External Communications students at Penn State Scranton helping to organize a fundraiser with Valhalla Veterans Services include, seated, from left: Sarah Murphy and Zamarra Vrabel; standing, from left are: Ava Compton and Emma Bannon. Missing from photo are: Jim Bernosky, Jr., Ryan Cabrera, Rebekah Howells and Olivia Osborne.
DUNMORE, PA. — This semester, students in Penn State Scranton’s Corporate Communication "External Communication" class are collaborating with Valhalla Veterans Services to promote, raise funds and plan the organization's annual Fall Ball, which supports local veterans and first responders.
Valhalla Veterans, a Scranton-based non-profit, is dedicated to serving all "warriors," including veterans, active-duty service members and emergency responders. Their mission focuses on mental health support, suicide prevention, and community connection for those who have served.
Zamarra Vrabel, a student in the external communication class, emphasized the importance of their partnership with Valhalla.
“Helping Valhalla with this event has been a great experience for our class," Vrabel said. "We are honoring NEPA’s warriors by giving back to those who gave of themselves to keep us safe. We also aim to promote awareness of the reality of mental health struggles.”
The class is actively collecting donations for the Fall Ball, having secured 37 raffle baskets, approximately 120 ticket purchases and five sponsorships so far. In addition to gathering donations, they are utilizing social media and marketing strategies to raise awareness for the event.
“Our overall goal for this event is to make it a success on every level,” Vrabel said. “We want to raise as much money as possible for Valhalla, as this is their biggest fundraiser of the year, while also ensuring that everyone has a fun, enjoyable time.”
Scheduled for Saturday, November 9 at Fiorelli’s Catering, 1501 Main Street, Peckville, the Valhalla Veterans Fall Ball is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on Valhalla’s website. Donations are also welcomed at any time.
Vrabel encouraged her fellow Penn State Scranton classmates to leverage their education for community impact. “Our skills don’t have to be saved until graduation; they can be used now to build our involvement and help us gain familiarity in real-world situations,” she said.
