Honoring a lifelong Lycoming County resident and leader, the Lycoming County United Way (LCUW) has selected Mr. Robert Glunk, Executive Chairman of Journey Bank, to receive the organization’s highest honor, the Douglas C. Dickey Humanitarian Award. The award will be presented at the organization’s Together United Annual Dinner and Awards Celebration on Thursday evening, April 18, 2024, in the Grand Ballroom at the Holiday Inn Downtown, 100 Pine Street, Williamsport.
The award is presented annually to individuals whose dedication, commitment, and outstanding leadership have significantly contributed to the welfare of Lycoming County. Presented annually since 1947, the award was renamed from the Lycoming United Way Award in 1997 to honor the memory of the late LCUW President Douglas C. Dickey, among those lost in the crash of TWA Flight 800.
“As a past award recipient myself, I know first-hand the magnitude of this award, and I am pleased to welcome my friend and fellow Lycoming College alumnus, Rob Glunk, who has distinguished himself as a leader in this community for decades,” reflected Ron Frick, President of the Lycoming County United Way. “In addition to his time as a past campaign chair and the organization’s secretary, treasurer, and finance chair, Rob and his colleagues at Journey Bank and its predecessor banks have served our United Way in several ways, including assisting with annual resource development efforts, grantmaking activities, and volunteerism during events and days of action, as well as service as members and officers of our board of directors.” We are also honored to have this year’s award sponsored by Journey Bank.
In addition to his decades-long support of the United Way, Rob most recently served as the Chair of the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce. He was a past president of the now-affiliated Jersey Shore Chamber of Commerce.
A career leader in the banking community, Rob has served in leadership of the Pennsylvania Banker’s Association and has been active in fundraising for multiple community organizations, including Jersey Shore Little League, Jersey Shore Hospital, Muncy Valley Hospital, and the Jersey Shore Public Library. Rob was also active in both the Jersey Shore and Montgomery Lions Clubs.
Several members of the nominating committee for the award, past recipients themselves, described Rob as a humble and quiet leader who is always available to help others.
Rob’s colleague, President and CEO of Journey Bank, Lance Diehl, shared, “It’s in Rob’s DNA to help people. His desire to solve problems and advance important causes shines through in his professional and personal life. As a community banker, he has devoted his career to helping local individuals, families, and businesses on their financial journeys, and this same commitment extends to the communities and local organizations he’s been an integral part of for many years. Working alongside Rob is my honor and privilege, and I congratulate him on this distinguished award.”
In addition to the Dickey Award, the United Way will also recognize volunteer service and the role of women in leadership by presenting the Douglas J. Shangraw Memorial Volunteer Award, sponsored by Lycoming College, which is also serving as the event’s presenting sponsor, the President’s Award, sponsored by Weis Markets, and the Harriett Lenhart Memorial Women’s Leadership Award, sponsored by UPMC. Invitations to the event were designed and printed by Impact Advertising.
“We hope the community will come out and celebrate our accomplishments as an organization and recognize employees, companies, and volunteers who have helped us mobilize the collective resources of our communities for over 100 years,” said Patti Jackson-Gehris, LCUW Board Chair. “We have some fun things planned, including another silent auction, and hope to sell out the event as we have done the past few years.”
Thanks to the generosity of past Dickey recipient and the current U.S. Ambassador to the Hellenic Republic, George Tsunis, and his wife Olga and Chartwell Hotels, community partners will be given two tickets to the event free of charge, and all net proceeds will support LCUW programs. Admission to the April 18 event is $30 per person, and tickets are available by calling the Lycoming County United Way office at 570-323-9448 or via email at slorson@lcuw.org. Checks should be made payable to Lycoming County United Way. Checks and credit cards can be accepted in advance or at the door the night of the event.
About Lycoming County United Way
Lycoming County United Way is a charitable nonprofit organization that builds partnerships to solve community problems and raises funds for human service programs. We fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. Working with community partners, we mobilize community resources to strengthen families and change people’s lives in Lycoming, Sullivan, and Tioga counties. This is done by assessing the needs of each community, generating resources, investing in programs, and measuring results. For more information, visit http://lcuw.org/, or connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
