May 23—WILKES-BARRE — Bill Jones, president and CEO of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, said when he woke up to the sound of thunder Thursday morning, he immediately looked at the weather radar on his phone and thought of the 750 volunteers . scheduled to participate in the organization’s 31st annual Day of Care.
Jones said his radar app showed the rain would eventually stop by mid-morning.
A few hours later, at the event’s kick-off breakfast at the Woodlands Inn, Jones told the crowd of volunteers that they might get a little wet or muddy, but not to let a few drops of water dampen their efforts.
“In fact, today and throughout the year, you, as donors and volunteers, are helping United Way protect area children and others in need from the rain and storms they face every day,” Jones said.
Jones added that only 5 of the 59 planned projects were postponed or canceled due to weather.
And by 10 a.m. the rain had stopped and just over 700 volunteers from 75 local businesses, dressed in their brightly colored “LIVE UNITED” T-shirts, were at full speed planting flowers, cleaning grounds, painting, spreading mulch, building and repairing things. involving children and much more.
According to data from Independent Sector, a national coalition of nonprofits, Jones said the value of time donated for this year’s Day of Care was nearly $100,000.
During the kickoff breakfast, several businesses, individuals and high school students were recognized for their support of the United Way, the community and their schools.
—The Rose Brader Award was presented to Geraldine Ulichney, a retired teacher and longtime volunteer at the McGlynn Learn Center.
—The Sarah and Anthony Kane Award was presented to Patricia Backo-Temple, a passionate and experienced teacher at West Side CTC.
—Corporate Awards were presented to Navient and McCarthy Tire for their extensive and continued support of the United Way.
– More than a dozen individuals who participated in more than ten Day of Caring events were honored. One participant, Dave Grossi, Store Manager at Wegmans, was recognized for participating in 30 Day of Caring events.
Yvette Magistro, vice president of resource development at United Way, introduced the nominees for United Way’s Vision of the Valley. Emerging student leaders were nominated by their schools during Black History Month, Women’s History Month and Diversity Month.
These high-achieving students included:
—Keimya Brown, Wyoming area.
—Elissa DeLeon Gil, Malazia Benjamin and Mariely Sosa, Wilkes-Barre.
—Evelyn Saltz, Wyoming Valley West.
—Haily Yakus, Dallas.
—Ruby Sorber, Lake Lehman.
–Isabella Granteed, Holy Redeemer.
—Kayla Nash, Hanover region.
—Hannah Brennal, Northwestern.
“Despite a shaky start, it was a beautiful day,” said Jones. “As was evident at breakfast and throughout the day, the caring nature of our community was on full display today.”
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
