34th Annual Luncheon Recap

On Friday, September 8, we joined our partners in celebration at the Rivers Casino for our 34th Annual Luncheon. We gathered with approximately 180 guests to honor the utility partners, employees, community organizations and leaders who worked diligently this year to bring Dollar Energy Fund’s mission to life.

The day started when more than a dozen Dollar Energy Fund employees headed to the Grand Ballroom on the second level of the casino to set up the silent auction, ticket auction, awards and to ensure that audio and visual was working properly. Guests started to arrive at registration around 11 a.m., found their tables, mingled with friends and placed bids at the auction.

Ron Giulianelli, president of Dollar Energy Fund’s Board of Directors, began the program at noon by welcoming everyone and sharing opening remarks. Afterward, guests enjoyed a delicious buffet-style lunch that included salad, baked ziti, chicken parmesan, smoked sausage, broccoli presto pizza and more, along with an array of mini desserts.

After lunch, Chad Quinn, Dollar Energy Fund CEO, recognized utility partners that achieved milestone years of partnership with us. Valley Energy out of Bradford County, PA celebrated 10 years with Dollar Energy Fund this year, and Old Dominion Power Company and Columbia Gas of Virginia both achieved their first milestone with 5 years of partnership.

Chad also recognized our Board of Directors, who each bring unique strengths and benefits in supporting Dollar Energy Fund’s mission and growth. Overall, we currently have 17 members serving on the Board. However, we have one member whose final term is coming to an end. Elizabeth Wainwright first joined our Board in 2006 and has been an active member in the executive leadership of the organization. It has been a pleasure working with her and we have valued her time as a member of our Board of Directors. Beth, we wish you the best!

Ron Giulianelli will tell you he had the best role of the day by introducing Marty Griffin from KDKA to provide the keynote address. Marty discussed the importance of making a difference in the community using the platform you have and helping others without judgement – something that’s particularly important to our work at Dollar Energy Fund.

After the keynote address, Joe Ott, Vice President of Dollar Energy Fund’s Board of Directors, began our awards presentation. He presented three Golden Eagle Awards, which go to community partners and friends who have “soared above and beyond” in their efforts to help the limited-income community this year. Next up, Lynn Brennan, who is currently serving on our Board of Directors, presented the Betty Ann Simon Award to an organization who has made significant contributions to the low-income community. This year, Dollar Energy Fund was proud to present Citizen’s Bank with the award. Click here to read more about our award recipients!

At the end of the event, we closed the silent auction and announced winners of the ticket auction. Many people took home beautiful silent auction items; the proceeds for which will help the local limited-income community stay warm this winter.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the event, and a special thank you to our sponsors who made this all possible: Babst Calland, Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania, Duquesne Light, FirstEnergy, Peoples Natural Gas and Pennsylvania American Water.