Mini profiles of two gala honorees, written for the Web
For NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, 2015
1. "Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me ..."
Anyone who knows this man must wonder why he never looks tired. Some would even say the beloved priest behind this broad smile is superhuman. That must be because of his ability to do 20 things at once and seemingly BE in 20 places at once.
As a dedicated servant of some of the most underserved among us, Monsignor Joseph Kelly truly embodies the words of Matthew 25:40 and echoed in the familiar Willard Jabusch hymn. "When I was hungry you gave me to eat; when I was thirsty you gave me to drink; when I was homeless you opened your door ... "
No doubt he has a reserved spot in the home of his Father, but we hope not for a very long time! Monsignor just announced his impending retirement from a long career at Catholic Social Services, but we know he's nowhere near finished yet.
Join us in honoring him and three other exceptional community servants on May 7. Or congratulate him personally by having your own words printed in our Tribute Book for the Governor Robert P. Casey Medal for a Lifetime of Service event.
Visit us at nwnepa.org to RSVP (click special events) and be sure to check out the attachments next to the picture if you'd like to send a greeting. (3,306 people reached; 94 likes; 19 shares and 19 comments, all positive.)
2. Do you recognize the smiling face below?
Perhaps you had her in class. Perhaps you worked with her on stage. Perhaps she brought you out of your shell and helped you to shine like the star you are. Annette Palutis, affectionately known as Mrs. P., is well-known for bringing out the best in others. She also has a storied career in local education, having taught in the Scranton School District for 44 years. (Yes, 44! And you thought your four years of high school were long, didn't you?) Mrs. Palutis is a former president of the Pennsylvania State Education Association and heavily involved in community projects too numerous to mention here.
On May 7, NeighborWorks NEPA will honor her and three other exceptional servants. Perhaps you'd like to come out to the event and thank her in person for impacting your life or send her a 10-word greeting in our tribute book? You can do so for a $75 tax-deductible donation to NeighborWorks. (See below.)
RSVP for this very special event at http://www.nwnepa.org/. Click on "Special Events." (1130 people reached, 15 likes, two shares and six comments, all positive.)