Lehigh Valley Students Honored for Community Service Projects at TeenWorksTM Annual Dinner
United Way and organized labor partner to fund 500 projects since 1999
Northampton, PA, March 21, 2018 — United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley (UWGLV) and our partners will celebrate young people making a difference in our community at the TeenWorksTM Annual Dinner. A collaborative effort between United Way and organized labor, TeenWorks provides grants of up to $1,000 to teens and youth-based organizations to complete community service projects throughout the region.
“TeenWorks recognizes and supports some of the Greater Lehigh Valley’s most motivated teens, as they engage in impressive community service projects and develop leadership skills,” said UWGLV Director, Labor Relations Daniella De Leon. “Since 1999, this collaboration between United Way and organized labor has provided more than $500,000 in funding to support 500 community-service projects.”
Organized and led by youth board members with the support of generous partners and sponsors, TeenWorks Annual Dinner will take place Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Northampton Memorial Community Center. This special evening of celebration honors exceptional community service projects, recognizes the efforts of the TeenWorks board and showcases results from TeenWorks volunteers and investments.
The Ellen Weiss Scholarship will be awarded to Parkland High School Senior and TeenWorks Board Member Aryaman Khandelwal. Aryaman is a National AP Scholar and National Merit Scholarship Finalist. He has developed an app called Get2Greater, which allows rural health care workers in developing countries to diagnose common health problems such as high blood pressure and malnutrition. Aryaman has been recognized as a Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes Winner, 2018 Global Teen Leader, 2018 Coca-Cola Scholar and a Future Business Leaders of America National Winner. Through TeenWorks, Aryaman actively participates in the Adopt-an-Apartment program at Sixth Street Shelter.
TeenWorks Project of the Year will be presented to seventh-grade student and TeenWorks Board Member Maeve Yanes. Through her community service project The Little Library Helpers, Maeve creates and stocks “book boxes” at each of Allentown’s 18 community parks.
“It’s great to be recognized for the work I’ve done, but it’s more important to me that the lack of resources is getting noticed in many of our communities,” said Maeve. “A child should never go without food, a safe place to sleep or a good education.”
The Zach Krauss Award will be presented to Orefield Middle School Builders Club. With 36 active members, the Orefield Middle School Builders Club visits Ronald McDonald houses in Philadelphia to prepare and serve dinner to patients and guests. They also organize a dance for seniors residing in the Parkland School District and neighboring communities. The event provides free entertainment and socializing opportunities for older adults, as well as a health-screening station.
The program also includes keynote speakers Lissette Santana of PPL Corporation and Bryan Sanguinito of Eastern Region PSEA.
TeenWorks Annual Dinner is made possible by our sponsors Capital BlueCross, IBEW Local 126, Lehigh Valley Labor Council, AFSCME District Council 88, Cohen Feeley Altemose Rambo, IUOE Local 542, Teamsters Local 773, AFSCME Local 1435, Bethlehem Education Association, PSEA Eastern Region, SEIU/PSSU Local 668, Steamfitters Local Union 420, United Steelworkers Local 412, IBEW Local 375, Pennsylvania Joint Board Workers Union a/w SEIU, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1776, AFSCME Local 2592, AmericaVen and IBEW Local 827.
Mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
The mission of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley is to provide the leadership, convene the partnerships, and develop the resources and solutions that improve our community. We remain committed to these goals and sincerely appreciate the continued support of partners, program providers and donors throughout the Lehigh Valley. www.UnitedWayGLV.org.
About United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley TeenWorks™
Formed in 1999, TeenWorks™ is a collaboration between Lehigh Valley labor unions and local teens. The TeenWorks™ board is made up of a diverse group of teens and adults who help to encourage and endow young, local applicants who want to better their communities. To date, TeenWorks™ has funded over 500 projects with dollars exceeding $500,000 through United Way workplace campaign donations. www.unitedwayglv.org/take-action/give/teenworks.
Information provided to TVL by:
Laura McHugh
Director, Communications and Media Relations
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
Celebrating 100 years of service to the Lehigh Valley.
1110 American Parkway NE Suite F-120 Allentown, PA 18109
www.unitedwayglv.org
