Celebrating 20 Years of Vision, Service and Community Impact with Northeast Sight Services

For two decades, the Northeast Sight Services Annual Awards Dinner has brought the community together to celebrate leadership, service, and lasting impact. It’s a night that shines a light not only on those who go above and beyond, but also on the programs and people this support makes possible.

This year’s event, set for Wednesday, October 22 at 5:30 p.m. at The Woodlands Inn & Resort, marks a major milestone: the 20th anniversary of a tradition that has changed lives across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

From its beginnings as a modest recognition night, the dinner has grown into a powerful fundraiser and gathering of community spirit. It helped launch the InSight Kids Club of NEPA, which now celebrates 10 years of supporting local children who are blind or visually impaired through year-round social, educational, and recreational experiences. Last year’s dinner raised over $10,000 to support the agency’s children vision screening program, a service that’s been helping children across the region for more than 50 years, which helps to detect potential vision and eye health problems, often before symptoms are noticed

These milestones speak to the long-term impact of this single night—and the generosity of the community that makes it possible.

To commemorate this anniversary year, Northeast Sight Services will recognize five individuals and organizations whose contributions reflect the spirit of service, inclusion, and advocacy that drive its mission.

• Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield will receive the Marion Pollock Community Partnership Award in recognition of more than 20 years of support. Highmark’s ongoing commitment to community health and wellness has been instrumental in expanding Northeast Sight Services’ programs and enhancing its long-term impact across the region.
• John Yudichak, recipient of the Distinguished Community Service Award, is being honored for a lifetime of service and leadership. Known for his deep commitment to Northeastern Pennsylvania, John has consistently focused on creating stronger, more connected communities through advocacy, generosity, and action.
• James Brogna will receive the Golden Anna Cervenak Community Impact Award for his remarkable servant leadership and tireless support of the nonprofit community. Jim not only helped create this award in memory of Anna Cervenak, but also lives its spirit every day, mentoring young professionals, lifting up organizations, and connecting people with purpose.
• Kayla Penzone, recipient of the Arline Phillips Achievement Award, is a former participant in Northeast Sight Services’ Camp Sight and InSight Kids Club programs. Living with progressive vision loss, Kayla has never let her diagnosis limit her goals. From college graduation to career success and cross-country adventures with her guide dog Kane, she is now a role model for the next generation, proof that vision loss does not mean losing direction.
• Nanci Romanyshyn will be honored with the inaugural Visionary Advocate Award for her work as an Orientation and Mobility specialist through the Luzerne County Intermediate Unit. Nanci’s impact goes far beyond the classroom. She’s a guide, an advocate, and a champion for students—empowering them to navigate the world with confidence, to chase after big goals, and to speak up for themselves and others.