A local Philanthropist and a Team that gives “a hand up, not a hand out“ were honored today for their work in the Lehigh Valley.

Friends of the Allentown Parks, a non-profit that supports programs in Allentown’s parks, held its inaugural Awards Luncheon Thursday at Cedar Crest College.

They celebrated green spaces that have been transformed into gathering places: areas where families create memories, neighbors connect, and nature thrives in the heart of our city.

Philanthropist Barbara Bigelow was honored for her dedication to promoting the parks.  Bigelow moved from Alaska to the Lehigh Valley in 1990 to become the first female Finance Director for the City of Allentown.  She also served as the first female Finance Director for the County of Northampton and a Vice President at Easton Hospital.

Along with an illustrious career breaking glass ceilings, Barbara made a difference in her community with her philanthropic work. She became involved in the Sinfonia Orchestra, Girls Scouts, Red Cross, YWCA, Rotary Club and Meals on Wheels and many more.

Barbara was married to Leon Peters prior to his passing.  Now she and her German Shepherd, Ziva David, walk Cedar Creek Park at least twice a day.  She is known to many of the dog walkers there as she always carries treats for every pup she meets. Barbara’s heart of gold and generous spirit are the reasons she’s this year’s Growing Together Awards Recipient.

Also honored Thursday was the Allentown Rescue Mission’s Clean Team Workforce, LLC.  The Clean Team Workforce, LLC is a workforce development program that is offered to graduates of the mission’s Transformation Program. Participants are paid above the minimum wage and work in the community while learning valuable life skills and workplace values.

Money earned by Clean Team Workforce, LLC members is saved in an Allentown Rescue Mission supervised custodial account until the men earn enough savings to fund the first and last month’s rent for an apartment in the community to complete the transformation from unemployed and homeless to employed and living independently.

About Friends of the Allentown Parks

The Friends of the Allentown Parks is a 501c3 Nonprofit organization that works to preserve, protect and enhance the Allentown Parks. In 2025 we started Science in the Park partnering with Da Vinci Science Center as well as a Yoga in the Park program.  Money raised at the luncheon will go towards continuing and expanding both of these programs and more.

Information provided to TVL by:
Jamie Snyder