El-Chaar serves as the leader of Friends of the Allentown Parks, a non-profit, member-driven organization that actively promotes environmental stewardship, fosters responsible use and care of Allentown\u2019s parks, promotes outdoor learning and provides a myriad of volunteer opportunities to ensure that Allentown\u2019s expansive park system remains one of the city\u2019s shining gems.<\/p>\n
According to the PRPS awards criteria, \u201cThe Community Champion Award is to recognize individuals who, through their volunteer commitment, have made an outstanding and significant contribution to some facet of parks and recreation by stimulating local, regional, state or national programs or initiatives.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cKaren has done an outstanding job as executive director,\u201d said Mayor Ed Pawlowski.\u00a0 \u201cThe Friends contributions to our parks cannot be overstated and it is Karen who spearheads those efforts.\u00a0 The honor is well-deserved.\u201d<\/p>\n
Karen El-Chaar chairs all activities, events, and volunteer projects in Allentown\u2019s park system each year. In 2016 Friends of the Allentown Parks worked with some 2,500 individuals who volunteered 17,600 hours with an approximate in-kind service value of $356,000. Volunteers beautified Allentown\u2019s parks, collected litter, and removed invasive plants from rivers and streams. El-Chaar coordinates projects with dozens of local businesses and organizations each year.<\/p>\n
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\nInformation provided by:
\nMike Moore
\nCommunications Manager
\nMayor’s Office
\n 435 Hamilton Street
\n Allentown, PA 18101
\n Mike.Moore@allentownpa.gov
\nhttp:\/\/www.AllentownPA.gov
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