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Pittsburgh Senior News: RSVP awards luncheon features an "afternoon at the Oscars"

November 24, 2014

“An Afternoon at the Oscars” was the theme for the 29th annual RSVP Recognition Luncheon, and it certainly was a star-studded occasion! Dr. Shelena Gibbs McElvy was both eloquent and gracious as master of ceremonies for the afternoon. Not only did she keep the event moving smoothly, she also engaged the audience in interesting Oscar trivia. Avis Curenton impersonated Oprah Winfrey and greeted nearly every one of the 200 guests. Some of the guests impersonated celebrities like Audrey Hepburn and Stedman Graham.

But I think everyone would agree that the highlight of the afternoon was the entertainment. The first to sing was the “Lemmon Sisters.” Yes, they were impersonators, but three RSVP board members—Cindy Skiles (Dianne Lennon), Terri DeChellis (Kathy Lennon) and Joyce Sipes (Janet Lennon)—gave the audience lots of laughs with their rendition of “I Think I’m Going Out of My Head.”

The second act was none other than RSVP’s Valerie McElvy impersonating Diana Ross and her Supremes:, Cheryl King (Florence Ballard) and Tina Genes (Mary Wilson) from the Franklin Center staff. They brought the house down with their hilarious rendition of “Stop in the Name of Love.”

Avis "Oprah Winfrey" Curenton (left) and Valerie "Diana Ross" McElvey (right) welcome Shon Owens and Lispert Dowdellof the Franklin Center.

RSVP works with more than 70 organizations throughout Beaver County by helping them find volunteers to assist them as they carry out their missions to serve the Beaver County area. Each year, one of those stations is recognized for their outstanding commitment to the area. This year, the award was presented to the American Red Cross, a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other. Its purpose is to protect life and health, and to ensure respect for all human beings. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace among all people.

Each year, the stations where RSVP volunteers serve submit their nominations for the “Volunteer of the Year” award. This year, Carol Yannachione from the Beaver County Office on Aging (BCOA) received the honors; five people nominated Carol for her commitment to volunteerism. She volunteers weekly and puts in many hours to help out at BCOA. Her duties include answering a multi-line phone system, organizing card files and sorting paperwork. “Carol is a wonderful volunteer who puts in a lot of hours at our office and we are extremely lucky to have her here at the Beaver County Office on Aging,” says Leslie Lotito.

Congressman Keith Rothfus personally delivered proclamation letters of recognition to Carol Yannachione and the American Red Cross. The offices of Senator Elder Vogel Jr., Senator Tim Solobay and Representative Rob Matzie were on hand to recognize the winners.

RSVP would like to thank The Fez for providing excellent food and service for this event. “It’s so much fun to have so many of our volunteers in one place and to have an opportunity to recognize and thank them for their service,” comments Valerie McElvy. “RSVP looks forward to next year’s event. It will mark 30 years of service for RSVP in Beaver County.”

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