VaxServe & Sanofi Pasteur Signature Corporate Citizenship Program Continues to Support Struggling Northeast Pennsylvania Families

SCRANTON, PA, September 18, 2014 /3BL Media/ – Tonight VaxServe, Sanofi Pasteur, and hundreds of community enthusiasts continued their commitment to assisting local children in need at the seventh annual Lackawanna County Community Fundraiser.

The “Jazzin’ It Up” initiative – held at POSH – raised more than $83,000 to benefit the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, EOTC (Equal Opportunity Training Center) and Marley’s Mission -- three Lackawanna County organizations that assist children and families at risk  through educational, developmental and therapy programs.

VaxServe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanofi Pasteur located in Moosic, and Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, have covered all event costs for each of the seven fundraisers. As such, one hundred percent of all funds raised through corporate sponsorships and ticket sales were donated to the three non-profit organizations. Sanofi Pasteur conducts a similar event in Monroe County. Combined, since their inception, the two local events have collectively distributed more than $2.1 million to dozens of non-profit organizations serving those in Northeast Pennsylvania.

“This year we have a new venue, a new charity (Marley’s Mission) and a new sense of hope and inspiration for our children here in Lackawanna County, thanks to the life-changing work of our non-profit beneficiaries, and the commitment of those who have rallied around this event year after year,” said Al Thomas, associate vice president and general manager, VaxServe, who – along with Sanofi Pasteur’s Frank Epifano – provided executive leadership for the program. “During these uncertain economic times, this Community Fundraiser is not only needed, it is also a source of inspiration and a strong example of the true spirit of community.”

U.S. Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr. once again served as honorary chair of the fundraiser. This is the fifth consecutive year that Casey, whose mother Ellen is actively involved with EOTC, has served in this capacity.

Major sponsors included The Burne Family and Stone Office Equipment (Virtuoso sponsors, $7,500); Comserve Systems and The New York Yankees (Instrumentalist sponsors, $4,500); and Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Commonwealth Health System, G.R. Noto Electrical Construction, Lavelle Strategy Group, Maximus Foundation, Mt. Airy Casino, PNC Bank, and Road Scholar Transport (Ensemble sponsors, $2,500).

“EOTC has been a beneficiary of this event since its inception, allowing us to assist hundreds of families through early childhood and parenting programs,” said Sharon McCrone, Ph.D., executive director at EOTC. “The support and commitment exhibited by VaxServe, Sanofi Pasteur and the community have provided the neediest of families the opportunity to participate in activities that incorporate arts, science, music, nutrition and physical education.”

“We are extremely grateful to have been included in this meaningful community initiative,” said April Loposky, founder of Marley’s Mission. “Donations will assist with providing equine-based therapy free of charge to children, and their families, who have experienced trauma. Equine therapy yields a variety of benefits such as confidence, self-concept, communication, anxiety reduction and most importantly, trust.”

“Vital to the mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, this fundraiser allows us to continue serving more than 1,000 local children every year, most from low income families,” reported Tricia DiBiasi Thomas, executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of NEPA. That service includes healthy meals, educational activities and tutoring and homework assistance.”

Jazz for the evening was provided by Doug Smith’s Dixieland All-Stars, saxophonist Tom Hamilton and his jazz trio, the soothing vocals of Erin Malloy, plus a variety of instrumentalists. 

Media sponsors included WNEP-TV, WBRE-TV, WYOU-TV, WOLF/Fox TV, The Scranton Times Tribune, LaMar Outdoor Advertising and Joyce Outdoor Advertising.

About VaxServe
VaxServe, a Sanofi Pasteur company, is a national healthcare supplier serving primary care physician offices, community immunization providers, immunizing pharmacies, travel clinics and corporations. Since 2000, VaxServe has offered customers professional service while providing a reliable supply of vaccines, injectables and medical/surgical products at competitive prices. For more information, please visit www.vaxserve.com.

About Sanofi
Sanofi, an integrated global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in the field of healthcare with seven growth platforms: diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and the new Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur offers a broad range of vaccines protecting against 20 infectious diseases. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us. 

Contact:

Ellyn Schindler 
Director, North America Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Sanofi Pasteur
570-957-2689
ellyn.schindler@sanofi.com