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Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber Presents:
27th Annual Spirit Awards
September 19th, 2020 | 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Event Information: The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce presents the 27th Annual Spirit Award!
The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce (GNLCC), proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, is pleased to announce that the 27th Annual Non-Profit of the Year Award will be awarded to Parkland C.A.R.E.S. Food Pantry (Orefield, PA), Lowhill Food Pantry (Lowhill, PA) and the Northern Lehigh Food Bank (Emerald, PA). The event and award ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, September 19th, 2020, at Ontelaunee Park Pavilion in New Tripoli, PA, beginning at 9:30 AM. The morning brunch will be held in this historic park, as we honor our awardees that have impacted the past, present and future of the Greater Northern Lehigh region.
The morning will consist of an outdoor event nestled in the hills of Ontelaunee Park and will provide ample opportunity for mingling while social distancing. Brunch will be catered by the coveted Curious Goods at The Bake Oven Inn, who sources their ingredients from local farmers and suppliers throughout the region. The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber will also hold a basket raffle and 50-50 to benefit the GNLCC Scholarship fund and local food pantries.
Kevin Schmidt, of Neffs National Bank and sponsor of the event, explained that, “The Spirit Awards are so important to the community and gives us a chance to recognize individuals, businesses and organizations for their contribution to the Greater Northern Lehigh Area. The GNLCC Events Committee and Liaisons always do a great job making it a fun and memorable event. The camaraderie and networking opportunities are important to Neffs, we never miss out!”
“We are thrilled to be able to recognize the food banks and food pantries in our Greater Northern Lehigh Area. This is another great example of how we are not just a Chamber of Commerce but also a Chamber of Communities. The work and the services that these organizations provide to our area are critical to the overall well being and health of our community. We are forever grateful for all those involved because all together, we are making a difference!” said Jessica O’Donnell, EVP of Affiliated Chambers at the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Started in 2019, the Non-Profit of the Year award is given to organizations within the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber footprint who continually invest in helping our neighbors and community partners through their efforts. Past recipients include the Lion’s Clubs of the Greater Northern Lehigh region (Lehigh Township Lioness, Lehigh Township, Upper Lehigh, Slatedal-Ontelaunee and the Slatington Lions Club). As the Chamber honors its Food Pantries in 2020, attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods and non-perishables to donate to the pantry. One free raffle ticket will be awarded for each donation!
“This year, it was unanimously decided that The Chamber would like to recognize the Food Pantries within our footprint,” said Kylie Adams, Manager of Affiliated Chambers. “Each year, Parkland C.A.R.E.S. Food Pantry, Lowhill Food Pantry and the Northern Lehigh Food Bank service hundreds of families throughout our area, providing food and resources in times of need to our community. Not only that, they do so while maintaining a sense of dignity and respect that embraces our neighbors and friends when they need it most.”
“We have countless organizations in our footprint who continue to serve our population on a daily basis,” added Andy Gildner, Chair of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and owner of Keystone Technology, LLC. “Our food pantries are a crucial keystone in the foundation of our community, providing food and assistance to so many.”
Each food pantry has different programming that supports the needs of their area and each operates as a choice pantry, striving to provide a sense of control over food choice and limiting possible food waste. Partnering with local Second Harvest Food Bank, as well as local churches, businesses, organizations and individuals, the food pantries work hard to keep their shelves full and families fed.
“Many of us are just one paycheck, just one illness, just one job loss from needing the help of others,” said Peg Laxson of Lowhill Food Pantry, which serves the Northwestern Lehigh School District (covering Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, and Weisenberg). As a completely volunteer-run organization, Lowhill not only houses a food pantry but a “Blessing Shop,” which includes gently used clothing, shoes, toys, books and household items; they also provide school supplies to students, as well as personalized Christmas presents and Easter baskets for their families.
“In less than a year’s time, Parkland C.A.R.E.S. has served 110+ households, from individuals needing assistance to families and seniors,” Katrina Sundstrom, Executive Director, said. “We aren’t going to solve the issue of hunger in our community, but we will diligently fight it as long as it exists.” Parkland C.A.R.E.S. was founded in 2018 and serves the Parkland community; established with the mission to feed and serve every member of their community affected and suffering from hunger. With over 9,400 students in the Parkland School Community, 27% experience some level of food insecurity; through their pantry and snack-pack program, Parkland C.A.R.E.S. aims to help those in need.
The Northern Lehigh Food Bank in Emerald PA, also being honored as a Non-Profit of the Year recipient, faces similar issues; serving the Northern Lehigh School District, their reach has a huge impact on our community. “The Northern Lehigh Food Pantry is an integral lifeline to many individuals and families in our district and community,” said Matthew Link, Superintendent for the Northern Lehigh School District. “We know that we have families in which food insecurity is a daily issue. When we have organizations like Northern Lehigh Food Pantry and their people ready to assist, it makes the stress and uncertainty placed on these families a little easier to bare. I am grateful that we have such a wonderful group in the community.”
Also being celebrated at the 27th Annual Spirit Awards is David Altrichter (Spirit Award) and Eight Oaks Farm Distillery (Business of the Year). Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods and donations for the food banks, which will be collected at the event and divided amongst the organizations, as well as cash for raffle tickets and 50-50! A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the food pantries, as well as benefitting the GNLCC Scholarship Fund.
For more information about Greater Northern Lehigh’s Spirit Awards or to purchase tickets, please visit the Greater Northern Lehigh’s website at: https://lehighvalleypacoc.wliinc16.com/events/-NEW-DATE-GNLCC-Spirit-Awards-837469/details.
Please note: An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present. By attending a Chamber event or meeting, you and any guests voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce including partnerships; the event venue; or other parties such as caterer or production company; or any of their affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contractors, or volunteers liable for any illness or injury.
When: September 19, 2020 from 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Pricing Information: $40 Individual Member Rate/$75 Couple Member Rate; $50 Individual Future-Member Rate/$90 Couple Future-Member Rate.
Sponsors:
Premier Sponsor: Ironton Telephone
Platinum Sponsor: Keystone Technology LLC
Gold Sponsor: Neff’s National Bank, Bechtel’s Pharmacy, Cindy Miller – SVN/Imperial Realty
Cocktail Sponsor: New Tripoli Bank, Jason Ruff for State Rep
Silver Sponsor: Blue Mountain Town & Country Gazette
Bronze Sponsor: Krysta Hankee Memorial Fund, Women Veterans Empowered and Thriving, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate (Schnecksville), Rentschler’s Auto, Service Electric
Supporting Sponsor: Robert Kempf
Candy Sponsor: Sam’s Club of Allentown
Floral Sponsor: Precious Petals Florist
Photography Sponsor: Mike Robinson Productions
About the Chamber: The mission of The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is to improve the economy and quality of life in the Lehigh Valley Metropolitan Area. We accomplish this through business-to-business networking events and marketing products, affinity programs and exclusive, money saving member benefits, training programs, government affairs initiatives and public policy advocacy, and community development enterprises. With nearly 5,000 members who employ more than 200,000, the Chamber is the largest in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and in the top ten nationwide.
Information provided to TVL by:
Kylie Adams
Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce
Manager of Affiliated Chambers (WACC, GNLCC)
https://www.lehighvalleychamber.org/
