You DID Have Heart for PCRC, and We are Grateful
Click image to view the program
On Thursday, October 4, 2018, the Pottstown Cluster of Religious Communities (PCRC) friends and staff gathered at The SunnyBrook Ballroom for an evening of fun — including a Photo Booth and event photo backdrop — and fun-raising benefitting the organization. Once again, Joe Ciresi generously donated his time and talents as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies, engaging guests with his affable presence and sense of humor, and even entertaining and leading the crowd singing “You Gotta Have Heart” (with his personal accompanist, Marie Anderson, who kindly attended the event to share her talents as well!).
PCRC’s staff member Danielle Gadsden shared her inspiring and emotional story, as well as her gratitude and support of PCRC in a video presented during the program. At the end of the video, she made a compelling plea of a call to action that hopefully inspired others. (video below)
PCRC is grateful for the major event sponsors that included, at the “Big Heart” level, the Scott and Susan Bentley Fund; “Beating Heart” Specialty sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Voytilla; “Happy Heart” Specialty sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Karl Glocker; “Compassionate Heart” Specialty sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Rick Dhein and Sager & Sager Associates, and “Hungry Heart” Specialty sponsor Brownback’s United Church of Christ. “Heart and Soul” sponsors included Mr. and Mrs. Don Gill, Pottstown Hospital Tower Health, Pottstown Area Health & Wellness Foundation, The Hill School, Body-Borneman Insurance, Wolf Baldwin and Associates, and Reed’s Fuel Oil.
The “You Gotta Have Heart” event committee — Linda Voytilla, Mary Ann Glocker, Elizabeth Peters, Gayle Wolf, Barbara Wilhelmy, and Merri Brown — provided countless hours and resources to support this event. Without their tireless efforts, the evening would not occur. On behalf of the staff, Board of Directors, and all the individuals we serve, PCRC extends its heartfelt thanks.
The evening’s social hour entertainment was local artist and “Rising Star Contest” winner Stephanie Grace and her band. Despite the dismal weather, forcing the band to set up indoors, (originally planned for the outdoor patio) they played with great energy and brought their own sunshine in!
A hearty thank you to all who donated the wonderful raffle baskets, including a “Mystery Basket” donated by our Board of Directors, which generated a lot of interest and “fun-raising!”
New PCRC Community Awards
PCRC instituted and presented two new awards at the event: the Cluster Community Award and the Helping Hands with Heart Award.
The “Cluster Community Award,” which honors someone who advances PCRC’s mission, making an impact in the community, was awarded to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro. Josh’s commitment to Montgomery County, including his strong support of Your Way Home Montgomery County, has made a significant contribution to PCRC’s ability to improve the lives of those we are serving in the County.
The Attorney General sent a video message, as he was unable to attend the event, with personal remarks about the award and PCRC, mentioning how he “was always happy to have any opportunity to support PCRC,” and how PCRC “brings together people of all faiths, and from a wide variety of service organizations to give a helping hand to those in need.” Anthony Luker, the Attorney General office’s Education and Outreach Specialist, accepted the award on Mr. Shapiro’s behalf. Mr. Luker offered kind, supportive remarks, thanking PCRC for the work it continues to do in the community addressing food security, housing stability, and supportive and educational resources. (see the video message below)
Frank Cebular, dedicated PCRC volunteer and Board member, was presented with the Helping Hands with Heart Award by current Board president Mary Ann Glocker. This award honors someone for dedicated service to and support of PCRC’s mission. Frank has been on the PCRC Board of Directors for six years. He currently serves as the Vice President, Chair of the Property Committee, and sits on the Governance and Finance committees. During his tenure on the Board, he has also been in the positions of President, Treasurer, and Secretary.
Along with his wife, Cindy, Frank has been volunteering for several years at the PCRC pantry in the warehouse, and he spends at least two days a week at PCRC’s new property, 61 North Franklin Street, working diligently and tirelessly for the PCRC staff to be able to start working in that space. (see feature story on Frank here)
PCRC is thankful to all who “Had a Heart” for PCRC at this event, and we look forward to our continued partnership helping us to serve our neighbors in the greater Pottstown area, providing tangible services, support, and spiritual guidance to address our clients’ basic needs. We strive to Nourish Lives and Strengthen Families, and you have helped us reach that goal. For that, we are most grateful.
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