GDF Recognizes Donors and Volunteers
The Green Dragon Foundation recently honored its volunteers and donors during a reception at Fero Vineyards & Winery. Board Vice President Jimmy Chen opened the event by welcoming attendees and expressing gratitude for their generosity, which enabled the foundation to contribute $235,852 to the Lewisburg Area School District (LASD) last school year and endow an additional $113,225 for future support. Chen emphasized that this would not be possible without the foundation’s many loyal donors backed by hundreds of hours of volunteer effort.
Donald H. Eichhorn Middle School Principal Michael Sokalzuk highlighted the numerous ways in which his students have benefitted from the foundation, thanking donors for making these opportunities possible. Additionally, LAHS Senior Gibson O’Mealy, expressed his gratitude for the foundation’s support of the many of the extracurricular activities he is involved in including Model U.N.
LASD School Board President Dr. Erin Jablonski and Superintendent Mr. Vince Hoover also addressed the audience, sharing their appreciation for the strong collaboration between the district and the foundation. They noted that this partnership helps make possible many opportunities for students that fall outside the regular school budget.
GDF Executive Director Ann Glock highlighted the vital role volunteers play in the foundation’s work, saying, “Their dedication, talent, and community spirit make it possible to fulfill our mission.” Glock also recognized volunteers celebrating service milestones this year: five-year honorees Myra Edgington, Cindy Farmer, Mike O’Connor and Greg Salzler; ten-year honorees Courtney Beddall, Catherine Kramm, Jeff Kramm, Julie Kramm, Justin Kramm, Amit Johal, Karen Nicholson, Polly Patterson, Bill Stackhouse, Niki Weber and Eric Wetzel.
Next, the 2025 “Volunteer of the Year” Award, established in 2011 to honor individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication, was awarded to Michelle Lombard. Glock described how she met Michelle because their husbands worked together and learned that she was unable to work because of her visa situation. Michelle began volunteering in the GDF office several days a week helping with a variety of tasks from database management to communications. In the last fiscal year, she logged over 250 volunteer hours. Along with a plaque of appreciation, GDF will be making a $1,000 gift to LASD in honor of Michelle. The gift will benefit The Lewisburg Area High School Marching Dragons.
Finally, the foundation honored former Superintendent Cathy Moser who in October retired from LASD after 25 years of service. Glock thanked Moser, who acted as an advisor to the GDF Board of Directors during her tenure as Superintendent, for her steady guidance over the years. Glock stated, “Every single day of her career, Cathy has modeled what it truly means to be a Lewisburg Green Dragon—showing leadership, kindness, and unwavering dedication to students.”
In closing Chen offered thanks to the foundation’s Event Planning Committee members Judy Glock, Corey Jusko, Courtney Remmey, Addy Rummel, and Christina Waxlax for planning and coordinating the reception, and to Melanie Ortiz of Lewisburg Studio for her volunteer professional photography at the event. Individuals or businesses wishing to volunteer or donate can visit The Green Dragon Foundation website at www.greendragonfoundation.org or call the foundation office at (570) 522-8433.
Photo: L-R are, Ann Glock, GDF Executive Director; Michelle Lombard, “Volunteer of the Year”; Jennifer Shabahang, GDF Program Coordinator.
