Tenth Year of Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser Delivers with Record Donations of More Than $200,000
SKYTOP, PA, July 25, 2013 /3BL Media/ - For the 10th consecutive year, Monroe County enthusiasts will rally around the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, this year awarding a record amount of more than $200,000 in the spirit of corporate and community citizenship.
The completely sold-out 10th Annual Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser, titled, “The Power of 10: Empowering Our Community,” will present four local human services organizations with record donations. This will bring the event’s 10-year sum to more than $1.4 million, solidifying its standing as the largest single fundraiser event in Monroe County.
“Tonight is an incredible celebration of the power of collaboration. . . and of hope,” said Frank Epifano, vice president, North America & Global Finance, Commercial Operations, Sanofi Pasteur. “Sanofi Pasteur has been an ongoing champion for this event and the Lackawanna County Community Fundraiser. Yet, we would not be reveling in this collective success without the commitment of literally thousands of supporters -- all focused on keeping critical social service organizations operating locally. Working with the event’s corporate sponsors and other community partners, it’s truly gratifying to see the exponential power of 10 years in action.”
This year’s four winners, selected by the 2013 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser’s agency selection committee, listed in alpha order, are: American Red Cross, Devereux Pocono Programs and Services, Monroe County Meals on Wheels, and Youth Infusion, Inc.
The committee is comprised of a cross section of community-minded individuals representing organizations such as Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania, DMC of Hawaii, East Stroudsburg University, Farr Associates Consulting, LLC, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, Northampton Community College, Pocono Mountains Economic Development Corporation, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Pocono Raceway, Ray Price Automotive Group, and Sanofi Pasteur.
Each year, Sanofi Pasteur provides all financial backing and creative services required to hold the event so that 100 percent of funds raised through sponsorships and attendance benefit selected non-profit organizations.
With the awarded funds, the American Red Cross will strengthen its disaster services and emergency preparedness education programs. Devereux Pocono Programs and Services will enhance its children’s behavioral health programs. Monroe County Meals on Wheels will continue their delivery of meals to homebound individuals. Youth Infusion, Inc. will provide volunteerism and experiential learning opportunities to Monroe County youth.
Throughout the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser’s 10-year history, it has touched the lives of literally thousands of people in Monroe Country through the work of more than 20 non-profit organizations. Past recipients include Burnley Employment and Rehabilitation Services, Center for Vision Loss, Equi-librium, Pocono Area Transitional Housing, Pocono Services for Families and Children, Women’s Resources of Monroe County, and others.
Marking the event’s 10th anniversary, and in the spirit of “the Power of 10,” Sanofi Pasteur will salute the selfless work of area non-profits. The company will present Circle of Life awards and donations to 10 non-profit organizations that have been previous recipients of the Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser.
Bob Phillips, president and CEO, Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce, and 2013 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser Volunteer Committee member, will serve as emcee for tonight’s gala, revealing the award amounts. More than 415 Monroe County supporters will enjoy a traditional New England-style lobster bake and dancing under a beautiful chandelier-lit tent at Skytop Lodge.
The Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser began in 2004 based on a concept proposed by Damian Braga, senior vice president, Global Commercial Operations, Sanofi Pasteur. Since then, the company has extended a similar model into Lackawanna County, which has raised almost $320,000 for Scranton-based non-profit organizations since 2008.
The 2013 Pocono Mountains Community Fundraiser corporate sponsors include Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania and Sanofi Pasteur (Diamond sponsors); East Stroudsburg University/East Stroudsburg University Foundation, Pocono Raceway, and Tunnell Consulting, Inc. (Signature sponsors); Biosector 2, Capitol Counsel, Pocono Medical Center, Publicis Groupe, Sodexo, Inc., and Weiler Corporation (Gold sponsors); ABM, Advanced Cleanroom Microclean, Desaki/Trapasso Family, George Roberts Productions, Kane is Able, LR Costanzo, Monroe County Bar Association, Mount Airy Casino Resort, PPL Electric Utilities, Stone Office, Inc., and Vigon International, Inc. (Silver sponsors); Relevant Solutions and SparkPoint Inc. (Shining Star sponsors).
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 the broadest 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, Home State Public Affairs - Pennsylvania
Sanofi Pasteur
Swiftwater, PA
570-957-2689
ellyn.schindler@sanofipasteur.com
