More than 325 Meals on Wheels Volunteers and guests
were treated to a fantastic evening at the America on Wheels Museum for the
Agency’s 45th Anniversary and Volunteer Recognition
Celebration. They were able to explore
the museum and enjoy all of its exhibits; see a video with pictures of present
and past volunteers while waiting to get their picture taken in a photo booth;
enjoy delicious food prepared by Karen Hunter and served by students from
Lehigh Carbon Community College’s hospitality program; listen to music by DJ
Fly; partake of outstanding desserts donated by local vendors; and learn about
the many accomplishments of the Meals on Wheels volunteers who received awards
this year.
As part of this special event, the PA Department of
Aging Secretary presented one of seven State Volunteer Spotlight Awards to
Betty Duffy, 89. Betty Duffy has been a
volunteer with Meals on Wheels of Lehigh County since the program first began
on February 1st 1971. Turning ninety
this September, she is one of only three remaining “originals” who have been
with the Agency since our inception. Volunteering
on the same route for forty-five years, she has driven 31,165 miles; donated
4,298 hours, made over 25,000 visits; and delivered more than 50,000 meals. Betty also volunteers for the Whitehall Food
Pantry, Meals on Wheels of Northampton County, and St. John’s Evangelical
Church and is a long-standing blood donor at Miller-Keystone Blood Center.
“This is the third year that we are
acknowledging the selfless efforts of ordinary people who accomplish the
extraordinary through volunteer service and motivate others to follow their
lead,” said Secretary of Aging Teresa Osborne. “It’s a privilege to recognize
their commitment to serving older Pennsylvanians in their local
communities. Their willingness to share their time and talent makes a
difference. Betty has truly made a difference to hundreds of people through her
45 years of service to Meals on Wheels and her other volunteer work.”
Thank you to the following major sponsors who made
this event a success.
Ruby: Phoebe Ministries; Spillman Farmer Architects & Talen Energy
Emerald: Allentown Ear, Nose & Throat; American Bank; Fellowship
Community; McTish Kunkel & Associates; Party Tents for Rent by Marty; Santanasto
Law & Union United Church of Christ
Sapphire: Pamela Bechtel; Boyle Construction, Inc.; Joy
& Grace Reed; Campbell, Rappold & Yurasits; HCSC Enterprises, Inc.; LV Rollergirls; Dr.
& Mrs. Michael Obenski
In addition thanks to the following:
Sonic Entertainment; Tim Gibbons and the students in the LCC Hospitality program & Catering
by Karen Hunter
45th Anniversary Committee Members: Jamie Koch, Chair; Patricia Blahnik, Christine
Carlson, Kay Kurtz, Lisa Luciano, Julie Profilet-Saucier, and Mary Pat Stark
Dessert donors: Giant, Kym’s Creations, Mary Pat Stark, Piece
a Cake, Sam’s Club, Trixi’s Tasty
Treats, Egypt Star Bakery, Weis
Floral Arrangement Donors: Paisley Peacock
Floral Studio, Baker’s Florist, Bonnie’s Flower Boutique, Inc., Michael Thomas
Floral Designs, Designs by Maria Anastasia, Albert Brothers, Coopersburg
Country Flowers, Posey Patch, Ross Plants and Flowers, Rich Mar Florist
Music: DJ Fly
Photo Booth: Sonic Entertainment
The Staff at America on Wheels Museum