Good News

C. RYAN BARBER For The Times-Leader

PLAINS TWP. – Shock and awe were constant themes in award recipients’ reflections upon being recognized for their community service Thursday at the United Way of Wyoming Valley’s Annual Meeting and Awards Event.

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Jim Wise, left, of Mohegan Sun, presents William Sordoni of Sordoni Construction with Corporate Award at the United Way event Thursday.

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Robert Stoyko, a United Way board member, presents Elizabeth Griesmer with the Rose Brader Community Service Award for outstanding volunteer service.

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Equally startling was the $4.7 million the nonprofit organization reported raising this past year – a mere 1 percent drop from the previous year amid an economic downturn.

“To do that in this economy is an unbelievable accomplishment,” David Lee, president of the United Way of Wyoming Valley, said at the organization’s annual meeting at the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.

“A lot of businessmen have said to me, ‘We’d like to be down in our business only 1 percent.’ ”

The United Way recognized not only monetary contributions but voluntary ones, as well, recognizing the exemplary donations and service of local individuals and businesses.

Referring to her as a “role model for many,” United Way board member Robert Stoyko presented Betty Griesmer with the Rose Bader Community Service Award, the organization’s highest honor for adult volunteerism.

Griesmer, who has actively volunteered for her church and the high-security prison in Dallas for over 18 years, was recognized particularly for her work at the McGlynn Learning Center where she tutored and mentored at-risk children of low-income families at least four days a week.

“She treats the children as if they were her own,” said Stoyko, who added that Griesmer “embodies the spirit of service.”

Stoyko included in his presentation speech a story of how Griesmer mentored a young, troublesome boy from an abusive household.

“If I have been able to encourage or give hope to one prisoner or make one child to realize he’s special and loved,” said Griesmer, “then my day has been worthwhile.”

Other notable award recipients included Yolanda Riggsbee, a union member of the American Federation of Government Employees, who won the Labor Award, and Sordoni Construction Services Inc., which was honored on multiple occasions for its sizable donations.

The Dallas Education Association was also recognized, receiving the Sarah and Anthony F. Kane Outstanding Achievement Award.

Mike Cherinka, the vice-president of the Dallas Education Association, said members’ donations and commitment to service was prompted by the economic recession.

“We know the economy is down,” he said. “But that’s when people need the most.”