Mental Health Association of Northwestern PA
Whoever thinks young adults in our community lack a sense of community spirit is seriously mistaken, and MHA has the proof.
On February 27 and March 27, 2009 Penn State Behrend students representing Interfraternity Council held two separate fundraisers to support the Warming Nights MHA held this past winter for shelterless persons who needed a safe, comfortable place to be overnight when temperatures were to dip below 20 degrees. The first event was a Bowl-a-Thon at Eastland Bowl and the second event was a “Kickin the Common Cold” event at the Concourse at Union Station. Both events were well organized by the students and garnered both funding and recognition for the importance of having Warming Nights available in our community.
Certainly these events were very welcome by MHA, but the most important aspect of this student undertaking is that, MHA did not approach the students to develop these fundraisers. Having heard about Warming Nights and our need for funds, they came to us. They took the initiative to develop and organize all aspects of these events and asked little of us in return. They expended tremendous amounts of time and energy to manage all aspects of the events.
MHA thanks these community minded, compassionate students for their generosity of spirit and commends them for so responsibly taking on the Warming Center cause. They are an inspiration to us all. I most specifically want to thank Russell Graziano and Paul Nick who spearheaded the effort. You are a credit to your school and to our community.