Awards in Philanthropy 2022: Mark and Diane Michalczyk

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter awarded Mark and Diane Michalczyk with the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. The Michalczyks were nominated by Kurt Bauman and Eileen Brown and were honored at November 2022's Annual Philanthropy Day Luncheon.

Mark and Diane Brown Michalczyk were both raised in Dunmore, where they still reside. With help from their families, they created the Ryan Mason Michalczyk Memorial Fund after their 1-year-old son, Ryan, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep from Sudden Unexpected Infant Death.

Since establishing the fund in 2009, the Michalczyk family has touched the lives of those in need in our community and supported the revitalization, restoration and expansion of community parks in Dunmore. The fund has raised nearly $200,000 to benefit the greater good, and tragedy has become a source of inspiration, action and hope.

The Ryan Mason Michalczyk Memorial Fund is a catalyst for positive change in the community. An associated annual golf tournament raises funds to benefit children in the community affected by life-threatening health conditions or disasters like fires and floods, support community park revitalization efforts, provide assistance with Christmas gifts for families in need, and fund annual college scholarships for local graduating seniors.

Mark and Diane Michalczyk, middle, accept the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award at the 2022 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon. Also pictured are AFP NEPA Chapter Treasurer and 2022 Philanthropy Day Chair Gary Bernstein, left, and 2022 AFP NEPA Chapter President Sandra Snyder.

Mark is a graduate of Moravian University and earned his Master of Technology degree from Wilkes University. He has been a teacher in the Pocono Mountain School District for 23 years. Diane is a graduate of the University of Scranton and earned her master’s in teaching from Marywood University. Before having children, Diane was a teacher in the Pocono Mountain School District. She has been director and lead teacher at Little Explorers Preschool at the First United Presbyterian Church for nine years.

Mark and Diane have three children in addition to their son, Ryan—Maura, Joel and Kara. They enjoy spending time with their family and friends, attending their children’s sporting events, running, and traveling.