WILKES-BARRE June 13, 2017 — Inspiring people and businesses from around the Wyoming Valley were awarded Tuesday at the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce’s EPIC awards. Ramah Hackett, Melissa Parente and Christina Taylor were awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award for their work on the CASAblanca Gala. The fundraiser brought in over $100,000 for CASA of Luzerne County, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates.

“CASA changes lives, one child at a time,” Hackett said about why the trio got involved with the program.

Taylor said the women must share their award with the “true heroes” — the CASA advocates who work for the best interests of physically or sexually abused children in courtrooms and communities.

EPIC stands for Extraordinary People Inspiring Community.