News

November 29, 2017

Congratulations to our 2017 Person of the Year!

On November 17^th Bob Phillips, The Chair of the independent panel of judges that selected the three 2017 Person of the Year finalists, announced the Winner: Jan Korb, representing the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry and the Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley.

 

Korb has given up his own time and money to provide for the food pantry, including buying a truck to transport food from the Second Harvest Food Bank. Under his supervision Loaves and Fishes was able to provide approximately 10,000 meals a year for the past 5 years.

 

Korb received a check for $2,000 that will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Lehigh Valley.

 

The two finalists were recognized and both received $750 to go towards their cause. Thomas Gansel was recognized for his work with the Reformed Church of Bushkill Community Dinner, and will donate to Bushkill Outreach, and Diane Jiorle, for her work with The Angel’s Closet.

 

The independent panel of judges was assembled from the following categories: News/Media, Business Leaders, Academia and past Person of the Year Finalists.

The judges were:

• Bob Phillips, chair of the judges committee, Former CEO of the Pocono Mountain Chamber of Commerce
• Al Compoly Jr., 2016 Person of the Year finalist representing Operation Chillout
• Tim O’Donnell, 2015 Person of the Year finalist representing Kiwanis Club of the Poconos
• George Roberts, Owner of George Roberts Productions
• Gary Smith, Pocono 96.7, Gary in the Morning
• Marcia Welsh, President of East Stroudsburg University
• Connie Roberts, Alternate Judge, George Roberts Productions

 

NOMINEES and AWARD:

1. Thomas Gansel was nominated for his continuous work with the Reformed Church of Bushkill Community Dinner (www.bushkillchurch.org)
2. Diane Jiorle was nominated for her 15 years of service to The Angel’s Closet (www.facebook.com/theangelsclosetpa)
3. Jan Korb was nominated for his years of dedication to the Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry.

 

The Person of the Year will receive $2,000 toward their cause, and the two finalists will each receive $750 toward their cause. (as permitted by township code: If the township is not permitted to donate to the cause under township code, the winner may suggest another cause.)

 

The awards were announced during the 2017 Person of the Year and Volunteer Appreciation Banquet on November 17^th at the Whispering Pines Banquet Hall.

 

For more information about the event and photos, check back soon at www.mstPersonOfTheYear.com