SCRANTON, Pa. — The last time the St. Joseph's Festival was held on the grounds of Marywood was in 2019. But this year, the food and fun will be back.
Sister Maryalice Jacquinot and members of the St. Joseph's Center Auxiliary announced the return of the St. Joseph's Festival this summer. The festival and telethon are big fundraisers for St. Joseph's in Scranton, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to benefit residents and clients who have severe disabilities.
"Folks have been wonderfully supportive for our virtual events, but that's the whole nature of St. Joe's community. So to be back live, having our volunteers be active, have their families there – it's just something we've all been looking forward to, and we're so happy for this summer," said Marylou Grogan of St. Joseph's Center Auxiliary.
After a two-year absence due to the pandemic, the festival will kick off on Friday, July 29, and go through Sunday, July 31.
WNEP-TV will host a two-day telethon at the festival on the grounds of Marywood University.
"The food, the baskets, everything that goes on at the festival is enough of a draw, but having Joe and the telethon really brings more of northeastern Pennsylvania to the grounds of Marywood every year," Grogan said.
While it may be about raising funds, it also gives the clients they serve something exciting to look forward to.
"It's very affirming to our residents and clients to know the broader community cares about them enough to come forward and to support our various events," said Sister Maryalice Jacquinot. "So the summer festival, the WNEP telethon, and the Go Joe bike ride, countless ways for people to be involved and to really affirm the work of St. Joseph's Center.
St. Joseph’s strives to provide individuals and families who have special needs the opportunity to develop their abilities and potential to the fullest extent possible through residential, community, and home-based services, outpatient therapy, maternity, family, and adoption services, according to its website.
Learn more about St. Joseph's Center on WNEP's YouTube channel.
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