Walton speaks from the heart

WILKES-BARRE — Sitting atop several stacked chairs and signing autographs – amid the clanging of dishes and silverware being cleaned off more than 35 tables – Bill Walton held true to his word.

Two weeks ago, the former UCLA and NBA great made a promise that he would be the last person to exit the Grand Ballroom at the Genetti Hotel and Convention Center.

And as Walton prepared to leave the ballroom after the seventh annual Celebrity Benefit Dinner sponsored by the Volunteers of America, there was no one behind him.

More than 400 people listened to an inspiring message by Walton, who has endured back pain so severe in recent years that he considered suicide. Almost no one moved – their eyes fixated on the 6-foot-11 Walton – during his 51-minute speech.

“I got another chance,” he told the crowd, referring to the complex spine surgery he underwent 15 months ago. “What we’re asking you here tonight is to help others get that chance.”

The organization presented its annual “Spirit of Youth” award – the agency’s highest honor awarded locally – to Wilkes-Barre residents Jack and Cece McCarthy and Lehman Township resident Lee Piatt.

Jack McCarthy serves as chairman of the board for the McCarthy Tire Company, while his wife Cece is the corporate secretary. The couple has served on numerous boards of directors and committees in the Wyoming Valley.

“This is certainly an honor,” said Jack McCarthy before the start of the dinner. “When you get to be my age, you’ve had the chances to do a lot of things for a lot of people. It’s something we enjoy doing.”

“Our family always told my husband and I to do things quietly so nobody notices what you’re doing, and you’ll get your reward in heaven,” added Cece McCarthy, as she stood next to her husband. “So the kids suggested I take half of my award and give it to (Jack) because he’s been so good for so many years (and) he doesn’t need any graces and blessings.

Piatt is an attorney and is partner and chairman of the business and finance department of Rosenn, Jenkins & Greenwald, LLP. He has served on a number of boards, including the VOA board of directors for 23 of the 26 years he has lived in the Wyoming Valley.

“It’s a great tribute,” said Piatt. “It really ties into the fact that I’ve been involved in this organization for so long. It’s really nice to have that appreciation after all of those years. I’ve seen a lot of change and growth, and I’ve really enjoyed my time in this organization. This is another fun piece of the experience.”

Walton was a three-time college national Player of the Year at UCLA and – despite a rash of injuries that cost him nearly nine years of playing time – was a selection as one of the top 50 greatest players in NBA history.

Standing tall with his hands folded behind his back, Walton regaled the crowd with stories about his playing days at UCLA under legendary head coach John Wooden. He also spoke passionately about his playing days with the NBA champion Portland Trail Blazers and Boston Celtics.

“I’m asking you folks to stand tall for those who can’t,” said Walton. “We are here tonight to win the championship – not for us, but for those who never got the chance.”

Volunteers of America is one of the oldest and most comprehensive, faith-based human service agencies in the country. The organization came to northeastern PA in 1896 and offers a number of programs that serve at-risk youth, low income families, individuals with disabilities and the elderly. The agency is also has programs for homeless young adults

All proceeds from the event will stay local and be used toward programs that need charitable support, such as van transportation and a pantry for low-income mothers and babies, said Volunteers of America chief operating officer Bill Jones.

In addition to the dinner, there was a VIP reception with Walton and a silent auction featuring many Walton-signed items. Other sports memorabilia up for bid were items signed by John Wooden, Larry Bird, Joe Montana, Peyton Manning, Hank Aaron, Pete Rose, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Joe Paterno and Cal Ripken Jr.

Walton – who came to the area Tuesday night and watched the second half of the Game 5 NBA playoff series between his beloved Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Gramercy Ballroom and Restaurant in Pittston – said he’s enjoying his stay in the Wilkes-Barre area.

“It was a surreal day,” said Walton, who paid a visit to the “Jolly Boys” in Avoca before talking to students at Holy Redeemer High School. “To end it by coming here, to see how hard this organization works, to meet people like Jack and Cece (McCarthy) and Lee (Piatt) was a wonderful experience.