This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Mark J. Lynn, CLU, about the upcoming community roast of Dave Rudis, presented by the Kiwanis Club of Scranton.
- Residence: South Abington Twp.
- Family: Wife, Jodi Terito, and daughter, Nicole
- Educational and professional background: President of Abington Planning Group; earned bachelor’s degrees in science and business administration from Penn State University
- Title: Master of ceremonies
Q: How many years has this been a tradition?
A: This has been a tradition for over 20 years.
Q: Who is Dave Rudis?
A: Dave Rudis will be “roasted” by his friends Stephen Tolerico and Gary Grivner in addition to myself. Dave is a CPA and partner at Snyder & Clemente. Dave is very active in our community. He is a member of the Lions Club and supports the Lackawanna Blind Association. Dave was made a Melvin Jones Fellow of Lions International Foundation for his service to this club. He has served as a past president of the Boys and Girls Club and was awarded the Louis DelPrete Champion Award. He is active with the First Presbyterian Church of Wilkes-Barre and has served as deacon, elder and trustee. In addition, Dave is a board member of Ecumenical Enterprises Inc. He also has served on the board of directors of the Robert Dale Chorale, which is now known as the Arcadia Chorale. Dave is an avid golfer and is a member of Glenmaura National Golf Club (and) the Scranton Canoe Club and (is) past president of the Scranton Club.
Q: What is included with admission?
A: A plated dinner will be served: Chicken Francaise, potato, vegetable, salad and dessert. A cash bar also will be available.
Q: What else will be on hand?
A: In typical Kiwanis fashion, there will be a 50/50 raffle.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: Proceeds will benefit local Scranton Kiwanis Club charities which include, but are not limited to, the ARC of NEPA, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Serving Seniors Inc., United Cerebral Palsy, United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties, United Neighborhood Centers, Greater Scranton YMCA, Bread Basket of NEPA, St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen and St. Joseph’s Center.
Q: Why is community support so important to your cause?
A: Community support is integral to the success of our annual fundraising event as we continue to educate the public on our mission of “Improving the world one child and one community at a time.” The Kiwanis Club of Scranton has been serving our community for over 104 years (1917-2021).
If you go
- What: Kiwanis Club of Scranton presents “A Community Roast of Dave Rudis”
- Where: Glenmaura National Golf Club, 100 Glenmaura National Blvd., Moosic
- When: Thursday, Aug. 19, 5:30 p.m.
- Details: Tickets cost $50, advance only; call 570-954-1266.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.