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.

Keystone Mission Raises Money for NEPA Gives

Coming up on year five, Keystone Mission took part in NEPA Gives, a 24-online giving event that’s all about giving back to the community. On June 6-7, 2024, Keystone Mission’s goal was to raise $10,000 toward the transportation needs of Transformation Center residents. Together, the community helped Keystone Mission surpass the goal and raise over $15,000! Whether it is medical, dental, and mental health appointments or traveling to a job interview, transportation is essential to connecting residents of the 24/7 shelter program to the proper resources and changing their lives. “NEPA Gives 2024 is an amazing experience for Keystone Mission. We are appreciative to our matching donors and other general donors for their generosity. These funds will bring much relief to our Transformation Center residents, making attending and receiving specific services easier. We can’t thank our donors enough!” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director. “Even through a tough economic climate, our donors rally with us to fill the transportation gap in our programming. We can’t thank the community enough for their unwavering support,” said Jillian Mirro, Communications & Marketing Manager. Keystone Mission recognizes the generosity of the local organizations that provided matching gifts: Pioneer Construction Company Inc., Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, Dustbusters Cleaning Team Inc., Cross Valley Federal Credit Union, Deluxe Detail, Citizen’s Saving Bank, and Medico Construction Equipment Inc.. Keystone Mission is grateful to the NEPA community that came together to aid in our mission of life transformation.

Cooper’s Restaurant Creates Positive Impact with Keystone Mission

Cooper’s Seafood House presented Keystone Mission with a check for $1,735 after a successful fundraiser with the restaurant.
Through individual and business support, Keystone Mission was overwhelmed by the turnout of the fundraiser held at Cooper’s Restaurant in Scranton.

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner locally with those who care about what we care about – providing help and hope to those who need it in our area,” says Jillian Mirro, Communications & Marketing Manager.

“Keystone Mission thanks Cooper’s Restaurant for their kindness and generosity. These funds will aid us in making a greater impact on the lives of individuals we serve in the various communities, beginning in Scranton. We look forward to working with Cooper’s again,” says Danielle O. Keith-Alexandre, CEO & Executive Director.

The money raised will support the organization’s ongoing programs, beginning with our Scranton Innovation Center for Homeless & Poverty.

Woodloch Resort to Host 15th Annual “A Night for the Cure”

On Sunday, October 22, 2023, Woodloch Pines Resort, an inclusive resort in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains, will host the 15th annual A Night for the Cure. The tricky-tray fundraiser benefits The Penn State Cancer Institute (PSCI) as part of BK Hope Cures. Originally established 24 years ago by Bob Kiesendahl (BK), co-owner of Woodloch and leukemia survivor, the organization’s mission is to raise awareness and funds in the fight against cancer.

Held in the Heritage Nightclub at Woodloch Pines from 5 to 8 PM, the family-friendly evening will feature over 150 items donated by local individuals and businesses, as well as wine and beer tastings, hors d’oeuvres, a dessert table, and a 50/50 raffle. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and have the chance to win dining gift certificates, unique gift baskets, and overnight stay packages at the area’s leading resorts and hotels.

Admission costs $15, and 100% of the profits benefit The Penn State Cancer Institute breast cancer research and awareness efforts. The PSCI is a leading cancer facility centrally located in Hershey, PA. The dress code is casual, and attendees are encouraged to wear pink in support of the cause.

Last year, over 400 people attended and more than $23,000 was raised! “Each year, A Night for the Cure continues to grow and improve. It’s a special evening to raise money for a very important cause, demonstrate our solidarity with survivors, celebrate with friends and even win some fantastic prizes. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the local businesses and individuals who generously contribute their time and skills to create this exceptional event,” said Bob Kiesendahl. 


In addition to A Night for the Cure, Hope Cures also holds two other fundraising events each year, which include both a golf tournament and a 5K run/walk. Over the past 24 years, Hope Cures has raised over $1.5 million. These funds benefit cancer research and patient care at several worthy facilities and foundations.

For more information about Hope Cures and this October’s great event, please visit: www.bkhopecures.org/trickytray. Additionally, table and room reservations can be arranged by calling Woodloch Resort at 570-685-8002.

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Raises Money for Students

Braving the weather for a good cause,golfers enjoyed camaraderie and a round at one of northeastern Pennsylvania’s most scenic courses on June 12 while donating to bolster the future of health care in the region.

The Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine Golf Classic, sponsored by PNC Bank, was held at Glenmaura National Golf Club and raised money to support medical student scholarships.

“We’re grateful to everyone who participated in the Golf Classic or donated to the Student Scholarship Fund, and to PNC Bank, whose sponsorship helped make this event possible,” said Julie Byerley, M.D., M.P.H, president of Geisinger College of Health Sciences, dean of Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, and executive vice president and chief academic officer of Geisinger. “Their generosity lays a foundation for our future medical students, physicians and the continued care of the communities we serve.”

With an aging population in the region and a national physician shortage, recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds and financial means is critical to providing care locally and nationally. Geisinger’s Student Scholarship Fund helps educate and train doctors who can help close the physician gap, some of whom will serve northeastern and central Pennsylvania.

United Way Announces Scholarship Recipient

The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike awarded the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to Vanessa Hodges, a 2023 graduate of Forest City Regional High School. The scholarship award was officially presented as part of the 27th 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 $1,500,000 have been raised during the 27 years of this golf outing.

“For the past 27 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 12th year of existence, a total amount of $75,600 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 2023 scholarship recipient is Vanessa Hodges, a Forest City Regional High School graduate who will be attending Penn State Scranton to pursue a degree in Business.

Vanessa’s community service accomplishments include the American Red Cross Blood Drive, Feed a Friend Program, Toys for Tots, Steamtown Marathon, Teresa’s Angels and her senior project supporting the Annual Forest City Softball Parents Club. Additionally, Vanessa is a member of the National Honor Society, Future Business Leaders of America, Student Council, the Yearbook Committee as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she is engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Vanessa’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at Forest City Regional.

“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.

UCP of NEPA Summit Slam Pickleball Tournament

United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania (UCP of NEPA) will host the “Summit Slam Pickleball Tournament for UCP of NEPA” from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 22, at Birchwood Tennis and Fitness Center, 105 Edella Rd., Clarks Summit. The event is a non-sanctioned, round-robin tournament of men’s, women’s, and mixed teams. Teams will enjoy playing on eight newly-surfaced, indoor Nova® hard pickleball courts and will have access to modern clubhouse facilities. All players will receive an official tournament shirt, player gift bag, bottled water, and a free drink coupon for a beverage from the exclusive event drink menu at the “Clink & Dink Tournament Eve Happy Hour

The “Clink & Dink Tournament Eve Happy Hour” will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 21, at Andy Gavin’s Eatery & Pub, 1392 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. This event will include pickle-themed drink specials, food, raffles, and more. Prior to the event, any guest who makes a $10 donation via UCP of NEPA’s website, www.ucpnepa.org, will receive a free drink coupon for an item from the exclusive event drink menu.

There also will be a basket and gift card raffle of prizes from restaurants, businesses, and more located throughout northeastern Pennsylvania. Chances may be purchased at either event or online at www.ucpnepa.org.

For more information, please contact Mrs. Jackie Galvin, M.S., director of communications and development, at j.galvin@ucpnepa.org or 570-347-3357, ext. 33.

To register to play or to provide sponsorship or donation, visit www.ucpnepa.org.

All event proceeds will be used to fund programs to help children with special needs develop their skills and abilities through UCP of NEPA’s children’s service center, Clarks Summit.