Any way you to choose to participate in this high-profile campaign, you’ll be helping people with blood cancers live better, long lives.

Marywood University Wraps Up Its “Making Spirits Bright” Campaign Successfully

Marywood University’s answer to encouraging prayer, sharing gifts, and uplifting people through November and through New Year’s Day is a success. Marywood University began its festivities in November with its “Making Spirits Bright,” initiative, prior to students leaving campus to finish the remainder of their semesters online.

The students desire to help plan and share in the holiday event, which has become such a special part of their Marywood experience, was the catalyst for campus representatives to gather with students and find creative, community-minded solutions. The timeline also connected to the spirit of Marywood’s sponsors, the IHM Congregation, who celebrate their Founders’ Month in November.

Marywood University’s Community Christmas Card Writing project yielded nearly 5,500 Christmas cards that were delivered to 18 different groups locally, nationally and internationally. Participants included 17 clubs and campus organizations, 2 athletic teams, 21 additional individual students, 58 staff members, 20 departments, 5 faculty, 1 retiree, the retired IHM sisters living at Our Lady of Peace residence, and 97 students at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Elementary School, Dunmore, Pa.

Recipients of the Community Christmas Card Writing project included Marywood Heights residents, Our Lady of Peace residents and staff, NativityMiguel School students and staff, the Gino Merli Veterans Centers residents and staff, St. Francis Commons residents and staff, Regional Hospital staff, Moses Taylor Hospital staff, Geisinger CMC staff, St. Joseph’s Center residents and staff, Friends of the Poor staff, the children in Big Friends Little Friends after-school program, and active/deployed military members.

Marywood University also collected a record number of gifts this year, thanks to the generosity of the “Making Spirits Bright” initiative. More than 160 gifts were provided to local children/teens through Friends of the Poor, 73 gifts were provided to Marywood Heights residents, and 146 items for persons experiencing homelessness were donated to the Keystone Rescue Mission.

Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” kicked off its campaign with an Outdoor Tree Lighting and Blessing of Nativity. Student groups typically create ornaments for the tree, but, since it was an outdoor event this year, the student organizations decided to participate in campus decorating efforts with Marywood’s Grounds/Maintenance staff. Campus decorating was completed by 18 volunteers who contributed 54 hours of service to decorate campus.

Marywood University continues its “Making Spirits Bright” project through New Year’s Day. The “Light Up Campus” drive through light display will remain in place through the New Year. Additionally, Marywood University’s award-winning, student-run radio station, WMFM 91.7, will continue its traditional community gift of broadcasting commercial-free Christmas music, 24/7 through News Year’s Eve. And, Marywood University’s concerts, events, mass, and chats can be accessed, at youtube.com/watch?list=PLNBU0ru7D18C-3quPrCUVwxt2FTeHZD6I&v=r_pZAXVqVO4&feature=emb_title.

To check out all of Marywood University’s “Making Spirits Bright” initiatives, please visit marywood.edu/article/2020-Making-Spirits-Bright.