IN Greensburg-Salem Summer 2014 | Página 24

The YWCA has been housed in the 114-year-old building since 1970. events, which provides a stunning backdrop for showers, birthday parties and other celebrations. The YWCA also lends the space to other nonprofits in need of a meeting space. The beautiful old home is a living, evolving venue where the YWCA carries out its daily mission to eliminate racism and empower women. The nonprofit holds several events to help support its goals. Raunikar notes, “The Book Sale held during the last weekend in September is a wonderful event that supports and raises awareness of our literacy program. I am amazed by the number of book donations that we receive throughout the year that make our used book sale possible.” She cites the Girls in Pearls Fashion Show as one of her favorite events. “It’s another great event that raises awareness of our programs. Clothing from our Thrift Shop is featured in the show and we try to choose models who represent each of our programs. The program information is shared with the audience through the script.” This year’s fashion show will be held August 18. The YWCA also teams up with the Central Westmoreland Unity Coalition the second Tuesday in October in Saint Clair Park for the Annual Unity Rally, which provides an opportunity for everyone to celebrate diversity and foster harmony within the community. “We recently held the Sportswomen of the Year awards banquet, recognizing outstanding female athletes in Westmoreland County,” adds Raunikar. Though Raunikar has a long commute to Westmoreland County from her Johnstown home, she wouldn’t change a thing. She gets to work in a beautiful historic mansion for an organization through which she can literally see lives being changed every day. “I’ve grown fond of Greensburg and Westmoreland County...It’s an active community with many caring people.” For information on renting the Huff Mansion or YWCA’s many programs, visit the website at ywcawestmoreland.org. 22 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Greensburg-Salem