Da Vinci Science Center and Marci Ronald UW Exec win Donley

On April 21, 2016, Community Services for Children will present the Inez and Edward Donley Award for Children’s Advocacy to Lin Erickson, Executive Director of the DaVinci Science Center and Marci Ronald, Executive Vice President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. The event takes place at DeSales University Center at noon. Tickets are $50. Sponsorships are available.

 

Given for the first time in 1996, Community Services for Children established this prestigious award to acknowledge public service at the local, state, and/or national levels which has significantly improved the quality of life for children. Mr. and Mrs. Donley, who exemplify the spirit of the award, were the first recipients. We continue to honor their example by naming the award for them.

“Our community is richer because of both Marci and the United Way and the contributions by DaVinci, which Lin has led so well,” said Michael A. Walker, Esq, CEO of Community Services for Children.

The judges who made the selections were Beverly Bradley, director of Cops N Kids and past recipient of the Donley Award; Barbara Fraust, immediate past chair of Community Services for Children sponsoring the event; and Thomas Donley, son of the original awardees and namesakes, Inez and Edward Donley.

Da Vinci Science Center  Da Vinci Science Center provides education and science experiences for children, families, educators, adults and employers of the Lehigh Valley and surrounding 12-county region in Pennsylvania and western New Jersey. Da Vinci makes science fun and approachable, thereby connecting people of all ages and backgrounds with the wonders of science throughout their lives, their enjoyment for discovery and their creative curiosities. Da Vinci engages young people with science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) careers. Da Vinci empowers today’s teachers through training in inquiry-based science including its flagship professional development program.

Marci Ronald   Marci Ronald, Executive Vice President, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, has worked tirelessly to lead the $12.5 million organization to improve lives and community conditions in Lehigh, Northampton and Carbon counties. Under her leadership, the United Way moved from an allocations model to a strategic collective impact model, which is having a tremendous impact on children and families across the Lehigh Valley. Her direction was critical in identifying and making measurable progress in key areas of education and food access. Under her leadership, the United Way expanded the Community School footprint in the Lehigh Valley, now including 14. These schools are true community hibs whuere families can access services before, during and after school hours. She has lent her expertise to numerous organizations developing new strategic plans including the Women’s Leadership Council, Allentown School District Foundation, Spring Garden Children; Center, and Cancer Support Community. Over the last three years, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley has been ranked in the top six out of 1800 worldwide.

In addition to the Donleys, past individual recipients include Mrs. Beverly Bradley, Senator Pat Browne, Dr. John vanBrakle, Chief Roger McLean, Mrs. Rebecca Gorton, Mrs. Ardath Rodale, Mr. and Mrs. Lee Butz, Mr. Kostas Kalogeropolous, Mrs. Patricia W. Levin, The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, Dr. Arthur L. Scott, Mr. Scott Fainor, Dr. Diane Scott, The Honorable Jeanette Reibman, Mr. L. Jack Bradt, Mr. Peter Carpino, Mrs. Marlene “Linny” Fowler, and Dr. and Mrs. Peter Likins.

Past recipients of the Organization Award are Pediatric Cancer Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, Northampton County Medical Society Alliance, Computer Aid, PPL Corporation, Education 2020!, St. Luke’s Hospital & Health Network, The Women’s Leadership Initiative of the United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley; PNC Financial Services; Just Born, Inc; The Harry C. Trexler Trust; Bethlehem Steel Corporation; Agere Systems; Air Products & Chemicals, Inc; Lehigh Valley Health Network; CoreStates Bank; and Binney & Smith, Inc (now “Crayola”).

For additional information, call Community Services for Children at 610-437-6000, x2112, or log onto www.cscinc.org/events.

Community Services for Children is a regional leader in early childhood education, affecting the lives of 40,000 children annually. Its Head Start program is recognized as a national center of excellence.