Christopher and Rita Sweeney of Sciota, former West End business owners, were recently recognized for their support and commitment to the Northeast Lions Eye Bank.

Chris is a member of the Western Pocono Lions Club, a Past District Governor and State Council Chairman of District 14 for Lions Clubs International. He is a graduate of Manhattan College and Bucknell University.Rita is a graduate of Daemen College, has served as Co-Chairperson for the Lions State Convention, has been Past President for the Western Pocono Lioness and Stroudsburg Lions Clubs and has been active in the Northeast Pa Lions Eye Bank.They are the parents of six children and thirteen grandchildren.Both Chris and Rita have been associated with the Northeast Pennsylvania Lions Eye Bank since 1985. They were among those honored for their long history of service to their community and in particular as members of the Eye Bank board of directors. Chris has been the Board President for 17 years and has been instrumental in establishing the endowment fund responsible for providing 2,000 corneal transplants annually.The Eye Bank message is "if your next of kin does not know of your organ donor wishes at your death, they will not be able to carry them out." Under Lions' leadership and guidance they have assisted in the development of a strong program that encourages tissue and organ donation and ensures the viability of the future of the Eye Bank.The awards breakfast for National Philanthropy Day was held at DeSales University.