John Adonizion is the 2022 Unsung Hero Award recipient from Paint Pittston Pink. Qiana Lehman, co-found of Paint Pittston Pink and presented the award.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
The Paint Pittston Pink Award for Courage went to the 2022 recipient, Erica Sowden, right. The award was presented by Melissa Latona of Paint Pittston Pink.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Gloria Blandina, left, is the 2022 Paint Pittston Pink Cancer Survivor Award recipient. Presenting the award is Kara Martin.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
The family of late Joseph J. Lenza, Jr. was awarded the Paint Pittston Pink Celebration of Life Award. Standing with Joseph’s widow Camille (pink shawl), left to right: their son JJ, grandson Marco, daughter-in-law Kristina, granddaughgter Sophia. Unable to make the trip home were Camille’s sons Chris and Carmen.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
At the conclusion of the Paint Pittston Pink awards ceremony, dozens of lanterns were lit and set off into the sky in remembrance of those stricken with cancer or those that have passed away from the disease, at Charley Trippi Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 17.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
YAKESVILLE – Paint Pittston Pink (PPP) kicked off a month of events on Saturday, Sept. 17 when they held night of celebration with awards and a lantern launch at Pittston Area’s Charley Trippi Stadium.
Prior to the lantern launch, PPP the award ceremony began at 7:30 p.m. included the PPP Award for Courage, PPP Celebration of Life Award, PPP Spirit of Community Award, PPP Survivor Award, and PPP Unsung Hero Award.
The awards honor Greater Pittston residents who have made an impact on the lives of others.
The 2022 recipients are: the Unsung Hero Award, John Adonizio; the Award for Courage, Erica Sowden; Celebration of Life Award, family of Joseph J. Lenza, Jr.; Survivor Award, Gloria Blandina; and the Spirit of Community Award to Dave Pedri of The Luzerne Foundation, who could not make the ceremony.
“Tonight is probably one of the most special nights of the events,” Barbara Sciandra, co-founder of PPP, said. “There is such a big focus on PPP and our fundraising numbers, but what’s special about tonight is bringing the community together and that’s a part of our mission statement and that’s one of the most important things in our organization.”
John Adonizio, who received the Unsung Hero Award participated in the 2015 Gentleman’s Dash and was a committee member of the inaugural Paint Pittston Pink™ golf tournament. He supports Paint Pittston Pink™ in memory of his mother, father, and sister who lost their lives to cancer.
“I was shocked and I never expected it (award),” Adonizio stated. “It’s a very solemn occasion to remember your loved ones that passed away. I’m very proud and very humble on receiving the award.”
Camille Lenza, widow of the late Joseph Lenza, was on hand for the celebration honoring her and her family with the Celebration of Life Award in memory of her husband who passed away in 2008 from pancreatic cancer at the age of 59.
Camille, her son J.J., daughter-in-law Kristina, and grandchildren Marco and Sophia, proudly accepted the honor in the name of Joseph.
“It was absolutely wonderful, amazing,” Camille said, on receiving the Celebration of Life award. “Everybody has commented on it and I didn’t realize how big the event has gotten. A lot of people showed up from my family and friends came and people I haven’t seen in a long time.”
After the awards ceremony, dozens of lanterns were launched honoring many family and friends suffering from or died from cancer.
Award recipients to date:
Paint Pittston Pink™ Award for Courage Award Recipients:
2016: Sara Mazzitelli
2017: Rebecca Sammon
2018: Carol Hiscox
2019: Matt Macaluso
2020: Angela Harashinski
2021: Dr. Tina George Orr
2022: Erica Texiera-Sowden
Paint Pittston Pink™ Celebration of Life Award Recipients:
2017: Elizabeth (BJ) Johnson
2018: Tom and Dianne Tigue
2019: Lisa Jones Kutra
2020: Christopher Manganiello
2021: John “Jack” and Rosemary McHale
2022: Family of Joseph J. Lenza, Jr.
Paint Pittston Pink™ Spirit of Community Award Recipients:
2018: Latona Trucking and Excavating
2019: Liberty Tax
2020: Agolino Family
2021: Fork Over Love
2022: Dave Pedri of The Luzerne Foundation
Paint Pittston Pink™ Survivor Award Recipients:
2018: Tony Callaio
2019: Michael Burke
2020: Dr. Yvonne Galella
2021: Melissa Manganiello Ostroskie
2022: Gloria Blandina
Paint Pittston Pink™ Unsung Hero Award Recipients:
2014: Qiana Murphy Lehman, Esq.
2015: Mayor Michael Lombardo
2016: Jay Duffy
2017: Greg Holl
2018: Joe Nealon
2019: Bob Price
2020: Rob and Linda Johnson
2021: Dorianna Latona
2022: John Adonizio
