WILKES-BARRE — JoAnne Olejnick, a retired teacher from the Wyoming Valley West School District, was having lunch when she was visited on Thursday by representatives of the United Way of Wyoming Valley and MotorWorld.
Olejnick was surprised to learn that she was the grand-prize winner of $7,500 in United Way’s annual incentive drawing.
And Olejnick did what she has always done for more than 50 years of donating to the United Way — she donated it back.
The grand-prize winner was surprised while attending lunch with fellow retired teachers at Mystic Kitchen in Shavertown, where United Way of Wyoming Valley staff and the MotorWorld Toyota | MileOneCares team arrived with an oversized $7,500 check and shared the news in front of her former colleagues.
The grand-prize winner was surprised while attending lunch with fellow retired teachers at Mystic Kitchen in Shavertown, where United Way of Wyoming Valley staff and the MotorWorld Toyota | MileOneCares team arrived with an oversized $7,500 check and shared the news in front of her former colleagues.
Olejnick immediately chose to donate it back to United Way of Wyoming Valley.
Olejnick shared that she’s been giving to United Way for 50 years and insisted on returning her prize.
“There’s a lot of people that need more than I need,” Olejnick said.
Olejnick, of Swoyersville, said in addition to donating to United Way for decades, she also volunteered on committees for the agency, where she said she saw firsthand the need that exists in Wyoming Valley.
“I was always amazed at how many people were in need of the United Way and its services,” Olejnick said. “Especially the many families with children.”
“I was always amazed at how many people were in need of the United Way and its services,” Olejnick said. “Especially the many families with children.”
Olejnick said that when the United Way and MotorWorld people showed up at Mystic Kitchen, she heard them say she had won something. She would soon learn that she was the Grand Prize recipient.
“I just couldn’t take the money,” Olejnick said. “I live comfortably — I’m not rich, but I just felt it could be put to help people in need.
“I sincerely hope this inspires others to contribute to the United Way.”
Sara Peperno, president/CEO of United Way of Wyoming Valley, said the format for the incentive drawing presentations changed this year.
“Instead of announcing winners publicly, our staff showed up in person to surprise the three donors and celebrate the generosity that supports United Way of Wyoming Valley’s work across the community,” Peperno said.
So representatives of the United Way and MotorWorld set out to present three checks:
The incentive drawing winners include:
The incentive drawing winners include:
• Third Prize ($1,000): Alyssa Beasley, Benco Dental
• Second Prize ($1,500): Kevin Smith, Classic Properties
• First Prize ($7,500): JoAnne Olejnick, a retired teacher from the Wyoming Valley West School District
All donors who gave $156 or more to United Way of Wyoming Valley were eligible and automatically entered into the random drawing, with $10,000 in incentive prizes generously supported by MotorWorld Toyota | MileOneCares.
“These surprises are our way of celebrating the generosity that makes our work possible,” said Peperno. “We’re incredibly grateful to our donors for their continued support and to MotorWorld Toyota | MileOneCares for making these prizes possible. Every gift helps strengthen our community, and moments like this allow us to say thank you in a truly meaningful way.”
Rick Osick, Division President of MotorWorld | MileOne Autogroup, said MotorWorld Toyota is honored to continue its long-standing partnership with United Way of Wyoming Valley.
“We believe in giving back to the community, and this incentive program is a great way to encourage generosity while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need,” Osick said.
At the presentation to Olejnick, Peperno said the winner didn’t hesitate when she was surprised with the $7,500 grand-prize incentive award.
“She immediately chose to donate the entire amount back to United Way, saying simply, ‘There’s a lot of people that need more than I need,’” Peperno said.
The second- and third-place winners were Kevin Smith of Classic Properties, who received $1,500, and Alyssa Beasley of Benco Dental, who received $1,000. Smith also chose to donate his prize back to United Way.
“JoAnne Olejnick represents the heart of this community,” Peperno said. “She’s supported United Way for decades, and even when surprised with a gift, she chose to turn it into something bigger than herself. That’s the kind of generosity that changes lives.”
Peperno credited MotorWorld Toyota | MileOneCares with making the annual incentive program possible, noting that the partnership helps drive participation and momentum during United Way of Wyoming Valley’s campaign each year.
Originally published on TIMES LEADER: https://www.timesleader.com/news/1731432/a-day-of-surprises-for-united-way-donors
Originally published on TIMES LEADER: https://www.timesleader.com/news/1731432/a-day-of-surprises-for-united-way-donors