Good News

August 14, 2009

Walk Around Wilkes-Barre for charity

Event of progressive dining, entertainment will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters.

By Bill O'Boyle boboyle@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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WILKES-BARRE – About 90 people paid $125 each for a casual evening of progressive dining and entertainment Thursday evening at some of the most popular downtown nightspots, and all for a good cause.

The third annual “Walk Around Wilkes-Barre” benefited Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bridge and the organization’s important youth mentoring work. The 90 attendees spent the evening exploring/rediscovering downtown Wilkes-Barre with friends, family or co-workers while enjoying some of the finest food and fun the city has to offer.

The festivities began at 5:30 p.m. at the Luzerne Bank on Public Square with hors d’oeuvres by Dente Catering, cash bar and live entertainment. Guests then moved to Oyster Restaurant at Genetti’s by 6:30 p.m. for soup, salad and a complimentary drink. At 7:30 p.m., the Westmoreland Club on South Franklin Street served dinner and a drink with live entertainment. Arts YOUniverse hosted the walkers for dessert by Grico’s, with coffee, tea and additional live entertainment. The evening concluded with a nightcap at Bart & Urby’s Downtown Bar and Bistro.

Alison Splendido , chairwoman of the event, said the 90 people attending nearly doubled last year’s support. She said the event raised between $8,000 and $10,000 for programming.

“Each year we have grown,” she said. “It’s a fabulous turnout. We’re pleased that the community continues to support our kids.”

Tanya Olaviany, program director for the agency, said outcomes at Big Brothers Big Sisters are impressive. She said 60 percent of the children involved with the program show dramatic improvement in self-confidence, school performance and behavior.

“That one or two hours per week that our volunteers spend with the children has a tremendous positive impact on them,” she said. “Many volunteers spend more than the required time with the children.”

Ky and Earlene Lazzari were among the first to arrive. They have supported the agency for years.

“We see where all the good work comes from,” said Earlene Lazzari. “This event is a great way to raise money and tell people about the agency.”

Tom Pugh, vice president for rehabilitation services at Allied Services and chief executive officer at the John Heinz Institute, attended with his wife, Chris.

“We’ve supported Big Brothers Big Sisters for years,” he said. “We’ve helped with fund raising and as volunteers.”

Olaviany said the event will help recruit, screen, train and match Big Brothers Big Sisters with children on the agency’s waiting list.

“By donating to our agency, people are helping change the lives of children,” she said.

Bill O’Boyle, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 829-7218.

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