MVI Celebrates 37 Years of Partnership and Progress
For nearly 25 years, Mon Valley Initiative has hosted its Annual Dinner & Community Awards ceremony, bringing together community members, elected officials, non-profit and governmental partners, sponsors, and others to highlight the positive momentum happening across the Mon Valley.
More than 200 people attended this year’s event on October 23 at the McKeesport Palisades Event Center. MVI celebrated 37 years of partnership and progress while recognizing the individuals and organizations who help make that progress possible. Each year, the evening offers space for community members to come together, celebrate the positive things happening in Mon Valley communities, and explore new opportunities for collaboration that strengthen the region’s future.
During the ceremony, MVI Chief Financial Officer April Hoover remarked, “The way the world is, we struggle so hard to find community, so I want to remind you that this is a community. Tap into the other people in this room. Just remember, where there is service, where there is hope, lasting impact can happen.”
Seven awardees were honored for their service, including recipients of the regional awards selected by MVI’s Board of Directors. The H. John Heinz Award was presented to Lauri K. Fink, who has spent two decades leading philanthropic and community development efforts across the Greater Pittsburgh region. The Regional Partnership Award went to Dress for Success Pittsburgh, recognzied for its collaboration with MVI to expand economic opportunity for Mon Valley residents through workforce services and its mobile boutique providing professional attire.
Community-nominated honorees were also recognized for their outstanding service at the local level. A full list of awardees appears below.
In the evening’s program book, Chief Executive Officer Laura R. Zinski wrote, “As communities navigate significant economic and social transitions, we will continue to be a stable, reliable presence in the region. This commitment reflects the dedication of our staff, Board, committee members, funders, and community partners – the steady current that keeps us moving forward. Tonight, we honor individuals and organizations whose work embodies that same spirit of partnership and perseverance.” The full event program can be viewed online.
H. John Heinz Award for Community Service
Given to an individual who has worked diligently to promote and further the resurgence of the Mon Valley region
Lauri K. Fink
Regional Partnership Award
Given to an individual or employer that has made a commitment to working in coordination with Mon Valley Initiative to help individuals find meaningful work and achieve financial stability
Dress for Success Pittsburgh
Community Partner of the Year Awards
Nominated by residents of the Mon Valley and given to individuals or organizations that have gone above and beyond in service to their community
Officer Pedro Valles, nominated by Braddock Economic Development Corp. (BEDCO)
Mallory Crawford, nominated by Downtown West Newton, Inc. (DWNI)
Swissvale Presbyterian Church, nominated by Swissvale Economic Development Corp. (SEDCO)
Richard L. Ferguson American Legion #527, nominated by a member of the community
Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank’s Community Connections Program, nominated by a member of the community
The event and MVI’s work throughout the year would not be possible without the support of the evening’s sponsors, including our presenting sponsors BNY, PNC Bank, and Disaster Restoration Services.
To view additional coverage of the event, view the Mon Valley Independent and the Tube City Almanac.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and congratulations to all of the awardees!