Join Us for the Community Champion Awards and Celebrating our 30th Anniversary!
The Luzerne Foundation is proud to announce its 2nd Annual Community Champions event!
These awards, inspired by the Foundation’s weekly news column, seek to highlight individuals in our community who make a difference to each of us living in Northeastern Pennsylvania.
“It’s no secret what makes Luzerne County a great place to live – it’s the people” said Luzerne Foundation President and CEO David Pedri. “These Community Champions each exemplify service, leadership and compassion for those in need. They are “roll up the sleeves and get the job done” type of people and we are honored to stand next them” continued Pedri.
The winners are nominated by members of the community through an open voting process on the Foundation’s website.
Thursday, April 11, 2024
Westmoreland Club
5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
$175.00/person
Dinner Options Include:
- Herb Encrusted Tenderloin
- Pan Seared Chicken Breast
- Soy Mirin Glazed Salmon
- Vegetable Mélange
Sponsorship Packages Available
For more information Contact Paul Oswald: 570.822.2065 or paul@luzfdn.org
Nominate a Community Champion!
Corporation or Business Champion
To qualify for this award, a corporation or its corporate foundation must demonstrate outstanding commitment through financial support and the encouragement and motivation of others to take leadership roles toward philanthropy and community involvement. The nomination should list the nominee’s achievements, including:
- Evidence of direct gift support indicated by the support of projects in the community, nationally and internationally
- Description of the impact of gift support on projects
- Definition of specific achievements accomplished through the corporation’s efforts
- Evidence of inspiration given to others to take leadership roles in philanthropy and community involvement
40 Below Innovator Champion
The 40 Below Innovator Champion is an individual 40 years old or under who gives back to the community meaningfully. The individual should be a motivator of others, a good listener, and possesses an entrepreneurial spirit
- How have the individual touches lives
- Description of individual’s commitment to continuing professional development and to the fundraising profession and philanthropy through voluntary service and financial support of nonprofit organizations
- Description of specific achievements accomplished through his/her efforts
Nonprofit Champion
This award is designed for an outstanding nonprofit organization whose impact is far-reaching across our community. The nomination should include the following:
- A description of the nonprofit’s mission.
- How has the organization’s mission touched lives
- Description of individual’s commitment to continuing professional development and to the fundraising profession and philanthropy through voluntary service and financial support of nonprofit organizations
Volunteer Champion
The individual eligible for this nomination must have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in coordinating groups of volunteers and giving freely of their time, talent and treasure. The recipient should demonstrate exceptional skills coordinating and motivating groups of volunteers for fundraising projects, community service projects, and/or special events for the benefit of charitable institutions and a commitment to the advancement of philanthropy. Nominations should list the nominee’s specific achievements for the past year or several years, such as:
- Evidence of quality of leadership and organizational ability in area of service
- Description of time, effort and financial commitment in local, national and/or international nonprofit organizations
- Description of fundraising goals achieved by his/her effort
Advocate Champion
This award is given to recognize an advocate who has excelled in campaigning for a better Luzerne County. The Advocate Champion inspires others to make a difference by engaging the public in thought-provoking discussions, inspiring change, and promoting a more welcoming and engaged Luzerne County.
- Describe the extent to which the nominee has been effective in formulating ideas and planning efforts that have made a positive impact on the community.
- Identify the level of influence and effectiveness achieved by the nominee and their commitment to activities that provide significant community contribution.
- Describe how the nominee has successfully collaborated, engaged, and led the community in accomplishing their goals.
Submit Your Nomination Online!
2023 Community Champions
Volunteer Champion – Alan K. Stout
Alan is the Executive Director of the Luzerne County Convention and Visitors Bureau. The former newspaper man is an active volunteer serving as a Writer and Executive Producer for the recently released “Agnes” documentary that detailed the 1972 Flood. He was the organizer for the “Concert for a Cause” and now oversees the “Rockin the River” concert series in Wilkes-Barre. He is a former Little League coach and serves on the steering committee of the recently created Luzerne County Entertainment Hall of Fame.
Business Champion – DiscoverNEPA
DiscoverNEPA is a 10 county marketing organization powered by Mericle to encourage Northeastern Pennsylvania’s best and brightest to stay in the region, to promote local quality of life assets and communities, to recruit talented individuals to the region, and to assist local nonprofits by cultivating awareness and volunteerism; branding the region as one of the nation’s best places to live. They have thousands of followers on social media and provide free content to highlight Northeastern Pennsylvania nonprofits and businesses.
Nonprofit Champion – Volunteers in Medicine
Volunteers in Medicine, a Luzerne County nonprofit based in Wilkes-Barre provides medical assistance for the uninsured and underinsured population of Northeastern Pennsylvania. In their 15 years of service, they have provided aid to thousands of Luzerne County residents in need of care. Led by Executive Director Kelly Ranieli and Founding Chair Dr. Susan Sordoni, they coordinate volunteer medical and dental personnel to support the needy.
40 Below Innovator Champion – Chris Bohinski
Chris is the Co-Host and Producer of WBRE’s PA Live!. He is a consistent supporter and fan of dozens of local non-profits and schools. He gives of his time and talent to highlight people who help others in our community. A singer and music enthusiast, he most recently served as member of the Luzerne County and Beyond Got Talent event and finished 3rd in the most recent Wilkes-Barre Dancing with Stars to support KISS theater.
The Luzerne Foundation works to enhance the lives of Luzerne County residents by evaluating and addressing community needs through strategic grantmaking, promoting responsible philanthropy, and connecting donors to causes that matter to them.
2023 Community Champions Event
Photos courtesy of Curtis Salonick