HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County commissioners recognized an outstanding employee and a fundraising powerhouse.

First on the agenda: Kudos for Kathy Legg for serving one year as a clerk in the district court office.

“She handles traffic and non-traffic citation dockets with professionalism and confidence,” said Magisterial District Judge Kay Bates. “She is proactive and upbeat… Kathy with her southern charm has endeared herself to the courthouse family… and I am blessed to have her as part of my office staff.” 

Legg thanked Judge Bates and, after receiving more praise from the commissioners, told them, “I enjoy myself” in the job. “I enjoy working with people. If I can help somebody and get them in the right direction, I think that’s a good thing.”

NEPA Gives

Next up was a motion to adopt the NEPA Gives Day Proclamation.

“NEPA Gives is a one-day online giving extravaganza that is all about giving back to the community,” the proclamation reads.

For 24 hours—from 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 6, to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 7—donors can make secure donations to their favorite local nonprofit organizations through its online platform at nepagives.org.

A few members of the Wayne County Community Foundation attended the meeting to help shed some light on the event. NEPA Gives was first held in 2020 and raised more than $500,000 for the 167 nonprofits that participated. Last year the donations doubled, helping local nonprofits raise more than $1 million.

With more than 300 nonprofits and charitable causes registered this year, the foundation is optimistic about the future.

“It’s kind of a ‘Shark Tank’ for nonprofit giving,” said Ryanne Jennings, president/CEO of the Wayne County Community Foundation, laughing. 

Jennings emphasized the effectiveness of these types of events.

“When you have a dinner, the overhead cost of a dinner is likely $40 to $75 per $100 that you are raising,” she said. “So the nonprofits are really only walking away with a handful of dollars, whereas with NEPA Gives, it’s about one dollar to raise $100.”

A launch party for NEPA Gives will be held at Grant’s Woods, located behind Settlers Inn, on Thursday, June 6, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. “There will be free food, music and about 15 nonprofit organizations, so come on out!” Jennings said. 

Before adopting the proclamation, the commissioners commended the event and everyone involved.

“We can’t say enough about our nonprofit organization,” Commissioner Brian Smith said. “A lot of people are helped by these foundations, and we certainly appreciate that.”