United Way Announces Scholarship Recipient The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike awarded the Mike Munchak Community Service Scholarship to Celia Emiliani, a 2024 graduate of West Scranton High School. The scholarship award was officially presented as part of the 28th 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 $1,600,000 have been raised during the 28 years of this golf outing. “For the past 28 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 13th year of existence, a total amount of $81,900 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 2024 scholarship recipient is Celia Emiliani, a West Scranton High School graduate who will be attending the University of Pittsburgh to pursue a degree in International Business. Celia’s community service accomplishments include the American Red Cross Blood Drive, activities at the Knights of Columbus, St. Patrick’s Food Pantry, Scranton 1/2 Marathon, Community Intervention Center, Read Across America, Scranton Public Library among many other activities. Additionally, Celia is a member of the National Honor Society, West Scranton High Class President of 2024, Student Representative to the Scranton School Board, SADD Club Secretary as well as an array of clubs and activities in which she is engaged. The Scholarship Committee noted Celia’s superior GPA as well as the leadership qualities she exhibited throughout her time at West Scranton. “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.
United Way Receives Generous Donation The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is excited to announce a generous donation of $50,000 from the Hawk Family Foundation, Dunmore, in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library as well as the allocation process of the United Way. This generous contribution will not only help provide free books to children, fostering a love of reading and promoting early childhood literacy but also be distributed to various agencies throughout NEPA during United Way’s allocation process. The donation was presented on June 25th, 2024 at the Gertrude Hawk corporate location in Dunmore, PA. $25,000 will be directly donated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, highlighting the foundation’s commitment to community engagement and support for educational initiatives. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a beloved program by many, mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of the family’s income. The other $25,000 donation are non-designated funds which allows the United Way to distribute them to various programs administered by agencies throughout Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike County that focus on key areas of the United Way; Health, Economic Mobility and Education. “We are incredibly grateful to the Hawk Family Foundation for their generous support of the United Way,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This donation will have a profound impact on the lives of many children and families in our community.” The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community through education, health, and economic mobility programs. This donation from the Hawk Family Foundation will help further the mission of the United Way and ensure that children and households have the resources they need to succeed.
United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne, and Pike Counties Receives Donations The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is excited to announce a generous donation of $2,500 from RJ Burne Cadillac, Scranton, in support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. This generous contribution will help provide free books to children, fostering a love of reading and promoting early childhood literacy. The donation was presented on June 12th, 2024 in RJ Burne Cadillac’s showroom, highlighting the dealership’s commitment to community engagement and support for educational initiatives. The Dolly Parton Imagination Library, a beloved program by many, mails free, high-quality books to children from birth until they begin school, regardless of the family’s income. “We are incredibly grateful to RJ Burne Cadillac for their substantial support of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library,” said Gary Drapek, President & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This donation will have a profound impact on the lives of many children in our community, giving them access to books and the joy of reading from an early age. Investing in early literacy is crucial for the future success of our children, and we are thrilled to have RJ Burne Cadillac as a partner in this important initiative.” The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike remains dedicated to improving the lives of individuals and families in the community through education, health, and economic mobility programs. This donation from RJ Burne Cadillac will help further the mission of the United Way and ensure that children have the resources they need to succeed. For more information about the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, please visit uwlc.net or contact Matt Ceruti, Vice President of Resource Development and Campaign, 570.343.1267 x234 or mceruti@uwlc.net
Fidelity Bank Presents Check to United Way of Lackawanna Wayne & Pike The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is delighted to announce the receipt of a generous donation from Fidelity Deposit and Discount Bank, demonstrating a commitment to community betterment and collaborative action. The check presentation, marks a significant milestone in the partnership between Fidelity Bank and the United Way in advancing the vital Pre-Kindergarten Scholarship Program. Fidelity Bank’s contribution exemplifies its dedication to making a positive impact in the community and supporting organizations that address critical needs. The generous donation through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program will enable the United Way to continue its mission of supporting children within our community. “We are deeply grateful to Fidelity Bank for their continued support and partnership,” said Matt Ceruti, Vice President, Resource Development/Campaign, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This contribution will play a crucial role in our efforts to create lasting change and empower children and families in need. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.”
United Way’s Gift of Warmth Program Reaches Pike County The United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike is pleased to announce a fund distribution of $10,000 to Pike County in support of The Gift of Warmth Program. The $10,000 check, presented to Pike County officials on Thursday, February 1st, represents a targeted fund in the local community that focuses on heating assistance for households experiencing tough times. “We are thrilled to provide this $10,000 contribution to Pike County, furthering our commitment to building stronger, more resilient communities,” said Gary Drapek, Preside & CEO of the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike. “This reflects our dedication to collaborating with local partners and addressing the unique challenges faced by Pike County residents. We believe in the power of collective action to create positive and lasting change and are excited to extended our resources to Pike County.” For more information about the United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike and its Gift of Warmth Program, please visit uwlc.net or contact Barry Snyder, Vice President of Community OutReach at 570.343.1267 x237 or bsnyder@uwlc.net. (Left to Right) Christa Caceres, Pike County Commissioner, Ronald Schmalzle, Pike County Commissioner, Matthew Osterberg, Pike County Commissioner, Gary Drapek, President & CEO of United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, Robert Ruiz, Pike County Executive Director of Human Services, Amy Burke, Assistant Vice President, The Dime Bank (Dingman’s Ferry)/United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike Board Member, Matt Ceruti, Vice President of Resource Development/Campaign, United Way of Lackawanna, Wayne & Pike, Stephanie Everson, Pike County Housing Coordinator, Samantha Robayo, Pike County Projects Coordinator, Kayla Orben, Pike County Assistant Director of Human Services.
