Presented by Outreach - Center for Community Resources

Mighty Oak Awards 2025

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About This Event

Outreach - Center for Community Resources presents the Mighty Oak Awards annually to recognize individuals and organizations that stand out in their efforts to support individuals and families in our community who strive to achieve family stability and economic self-sufficiency.

About This Event

Outreach - Center for Community Resources presents the Mighty Oak Awards annually to recognize individuals and organizations that stand out in their efforts to support individuals and families in our community who strive to achieve family stability and economic self-sufficiency.

Mighty Oak Honorees

Christopher Scalese   &   Mary Beth Scalese

Founder, President           COO, Co-Owner

 

Professional

Celebrating a 25-year journey with Fortune Financial Group, Chris and Mary Beth Scalese embody the spirit of community and family. As dedicated business owners based in Dunmore, PA, they have continually demonstrated a commitment to fostering growth and positive change both within and beyond their professional endeavors.

Community Impact

Since 2020, Chris and Mary Beth have ardently supported Outreach Center for Community Resources, demonstrating their commitment to promoting charitable initiatives and community support. Beyond Outreach, the Scaleses have a long history of supporting a wide range of other charitable organizations, both locally and nationally, underscoring their enduring commitment to making a positive impact.

Family and Personal 

As devoted partners not only in business but also in life, Chris and Mary Beth are the proud parents of four children: Robert, Abigail, Ross, and Paul. Their family continues to grow and thrive, with their son Robert married to Kelsey and blessed with a daughter, Charlotte Marion, who brings boundless joy to the family's lives.

Most importantly, Chris and Mary Beth are passionate about nurturing deep, meaningful relationships with family, warmly regarding siblings and brothers-in-law as best of friends. Their lives are a testament to the power of shared values and love, which they believe are the foundations of a fulfilling life.

Moreover, Chris and Mary Beth are avid travelers, embracing the world with the philosophy that life should be celebrated and never taken for granted. Their extensive travels reflect not just a passion for exploration but a commitment to living life to its fullest, an ethos they hope to instill in those around them.

Beth Beh Community Spirit Award

Bonnie Banks Perugini

Professional and Volunteer History

Her career began at Third National Bank before being recruited as a feature writer for the Scranton Times' Sunday edition. For over 12 years, she wrote about influential local women, which deepened her connection to the community. During this time, she married Robert Perugini and had two children.

As a Lackawanna Historical Society Board member, she reorganized the "Docent Program" at the Catlin House. Recognizing the need for parental representation, she served two terms on the Abington Height's School Board from 1985, where her proudest achievement was co-chairing the Special Ed Task Force, which earned recognition from the Pennsylvania Senate.

Following her husband's death in 1992, she worked at Talbot's, then in golf apparel and human resources. She currently is a sales representative with TShirtsin24 in Old Forge. She also served as a Hospice Volunteer for over 20 years.

EOTC Involvement

After meeting EOTC Director Dr. Sharon McCrone 25 years ago, she became a dedicated supporter. She served on the Marketing Committee, the Resource Development Advisory Committee, and chaired the 2010 Renovation Revelry fundraiser. She continues to support Mighty Oak Celebrations and promotes EOTC's work throughout the community.

Family

Her daughter Sara, an educator, lives in Virginia Beach with grandson Gus, while her son Benjamin, a Lockheed Martin senior inspector, lives in South Abington Township with granddaughter Ryleigh.

History of Mighty Oak

While former Executive Director Dr. Sharon McCrone sat against an oak tree in Nay Aug park and reflected upon her personal time of transition, she had an epiphany regarding the people served by the EOTC’s mission. The acorn developing into a mighty oak was symbolic of the possibility of all people to grow into and beyond their full potential.

Upon creating the Mighty Oak Award, Sharon noted “Our logo is an acorn. It’s both fruit and seed of the oak tree, an age-old symbol of strength, stability, and grandeur. What better name for our award? What better way to describe Beth, Mary and Randy (the first recipients of the Mighty Oak Award) who stand so tall for EOTC and so solidly support our mission.”

Getting There

Glenmaura National Golf Club
100 Glenmaura National Blvd
Moosic, 18507
United States