GDF Recognizes Volunteers and Donors at Fero Vineyards
September 18, 2023 –The Green Dragon Foundation (GDF) recently recognized its volunteers and donors at a reception held at Fero Vineyards. Bob Kallin, Board Chair, welcomed guests and thanked them for their support in helping the Foundation distribute more than $137,000 to the Lewisburg Area School District (LASD) during the last school year. Kallin mentioned that Foundation gifts have provided programs and projects that were made possible through generous gifts from donors; they helped to enhance educational experiences for LASD students.
Dr. Erin Jablonski, LASD School Board President, and Mrs. Cathy Moser, LASD Superintendent, offered their words of appreciation to the crowd. They highlighted the “grace and gratitude” they have for GDF and were grateful for the district’s partnership with GDF.
The event included entertainment provided by current LASD students. According to Kallin, “A string quartet of Katie Kelley, Ella Markunas, Audra McIlwaine and Vivian Vance, entertained the guests as they arrived.” He continued, “And during the program, guests were treated to a special performance of ‘Mr. Sandman’ by ‘The Sweet Adelines’, Summer Evans, Katie Kelley, Rae Morgan, and Vivian Vance.
During the last school year, GDF supported a brand-new program, GOLD (Growth, Opportunities and Leadership Development) at Lewisburg Area High School (LAHS). High School teachers, Mrs. Claire Gault and Mrs. Hillary Cree, and student, Maiya Hauck-Dabney provided guests with information about the program and how students truly benefited from donor support.
According to Ann Glock, GDF Executive Director, “Volunteers are an essential and irreplaceable component of our organization. Raising funds for Lewisburg students requires a team of volunteers who help in a variety of ways.” She continued, “I am especially thankful for the Special Events Committee, chaired by Addy Rummel, who planned and implemented today’s event. Her team included Judy Glock, Courtney Remmey and Corey Jusko.”
Glock stated, “This year, volunteers Benyam Addissie and David Newsome were recognized for five years of service. Ten-year volunteers were Katie Cavanagh, Eileen DeSantis, and Casey Miller. For the first time ever, we recognized volunteers for fifteen years of service. They were Brooks Gronlund, Bob Kallin, Kathy Swope and Graham Showalter.”
Culminating the awards portion of the reception was the presentation of the Volunteer of the Year Award. This award was created in 2011 to recognize a volunteer who went above and beyond in the scope of volunteer efforts. This year, the award was bestowed upon Barbara Baylor.
Glock stated, “Barb has been volunteering with GDF since 2012. That was the year that The LAHS Alumni Association and GDF began working collaboratively to host the annual “LAHS Alumni Weekend” event. Since that time, Barb has served on various committees helping to raise funds for projects such as the Dragons’ Den while also helping to plan for and implement LAHS Alumni Weekend event. She is always eager to lend a helping hand with our mailing projects and more.
While serving on the Dragons’ Den Fundraising Steering Committee, Baylor helped to raise $378,181 (72%) toward GDF’s fundraising goal of $525,000. She did this by creating another partnership between GDF and the LAHS Alumni Association.
When asked why she volunteers, Baylor stated, “My life is enriched by volunteer work. Although I am helping my community, I benefit as well. I am able to meet new people and it keeps my mind and body engaged. You need to support your community and the organizations that have influenced you throughout your lifetime.”
Along with a plaque of appreciation, GDF will be making a $1,000 gift to LASD in honor of Baylor. Glock noted, “Of course, Barb selected the Dragons’ Den project to benefit from this special gift. We thank Barb for her continuing service and all her efforts on behalf of Lewisburg students!”
Glock extends her appreciation to Melanie Ortiz of Lewisburg Studio for her volunteer 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 caption:
L-R are Jennifer Shabahang, GDF Program Coordinator; Barbara Baylor “Volunteer of the Year”; Ann Glock, GDF Executive Director; and Bob Kallin, GDF Board Chair.
