The Carbon County Community Foundation has announced that Avril “Abbie” Guardiani has been named the second recipient of the annual Elissa M. Garofalo Community Impact Award.

The award will be presented at the foundation’s upcoming 20/20 Circle Annual Meeting & Grants Dinner on Oct. 15 at Blue Mountain Resort.

Established by friends and family and with sponsorship from Wild Elder Wine & Cider Co., the award is presented in memory of Elissa Garofalo to someone who demonstrates leadership, vision and impact in Carbon County.

A lifelong resident of Nesquehoning, Guardiani has dedicated her personal and professional life to service. After earning her R.N. from the Allentown Hospital School of Nursing and her B.S.N. from Millersville University, she spent 35 years as the school nurse at Lehighton Area High School, caring for countless students and families.

Beyond her career, Guardiani has given generously of her time and talents to a wide range of community organizations. She serves on the advisory board at the Carbon County Environmental Education Center, is a member of the Bo Tkach Foundation board, and is active at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where she volunteers as a eucharistic minister and with the beloved “pierogi crew.”

Guardiani and her husband, Joe, are also members of the Panther Valley Blueprint Community Team, helping to guide a five-year vision for the Panther Valley region’s growth and improvement.

Guardiani is especially passionate about efforts to connect the D&L Trail to the Panther Valley, reflecting her love of the outdoors and commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities for local residents.

Community members are invited to submit nominations for the award each year, which are reviewed by a committee of Elissa Garofalo’s loved ones. The award includes a $500 stipend, which the recipient may use for professional development or direct to a local charity of their choice. Guardiani was nominated this year by Lois Kuba, who also serves on the Panther Valley Blueprint Community team.

“Abbie embodies the very qualities that Elissa lived every day — dedication to community, compassion for others and a vision for a stronger Carbon County,” said Sharon Alexander, president of the Carbon County Community Foundation. “The committee was deeply impressed by her lifelong service and her continued commitment to making a difference in her community. We are honored to recognize Abbie with this award.”

“To even have my name mentioned in the same breath as Elissa and Kara is unimaginable to me,” Guardiani said. “I urge everyone to contribute to your community in any way you can.”

The award presentation will take place as part of the 20/20 Circle Annual Meeting & Grants Dinner, where attendees will also hear presentations from this year’s nonprofit finalists and take part in awarding a $5,000 community grant from the 20/20 Circle fund. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the event are still available for anyone wishing to attend in celebration of Guardiani.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit www.cccfoundpa.org.

The Carbon County Community Foundation was formed in 2016 with the mission to improve the quality of life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever.

It does so by offering individuals, families and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today, combining that with expertise in philanthropic planning, nonprofit sector issues and community priorities.

Learn more about the foundation at cccfoundpa.org or by calling 1-855-545-1311.