Keynote speaker Loretta Claiborne, award winners praise value of service at Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance banquet
Keynote speaker, award winners praise value of service
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While Loretta Claiborne, Special Olympic gold medalist, has turned down many speaking opportunities, she knew she had to be at the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance banquet this week.
"I know what the Alliance has done not only for the Special Olympics, but for the whole community," Claiborne said.
As the keynote speaker for the 66th annual Brotherhood Banquet, held in the Genetti Hotel, Claiborne told the sold-out room about how she had no faith in herself, born as a middle of seven children in a poor, single-parent family.
While in a work program, she was introduced to the Special Olympics. That first week, she wanted to quit, but her mom wouldn't let her so she went back the next week and was asked if she wanted to run the 50 yard dash or the 300 yard dash. She said she didn't know.
The response she received stayed with her all these years: "'You have a mouth. You have a voice. I want you to tell me what you want to do.'"
And she did. She picked the 300 yard dash and found a love of running that helped her finish 26 marathons. Now she uses that voice to help others.
"If I can use my voice to make it better for one more person, it is worth it," Claiborne said.
Frank Pellegrino and Ken Sawyer were presented with the 2023 Brotherhood Citation Awards.
Pellegrino, a businessman and philanthropist, said it is important to teach children how to give and to do it by leading by example.
"Everyone working together in a concerted effort to raise our region to higher heights and for that I am forever grateful to each of you," Pellegrino said. "You do make Northeast (and) Central Pennsylvania such a desirable place for us all."
Sawyer, a retired broadcaster, switched hats from emceeing the event to accepting his award.
"Whatever accomplishments Barry (Rake, alliance president) read, we did it together," he said. "Our community pulls together when it needs to."
But some people have to be asked first.
"If you know people who can help, ask them," Sawyer said. "Don't be afraid to say, 'You know, you've got a great talent for fill-in-the-blank and have them do that. Sometimes, people don't know that you need help."
Tim Saar, volunteer for Jersey Shore area youth sports, saw that with his father, who umpired for games, even though Saar said he didn't know what a strike zone was.
"He did that so (the game) could go on," Saar said.
Saar was the recipient of the 2023 Ray Keyes Sports Award because of his participation in sports over the years.
"Aside from enjoying it, I do really feel like I've been able to have an impact with young men, young women and the community," Saar said. "Out of all of it, I feel that's the most valuable thing. If you have a light, you should not put it under a basket. If you have the abilities, you should use them and that's all I've ever wanted to do -- was help make my community better."
Sawyer presented the 2023 Unsung Hero Awards to Rick Armstead, John and Sue Best, Sharon Colt, Rebecca Elkins and Hurley Kane.