The Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance held its 69th annual Brotherhood Banquet, bringing together members of the community that strive to create a better present and future for those around them.

“These awards recognize individuals and sometimes groups or organizations for outstanding leadership and service while promoting the cause of goodwill and understanding among all persons in Lycoming County,” said Master of Ceremonies Ken Sawyer.

This year’s keynote speaker was Ben Hartranft, founder and president of Benergy1 Presentations.

Hartranft was diagnosed with autism at the age of two. At an age where most children have a language capacity of 200 words, Hartranft could only use around 20, but through a strong support system at home as well as a dedication to learning and faith in God, Hartranft has grown into a nationally recognized motivational speaker, bring his “Be The One” message of hope and inspiration millions.

“My ultimate dream job was to do public speaking full time,” Hartranft told the audience.

“And since we started Benergy1 Presentations, I’ve spoken to companies, corporate offices, parent groups, I’ve talked at over 600 locations across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and the U.S. about autism awareness, inclusion and kindness,” he said.

“When I was a kid, I wanted to give back to the autism community, and one time they asked me to do an MRI study,” he said, adding that lying still can be difficult for him, but even so, he went through with it.

“Sometimes we have to do the things that are hard in order to do the things that we love,” he stressed.

Hartranft also founded the Benergy1 Foundation: Independent Living for Adults With Autism, focusing on three core values: independence, stability and support.

Hartranft’s mom chronicled her son’s journey in a book titled “Swinging From The Chandelier: Finding Joy in the Journey Through Autism.”

“What is autism? It’s a disorder at birth. If you have autism, you’re born with it,” Hartranft told the audience.

“Our first angel, Miss Paula Barson at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, taught me how to talk through six months of speech therapy, and now today, I just talk and talk,” he said.

“When I was in third or fourth grade, the school said you’re probably never going to read or write. In fourth grade, I could only copy from the board and I could only read Kindergarten books,” Hartranft said.

However, a chance encounter at Bible study led to his aunt Debbie meeting a woman who suggested using the Dubard Association Method to help him learn.

“My mom did endless hours of reading practice with me,” he said, calling her “the true MVP.”

Hartranft would also attend the Talk Institute in Newtown Square, just outside of Philadelphia.

“Today, I know how to read and write and post on social media,” he said.

“God provides me to the right person at the right time,” Hartranft told the audience.

In addition to autism, Hartranft was also diagnosed with a learning disability, making both reading and math difficult for him.

Throughout his presentation, Hartranft would detail the struggles that those with Autism Spectrum Disorder may face including an aversion to loud noises, bright lights and sudden changes, their proclivity towards repetitive motions and, at times, difficulties with verbal and non-verbal communication.

Despite these challenges, Hartranft has forged ahead, setting and meeting several goals throughout his life, including meeting former U.S. President Joe Biden.

“I really wanted to meet the President of the United States of America, no matter who’s in office, to talk about autism awareness, inclusion and kindness,” he said.

During his senior year at North Penn High School in Lansdale, Hartranft would be crowned homecoming king.

“I got so excited I ditched my date, ran across the field. It was an incredible night,” he said.

Despite his outgoing personality, Hartranft said that making friends was always a challenge, relating a story of when he tried to throw a party and only one person showed up.

“It was just me and Billy Snow, but Billy was that one kind person that day,” Hartranft said.

“You could be that one kind person that could change the world. If a friend at your table says, ‘hey, let’s hang out this weekend, take that opportunity. That’s how you can be that one kind person that can change the world, and that’s how kindness can start with you,” he told the audience.

Never one to let adversity get in his way, Hartranft would pursue and ultimately secure a driver’s license, which he recounted in his usual upbeat fashion.

“Once you get your permit, you have to practice for 65 hours. For me, it took me 300 hours over three years. I failed six times during the permit test, I failed 50 times doing parallel parking,” he said, adding with a laugh, “don’t worry, no cars were injured, but lots of cones were.”

But Hartranft would ultimately pass the road test his first time out.

An avid fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, in 2017, he was featured in a “Road to Victory” short documentary produced for the team, was involved with Hard Rock for Autism, and continues to be an autism ambassador and top fundraiser for the team’s autism challenge and foundation, even carrying the Lombardi Trophy during the team’s ring ceremony, following Superbowl LII.

Following the ceremony, Hartranft was invited to spend the day at Dorney Park with Jason and Kyley Kelce.

“I’ve been to 46 amusement parks, and my current record on a roller coaster is 14 times in a row, which is just crazy,” he added.

With the help of former long snapper Jon Dorenbos, Ellen DeGeneres would later treat Hartranft to a surprise appearance on her T.V. show, something that had long been a goal of his.

Additionally, DeGeneres provided Hartranft tickets to Universal Studios, Eagles gameday tickets, a certified helmet signed by the 2018 Super Bowl team and $10,000 for the Eagles Autism Challenge.

In his final anecdote of the night, Hartranft told the story of his first solo trip to California.

“I booked my own flight, my own hotel, and a week before, I was driving to work, and I decided I wanted to go to the farmers market. I crashed my car,” he said.

Although he was unharmed, Hartranft’s car was totaled.

As fate would have it, he had tickets to appear on The Price Is Right, his father’s favorite show.

During the “What’s In the Bag” game, Hartranft won $16,000 and a brand new Chevy Equinox.

“Having autism is not a bad thing. It doesn’t characterize who we are,” he said in closing out his speech.

“Everybody’s unique and special, just like a rainbow. One tree can start a forest and one kind person can change the world. Let’s go be the one, everybody,” he concluded.

Following Hartranft’s presentation, violinist Jason Hurwitz, who had earlier performed the Star Spangled Banner, was invited back to the stage to present his parents, Debbie and Marvin Hurwitz with the 2026 William Pickelner Brotherhood Award for their dedication to public service through volunteerism.

A 45-year board member and 17-year president of the Williamsport Federation of Jewish Charities, Marvin began his volunteerism in 1975 as a youth group advisor, and has been involved with organizations such as the West Branch Builder’s Association, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank and the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance’s Holocaust Museum educational trip, for which Debbie has served as secretary and chair.

A board member of the Brotherhood Alliance, Debbie frequently speaks to high schools and community groups about her family’s Holocaust history, and has dedicated time to WeCare Sycamore Nursing Home, the Philanthropic Educational Organization and the Journey Bank Community Arts Center.

Co-founder of Hats for Heat, Vince Reeder, also a recipient of the Pickelner award, was recognized for his 11 years coaching Montoursville Little League and youth football, along with his efforts to help families facing extraordinary circumstances keep their homes heated during the winter time.

The recipient of the Ray Keyes Sports Award was local attorney George Lepley Jr., who has either played or coached baseball for nearly 60 years, taking thousands of players from across different school districts under his wing.

Five persons were named Unsung Hero Award recipients, including Christine Atkins, who donates hundreds of her hand-sewn quilts scarfs and stuffed elephants each year to the Gatehouse, Wise Options, pediatric units at Geisinger- Hershey, UPMC Williamsport, the National Giving Association and Susque-View Home Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Unsung Hero recipient Diana Logan was recognized for her dedication to making those with diverse abilities feel welcomed in the community. Among her efforts are the creation of the YMCA Superstars program and Music from the Heart, a singing group composed of individuals with diverse abilities.

Pennsylvania College of Technology Professor of Business Administration and Marketing, Dr. Steven Moff was also awarded the Unsung Hero Award, with his dedication to those with special needs.

He was a founding volunteer with the Little League Challenger Division, who remains heavily involved, each summer managing two challenger teams.

Moff is also a historian who has traveled to Germany and shared the stories of Holocaust survivors.

Husband and wife, Marc and Marianne Tupper, were cited as Unsung Heroes for their many years of service to the Lycoming Presbyterian Church, as well as their involvement with Big Brothers, Big Sisters, the Newberry Lions Club, Meals-On-Wheels and the West End Christian Community Center.

Breanna Nixon, a senior at St. John Neuman Regional Academy, was awarded the inaugural Rising Leader Award.

Born in Nassau, Bahamas, Nixon moved to the U.S. when she was 10-years-old, and is involved in several clubs at her school, including National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Key Club, Student Council, Be a Force for Good and SADD.

Last year, Nixon partnered with Dwell Orphan Care to organize a donation drive, providing residents at Clear Vision in Montgomery with essential items and gifts for Christmas.

For more information on the Lycoming County Brotherhood Alliance, please visit www.lycobro.com.