SitemapThe faith-based community organizing group, ACTION (Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods), will host its 17th annual community fundraiser and banquet May 2 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Social Hall, 243 Via Mt. Carmel Drive.
The event, which opens at 5 p.m., will feature the Rev. Todd Johnson, pastor of Warren’s Second Baptist Church, who will speak on the theme, “Rooted to Soar.” He will be joined by guest author Sheryl St. Germain, who will read excerpts from her collection of essays, “Fifty Miles,” which treats challenges arising from addiction. ACTION will recognize institutions and individuals for contributions to the community. The annual Frances Kerpsack Awards will be presented to Jeffrey M. Magada, founder and executive director of Flying High; Mike McNair, editor of The Buckeye Review; Ian Beniston, executive director of the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation; and Sam Covelli, owner and operator of Warren-based Covelli Enterprises. Proceeds will help to underwrite ACTION’s key initiatives to enhance the quality of life for residents of the Mahoning Valley. The organization is dedicated to confronting ongoing challenges such as racism, predatory lending, rebuilding the future for returning citizens and mitigating problems related to the food desert that affects scores of urban neighborhoods. Tickets are $40 per person. ACTION is a nonprofit organization, so all contributions are tax-deductible. For information, call Rosetta Carter at 330-941-0475. To read the full story from The Vindicator, click here.