Annual Sanofi Pasteur and VaxServe Community Fundraiser Breaks $870,000 for Local Families in Need
SCRANTON, Pa., September 22, 2016 /3BL Media/ – Tonight, hundreds of community supporters gathered to celebrate a nine-year commitment to helping local Pennsylvania children and families in need through the annual Lackawanna County Community Fundraiser. The event is held by Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, and VaxServe, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanofi Pasteur.
The “Jazzin’ It Up” event raised $174,550 to fund programs implemented by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Pennsylvania, the Employment Opportunity Training Center of Northeastern Pennsylvania (EOTC) and Marley’s Mission, all located in Lackawanna County. Since 2008, the event has raised more than $870,000. Once again, VaxServe and Sanofi Pasteur covered all event expenses. As a result, 100 percent of ticket sales and sponsorships directly benefitted the three non-profit organizations.
The fundraising total was announced and distributed by company executives Frank Epifano, vice president, North America and Global Finance Commercial Operations, Sanofi Pasteur; Al Thomas, associate vice president and general manager, VaxServe; along with Ellyn Schindler, director, Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement, Sanofi Pasteur. Sanofi Pasteur has U.S. headquarters in Swiftwater, Pa., and VaxServe offices are located in Moosic, Pa. (Lackawanna County).
“We at VaxServe and Sanofi Pasteur are honored to continue our commitment to these critical organizations, which not only includes monetary assistance, but also employee engagement, as well as awareness of their causes and programming,” said VaxServe’s Thomas. “Our three beneficiaries and those they serve are inspiring examples of the true spirit of community.”
An intimate jazz club atmosphere prevailed at POSH as guests were treated to the sounds of the Marko Marcinko Jazz Group, featuring vocalist Erin Malloy-Marcinko, and danced to Music for Models. Guests also enjoyed a variety of delectable food and desserts – all while learning about the life-changing community work being conducted.
“As a result of this event we are able to provide educational activities, homework assistance and healthy meals and snacks to more than 1,000 children annually -- most from primarily low-income families,” noted Tricia DiBiasi Thomas, executive director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of NEPA.
“With financial assistance from VaxServe, Sanofi Pasteur and the community, EOTC is able to continue its Toddler Play and Learn Group. This group, which targets parents who have communicated or demonstrated the need for additional support, teaches critical child-rearing and socialization skills,” reported Linda Ciampi, EOTC executive director.
Marley’s Mission uses fundraiser funding “to provide equine assisted psychotherapy free of charge to children who have experienced significant trauma in their young lives, such as the death of a family member or physical or sexual abuse,” said April Kemp, Marley’s Mission founder and program director.
Presenting Partners ($10,000 and higher) were Meshoppenn Stone and Toyota of Scranton. The event Gold Partner ($7500 – in kind) was Lavelle Strategy Group. Silver Partners ($5,000) included ComServe Systems and Publicis Health. Bronze Partners ($2,500) were A. Rifkin Company, Bayada Home Health Care Pediatrics, Embrovac LLC, ICQ Consultants, Attorney Gerard & Dawn Karam, L.R. Costanzo Construction Services Co., Maple Lawn Associates, Posture, Red Bird Aerial Video Productions, Road Scholar, and Vector Security.
Media partners included FOX-TV, Joyce Outdoor Advertising, King Outdoor, Lamar Advertising, WBRE/WYOU-TV and WNEP-TV.
About Sanofi
Sanofi, a global healthcare leader, discovers, develops and distributes therapeutic solutions focused on patients’ needs. Sanofi has core strengths in diabetes solutions, human vaccines, innovative drugs, consumer healthcare, emerging markets, animal health and Genzyme. Sanofi is listed in Paris ((EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).
Sanofi Pasteur, the vaccines division of Sanofi, provides more than 1 billion doses of vaccine each year, making it possible to immunize more than 500 million people across the globe. A world leader in the vaccine industry, Sanofi Pasteur produces a portfolio of high quality vaccines that matches its areas of expertise and meets public-health demand. The company's heritage, to create vaccines that protect life, dates back more than a century. Sanofi Pasteur is the largest company entirely dedicated to vaccines. Every day, the company invests more than EUR 1 million in research and development. For more information, please visit: www.sanofipasteur.com or www.sanofipasteur.us
About VaxServe
VaxServe, a Sanofi Pasteur company, is a national healthcare supplier serving primary care physician offices, community immunization providers, immunizing pharmacies, travel clinics and corporations. Since 2000, VaxServe has offered customers professional service while providing a reliable supply of vaccines, injectable and medical/surgical product at competitive prices. For more information, please visit www.vaxerve.com.
Contact:
Ellyn Schindler
Director, North America Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Sanofi Pasteur
