Transitions of PA held its 36th annual charity auction on Wednesday evening June 5 at Susquehanna University. The theme this year was “A Path Forward.” For people who have dealt with abuse or trafficking, forging a new path brings optimism and hope. Transitions provides this with the help of our local communities.
Hope and optimism were “in the air” as I made my way to the check-in table. Guests were in high spirits. Amy Gronlund, executive assistant at Transitions greeted me and gave me my table number and program. It was nice chatting with Brooks Gronlund, Amy’s husband, while we were in line.
Guests could peruse the silent-auction items displayed in the foyer area and, as they entered the dining-room, servers offered a choice of red or white wine, which is always a nice touch. The room was beautifully decorated with gray and white, the colors of choice for the event. “Saxman Ravi,” Ravi Evans, entertained during the co*cktail hour. It’s always a delight to hear Ravi play the sax.
The dessert table looked luscious. There were cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, so many pastries to choose from. Guests would have the opportunity to “Dash” for desserts later in the evening.
The culinary offerings were scrumptious, and included shrimp, pot stickers, Bao, two different dips, fruit skewers, salsa and chips, crab and avocado phyllo cups, charcuterie cups, black-bean sliders, Beef Wellington bites, a crudité platter, and more. Yum! An open bar was available with wine and beer, and water.
I was happy to chat with Union County Commissioner Stacy Richards who is also on the Transitions board. It’s been ages since I’ve seen Dede Gronlund. We had so much fun talking.
I spotted Gayle Pollack, Grace Mahon, Transitions board members D. Toni Byrd and Nancy Hartman, East Buffalo supervisor Katie Evans, Jim and Susan Mathias, Sue and John Mathias, Ed Sigl, Transitions treasurer, Judi Karr, Teri MacBride and Steve Gauttery, Sabra Karr, Transitions co-vice-president, Louise Knight, Marv Rudnitsky, Curtis Barrick, and Sally and Mike Kobus.
I enjoyed talking with Transitions board member Tony Butto, Pam White, and co-emcee Chris Markle.
A cash raffle and a cork purchase for a bottle of wine were hot items and the lovely centerpieces were also available for guests to buy.
I walked over to a fun group of women and joined the conversation. Judy Hoover, Jan Wilson, Raven Rudnitsky, and Bernadine Richard bring “joie de vivre” to any event they attend.
Jan Vass told me this was her first Transitions Auction. I checked with her later to see if she was enjoying herself. Jan gave me an enthusiastic Yes.
Chris and Jack Malloy were talking with David and Lisa Kalodner as they checked out the silent auction. I spoke with Elissa Koontz and auction committee chair Sheri Rippon who are neighbors. I said Hi to Kristen Vonderheid whose husband, Todd, was an active bidder.
Nancy Macky flew in from Colorado to present the Pete Macky Advocacy Award, which honors her late husband. Nancy was talking with Paula Swett, whose late husband, Peter Johnson, former Union County DA, was the recipient this year, along with Mary Louise Schweikert. Pete and Mary Louise were shining examples of service to their communities. Pete for pursuing justice for crime victims and Mary Louise for advocating for children and as part of Transitions. Nancy presented the Pete Macky award to Paula, who commented, “Thank you. We both lost our Petes.” It was an emotional moment for everyone in attendance.
Members of the Union County and Snyder County District Attorneys’ offices were there to honor Pete Johnson.
The evening’s program began with co-emcees Drew Kelly and Chris Markle welcoming everyone and introduced Transitions co-chairs, Evangelical Hospital CEO Kendra Aucker and Helen Nunn who talked about Transitions and the role it plays advocating for and helping victims of abuse and trafficking. Kendra Aucker spoke on behalf of Evangelical Community Hospital later in the program and talked about Route 15. It’s one of the most heavily trafficked roads in the country. Think about that as you use it for errands and shopping, and remember those who use it for nefarious purposes and their victims. And, as Kendra Auker said, “Thank God for Transitions.”
Mae-Ling Kranz, Transitions CEO, told the guests that 2025 will be the 50th anniversary for Transitions and Transitions will continue to provide support and services for 50 years and beyond.
This year’s featured speaker was Officer Rachel Shear, a member of the Northumberland Borough Police Department. Officer Shear spent the first six years of her career as a tribal police officer on the Sac and Fox Tribal Reservation. Officer Shear is a survivor of abuse and works to protect survivors of abuse and advocate for them.
The Live Auction, led by Auctioneer Extraordinaire Lori Hess Lauver, had bids go high and then higher. So much energy! Guests could have an “evening in Tuscany,” beautiful getaways, “relaxation and fun at the shire,” a “snowy escapade,” and more. During breaks in the auction, guests were encouraged to raise the paddle and make cash donations.
The Dessert Dash closed the program. It’s a highlight to watch “runners” get to the dessert table and choose a delectable dish. The table that raises the most money for the Dash, dashes first. It’s a fun way to raise money. This year’s event raised more than $10,000! The most ever.
What a wonderful night! So much support for a very important organization...and so much fun. Thank you to Premier Sponsor Evangelical Community Hospital and to Gold Level sponsors First National Bank, Weis Markets, and Geisinger, and to all who sponsored and supported Transitions of PA. A shout-out to the volunteers, staff, board, and auction committee. A hearty well done to all!
Until next time…
Look for Freddi Carlip, of Lewisburg, at coming “scenes.” She can be reached by e-mail at onthescenefsc@gmail.com
