Women’s sufferage program planned

Women in Philanthropy, an initiative of the Scranton Area Community Foundation, will host a special community event Monday, June 8, highlighting the history of women’s suffrage in Pennsylvania through film, storytelling and conversation.

Held in partnership with the Lackawanna Historical Society and as part of the America250PA initiative, Pennsylvania Women and Their Fight for the Vote will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Scranton Area Community Foundation at the Century Club, 612 Jefferson Ave., Scranton.

The evening will feature a screening of “Finding Justice: The Untold Story of Women’s Fight for the Vote,” a 19-minute documentary that is part present-day detective story and part historical account of the movement for voting rights.

The film tells the story of the Justice Bell — a one-ton bronze replica of the Liberty Bell with its clapper chained to symbolize women’s silenced voices — and the determined group of women who carried it across all 67 Pennsylvania counties in 1915 to advocate for voting rights. The bell was finally rung in Philadelphia in 1920 following the ratification of the 19th Amendment.

Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a live Q&A with filmmaker and Justice Bell Foundation Executive Director Amanda Owen. Signed copies of her book, “The Justice Bell: Tracing the Journey of a Forgotten Symbol,” will also be available for purchase.

The evening also will include light refreshments and opportunities to explore several historical and civic features located at the Century Club, including the Inspiration Garden, the America250PA Bells Across PA fiberglass Liberty Bell replica, A State of Giving, A City of Hope, painted by artist Cherie Fruehan, and the Kate Chapman marker on the National Votes for Women Trail, honoring the founder of the Equal Franchise League of Scranton, who led suffrage advocacy in Lackawanna County from 1913 to 1919.

The event is free to the public, though registration is encouraged. For information or to register, visit SAFDN.org/events-calendar. For inquiries about the Justice Bell, contact Sarah Piccini, Assistant Director at the Lackawanna Historical Society at researchLHS@gmail.com or call 570-344-3841.

Support NEPA Gives this week

Nonprofit organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania will soon receive a boost from the region’s largest day of giving as NEPA Gives returns from 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 4, through 7 p.m. on Friday, June 5.

More than 300 nonprofit organizations — the largest number in the event’s history — are participating this year, inviting donors to support causes ranging from education and healthcare to the arts, environmental conservation and human services.

NEPA Gives is a collaborative effort led by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, alongside regional partners including The Luzerne Foundation, Wayne County Community Foundation, Greater Pike Community Foundation, Carbon County Community Foundation, Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers, Community Foundation of Monroe County, Schuylkill Area Community Foundation, Posture Interactive, and community sponsors. Together, these partners work to strengthen philanthropy and support nonprofit organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Since launching in 2020, NEPA Gives has generated more than $6.7 million in support for nonprofit organizations.

During NEPA Gives, supporters can visit NEPAGives.org to browse participating nonprofits and make secure online donations to the causes they care about most. Participating nonprofits are based in 13 counties and represent a wide range of causes, including education, healthcare, the arts, environmental conservation, human services, and youth development.

Nonprofits will also compete for more than $250,000 in bonus prizes and matched incentives, funded by business sponsors and philanthropic partners. These opportunities help amplify donor contributions and encourage community engagement throughout the 24-hour campaign.

Businesses and community partners interested in supporting the event through sponsorship opportunities can learn more at NEPAGives.org