TeenWorks Annual Dinner Recognizes the Impact Teens Made on the Community in 2024
United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and its community partners recently came together to celebrate the 26th annual TeenWorks Dinner, an event dedicated to recognizing the incredible achievements of young leaders committed to making a difference. Speakers of the event included Teen Board Chair, Polina Dorma; CEO of United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, Marci Lesko; and Keynote Speaker, Chaunice Holley.
During the evening, attendees honored the impact of multiple TeenWorks projects, highlighting the dedication and hard work of local youth in serving their communities. The TeenWorks Project of the Year, Zach Krauss Spirit of Service and TeenWorks Hero were a few of the awards presented.
The TeenWorks Project of the Year recognizes an impactful contribution to their community by identifying a need and creating a solution. This year’s award was presented to Brody Muthard for their outdoor learning space at Colonial Intermediate Unit 20 for the Early Intervention program.
The Zach Krauss Spirit of Service Award recognizes a student or group of students who have demonstrated a commitment to making their community a better place to live by completing an outstanding, altruistic project that was innovative, meaningful and impacted people in their community. This year’s award was presented to Jody Weinreich.
The TeenWorks Hero Award is given to a person who demonstrates a commitment to the ideals and purpose of the TeenWorks mission. Someone who embodies the qualities of hard work, honesty, and a commitment to giving back to his/her community through acts of compassion and selflessness. This year’s award was presented to Alexis Berg-Townsend.
TeenWorks is made up of a diverse group of local middle and high school students and local members of organized labor. The group meets monthly and helps to fund community service projects throughout the Lehigh Valley from various youth groups. Over 500 organizations have received grants of up to $1,000 for their projects.
This annual celebration not only acknowledges the hard work of TeenWorks participants but also strengthens the spirit of volunteerism and service within the Greater Lehigh Valley community.
A huge thanks to our sponsors Capital Blue Cross, Teamsters Local 773, Cohen, Feeley, Altemose & Rambo, IBEW Local 126, IBEW Local 375, Operating Engineers Local 542, United Auto Workers Local 677, Pennsylvania AFL-CIO, Banko Beverage Co., Bethlehem Education Association, Blue Chip Sound, Carpenters Local 167, Kendal Conrad, Insulators Local 23, Lehigh Valley Labor Council and Rich Mar Florists for help making this event happen.
To learn more about TeenWorks, apply for funding or get involved, visit www.unitedwayglv.org/teenworks.