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Commissioner Balya Donates $3,500 to County Charities and Vocational Schools
Posted 12-17-08
Continuing a holiday tradition he began in 1996,
Westmoreland County Commissioner Tom Balya today announced $250
donations to 14 nonprofit charitable organizations and
vocational technical schools in Westmoreland County.
The annual donation marks the 13th consecutive
year that Commissioner Balya has fulfilled his pledge to return
to the community a 15 percent salary increase that was awarded
to county elected officials in 1996. Commissioner Balya voted
against the increase, which was approved by the majority of the
Board of Commissioners.
"I was uneasy accepting a pay raise, and I
believe that giving the money to organizations and institutions
in need is a way of giving back to people in our county," Balya
said. "I will continue to fulfill my pledge to not pocket that
pay raise as long as I am serving as county commissioner."
The organizations receiving $250 donations are:
• Alle-Kiski Learning Center – Arnold
• Bethlehem Project, Blessed Sacrament Cathedral – Greensburg
• Big Brothers/Big Sisters of the Laurel Region – Greensburg
• Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center – New
Stanton
• Douglas Education Center – Monessen
• Eastern Westmoreland Area Vocational Technical School –
Latrobe
• Humane Society of Westmoreland County – Greensburg
• New Kensington Youth Projects – New Kensington
• Northern Westmoreland Career Technology Center – New
Kensington
• Westmoreland Cleanways – Greensburg
• ParentWise Inc. – Greensburg
• Toys for Tots – Jeannette
• Union Mission – Latrobe
• Westmoreland County Food Bank – Delmont
"These fine organizations help vulnerable people
and help students enhance their education," Balya said. "To be
able to assist them in their noble missions is a privilege."
With this year's contributions, Commissioner
Balya has donated $45,750 through his annual holiday donation.
Donations to these groups are distributed
through the Tom Balya Charitable Fund at the Community
Foundation of Westmoreland County. The scholarships presented to
the various vocational schools are awarded to students based on
criteria set forth by the respective schools. |
