The Merakey Foundation will host its annual Leading the Way Awards Gala on Thursday, October 17, 2024, at The Drexelbrook in Drexel Hill, PA. With an Empowering through Innovation theme, Merakey employees, sponsors, and donors will come together to celebrate its work and mission.
Ray Pennacchia is this year’s Leading the Way Award Recipient. The Leading the Way Award is given each year to an individual that has made a significant impact on bringing awareness to the obstacles facing vulnerable communities in our region. Ray Pennacchia has been behind the scenes supporting the Merakey Foundation since 2009. As a member of the Merakey Foundation’s Board of Directors for over 15 years, Ray has brought ideas, contacts, and energy to the organization. Ray’s work at NovaCare also supports his passion for helping those in need.
Merakey Parkside Mobile Unit Leaders are the Fran Egan Courage Award Recipients. This award honors those who exhibit compassion, courage, resiliency, creativity, and the embodiment of the Merakey mission. Sarah Colton, Audrey Lundy, Natasha Lundy and Dave Malloy do exactly that. They work with the Police Department of Philadelphia and SEPTA to support those struggling with homelessness, substance abuse disorder, and other behavioral health challenges.
JonDorenbos serves as this year’s Honorary Gala Chair. As a Philadelphia Eagle, he became familiar with the Merakey organization and in 2020 was awarded the Fran Egan Courage Award. This year, he is serving as Honorary Gala Chair and sending his support from afar.
A spectacular evening with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, desserts, silent auction, raffles, and live music, it promises to be a wonderful celebration.
As the largest fundraiser of the year for the Merakey Foundation, proceeds directly support a variety of Merakey programs.