November 2009
Passion was the theme at the 12th Annual Thanksgiving Benefit and Awards Luncheon presented by LifePath and PICPA’s Lehigh Valley Chapter. Dick Vermeil, former Philadelphia Eagles head coach, keynoted the program, which was held the day before Thanksgiving at the Holiday Inn in Fogelsville. Several hundred people attended the annual event, raising more than $116,000 for LifePath, an organization that cares for people with developmental disabilities.
Vermeil is a popular figure in the Greater Philadelphia area, and he is known throughout the NFL as a passionate, emotional, and spirited personality. He coached the Eagles from 1976-1982, and led them to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1980. He spent several years as a broadcaster before returning to coach the St. Louis Rams in 1997, and in 1999, led the franchise to its first and only Super Bowl championship. He drew comparisons between the task of a LifePath staff member and a coach: “You try to make people the best they can be.”
Vermeil’s speech focused on the seven common sense principles of success: make sure people know you care; strive to be a good example; create an atmosphere where people enjoy working; define your mission, delegate, and lead; bring energy to the workplace; build relationships; and be sincere.
The coach received a tour of one of LifePath’s facilities, and he mentioned how deeply moved he was by the work of the many LifePath employees. The subject was personal for Vermeil. He spoke fondly of his 17-year-old granddaughter who has a developmental disability. “When we gather around the table for Thanksgiving dinner, all 19 of us, she will be the strongest one there.”
A few PICPA members in attendance spoke of how important the program is and why they get involved. Everyone agrees that the benefit is a great way to kick off the Thanksgiving holiday.
Prior to Vermeil’s address, Terry and Judy Iasiello were presented with the 2009 Outstanding Parents of the Year Award. Their daughter, Nikki, was born in 1962 with several life-threatening birth defects, including a congenital brain malformation. Nikki has perservered and continues to thrive today. David M. Jaindl, president and owner of Jaindl Farms, received the 2009 Lehigh Valley Community Service Award for his tireless efforts with the Miracle League of the Lehigh Valley. The event concluded with a live auction that featured Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs tickets, spa products, cigars, and more.
Photo Highlights:
|
|
Podcast Interviews from 12th Annual LifePath Benefit |
|
Dawn Anderson, chair of PICPA’s Lehigh Valley Chapter Thanksgiving Benefit Committee, on why she gets involved with the LifePath event.
Jeff Berdahl, president of PICPA’s Lehigh Valley Chapter, on why he attends the benefit and what it means to him.
Judy Iasiello addresses the audience after her and her husband, Terry, received the Outstanding Parent Award.
| |
Comments