United Way Names Second “Idol”

Seven employee groups from area organizations sang and danced their hearts out to support the charity. Penn National Insurance’s Sharia and the Penns took home three awards for funniest, most entertaining and the best overall group for their version of “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Commerce Bank’s “C” Notes won the award for best United Way supporters with “Eight Days a Week.” Singing the song “ABC,” abc27’s group, “Action 5,” received the “dressed to impress” award for their outstanding costumes. Hilton Harrisburg, Harristown Development and Harrisburg Property Services, combined as one group – the Hilton Copa Nuts, won the “gave it their all” award with their rendition of Copacabana.

The following companies also participated in the event:

• bmc
• Highmark Blue Shield
• United Way of the Capital Region

The event kicked off United Way’s “Pacesetter” campaign. Pacesetters are organizations that raise funds in the summer to benefit health and human service programs. These organizations “set the pace” for United Way’s annual fall drive.

Celebrity judges Karen Grey of PPO&S; John Kirkpatrick, editor, publisher, and president of The Patriot News; and Alicia Richards, abc27 anchorwoman critiqued each group.

RJ Harris of WHP 580 emceed the event while WHP staff served hot dog meals to the hungry audience with proceeds benefiting United Way. The charity received more than $400 through the sale.

PHOTO CAPTION: Penn National Insurance’s Sharia and the Penns