The Feb. 25 spaghetti dinner fundraising event held at the Natrona Heights VFW in support of injured EMT Kelly Jackson was a testament to the way in which the Alle-Kiski community responds to need. The event was spearheaded by Lori Miller, president of the Hilltop Hose VFD Auxiliary, who garnered the support of dozens of volunteers to make the event special. So many others contributed to the success of the event that space does not permit me to list.
More than 400 community members attended the dinner, which generated net proceeds of nearly $10,000. Surprisingly, Jackson graciously declined to accept the proceeds. Instead, she offered them to the Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation’s EMT training program, of which she is a 2023 graduate.
The current EMT class is the fourth emergency medical training class sponsored by the foundation in the past three years. This class, and all foundation programs, are provided free of charge. The funding from the dinner will go a long way toward paying for tuition, books and materials.
The AKH Foundation is humbled by Jackson’s unselfishness and the community’s response. Such generosity is a model for all.
John Pastorek
Harrison