PENTA Communications, Inc. supports WCAC’s 10th Annual Action Hero Awards

WORCESTER, MA _ PENTA Communications, Inc. (PENTA), continued its support of the Worcester Community Action Council’s (WCAC) Annual Action Hero Awards, celebrating the event’s 10^th year. The event took place on May 25, at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, to honor those individuals and organizations from throughout Worcester County for their tireless commitment, philanthropic contributions, and for heightening awareness of the non-profit organization, which helps over 70,000 people each year.

The Worcester Community Action Council’s Action Hero event was conceived in 2006 by then Board Chair and PENTA CEO, Deborah Penta, and Donna McGrath, WCAC Director of Fund Development.

“There were many individuals who took leadership roles to champion the great work of the Agency,” said Penta. “Individuals who would provide employment for the Agency’s Jobs & Education Program, people who stepped up to help with capital improvements or who championed awareness or fund development of unrestricted funds. Creating an event to honor those community heroes who took action, was something we believed to be very important in providing thanks and recognition of those advocates who were true heroes to those less fortunate.”

A steadfast supporter of WCAC’s mission to help individuals and families gain economic stability through social service programs, PENTA has championed for the Agency in numerous capacities for over a decade.

“We hoped that when the Action Hero Event was launched it would be an event people would look forward to each year. It has been just so exciting to see this event continue and grow over the past ten years, and I hope it will be part of the Agency forever,” said Penta.

This year’s honorees included Edward M. Augustus, Jr., City Manager, for taking a leadership role in advancing Worcester’s youth; Timothy P. Murray, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, for his role in the establishment of the Worcester Youth leadership Institute; and Frank Kartheiser, Worcester Interfaith Organizer, for his expansion of workforce development and the YouthWorks Program.

Tim Garvin, United Way of Central Massachusetts President and CEO, was applauded for his consistent support of the WCAC, including programs developed to benefit high school students and provide emergency fuel to the underserved. Also honored at the event was State Representative Joseph McKenna, who advocated for additional family and educational support in the town of Webster, and Dr. Barbara Malkas, Webster Public Schools Superintendent, who aided the facilitation of the Head Start Program in Webster.

Southbridge Savings Bank was praised for its munificent contributions to the WCAC in support of its emergency fuel assistance fund, a vital resource necessary for many local families.

Founder and CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc., Deborah Penta, served on the WCAC’s Board of Directors from 2004 to 2014, served on its Executive Committee from 2004 until 2012, and was Chairman of the Board from 2006 to 2009. During her Board tenure with the Agency, Penta received the Board Hero Award in 2007 and was recognized as an Action Hero in 2009. She also helped spearhead the Agency’s 45^th Anniversary celebration at Mechanics Hall in 2010. PENTA Communications, Inc. was also a sponsor of the WCAC’s 50^th anniversary celebratory event in 2015.

The Worcester Community Action Council was founded in 1965 to serve Central Massachusetts under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” The WCAC now offers 18 emergency and social service programs to the City of Worcester and 43 neighboring towns.

For more information about the Worcester Community Action Council, or to view photos from this year’s event, visit its website at www.wcac.net.