The Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce, proud partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber, announces the honorees of the 31st Annual Spirit Awards.

This years awardees include Lynne Fedorcha of Slatington (Spirit Award); Becky’s Drive-In (Business of the Year); Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate (Milestone Award - 50 Years) and the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation (Nonprofit of the Year).

“Receiving the Spirit Award is not just an honor, but a recognition of the profound impact one may have for their outstanding contributions to business and community,” said Cindy Miller, chair of the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce and of SVN Imperial Realty.

The Spirit Award, established in 1993 by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber, has been a long-held tradition that honors a local individual who embodies community and volunteerism. This year’s honoree, Lynne Fedorcha, is a dedicated volunteer with the Slatington Public Library.

Retirement from a fulfilling career in education allowed Fedorcha to dedicate herself to volunteering; as a board member and treasurer, she manages the website, and social media posts, and even don the traditional Mrs. Claus garb for the library and the Northern Lehigh Education Foundation Santa Breakfast.

Fedorcha is also active in her church, where she plays piano and serves as a lector and usher regularly. She is married to Gary Fedorcha for 52 years, and parent and grandparent to an extensive family.

Named Business of the Year, Becky’s Drive-In is family-owned and operated and located in Walnutport. Founded by William D. Beck (known as Becky), Becky’s Drive-In found its home on Route 248 in 1939. It has been continuously run by Becky’s family since its opening, now in caring hands of his four surviving children and their families, showing family films starting April to mid-October. They include sons Darrell and Dennis, daughters Mary Mayberry and Cindy Deppe and their spouses, Joe and Dean, plus countless grandchildren and beloved employees.

Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Benjamin Real Estate will be recognized for 50 years of business. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates LLC., Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices has been in business in Schnecksville for 50 years, providing excellent real estate advisement and service to their customers.

Named Nonprofit of the Year, the Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation (2024 Nonprofit of the Year) is being recognized for their instrumental efforts in supporting the educational goals and programs for the future leaders of our community. The Northwestern Lehigh Educational Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports the educational goals of the Northwestern Lehigh School District.

“All four of our awardees hold the spirit of community close to their hearts and values that tie them to our community at their core,” said Jessica O’Donnell-Gower, executive vice president of Affiliated Chambers for the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce.

The morning brunch and award ceremony will be hosted on Saturday, June 15, at Ontelaunee Park Pavilion in New Tripoli, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The morning brunch will be held in this historic park, as we honor our awardees that have impacted the past, present and future of the Greater Northern Lehigh region.

For more information about Greater Northern Lehigh’s Spirit Awards or to reserve your seat, please visit the Greater Northern Lehigh’s website at: tinyurl.com/29kzkc63