Community Connections

December 2025

1st Edition

A Wicked Night of Fun and Philanthropy!

BCOC celebrated 60 years of service to Bucks County with an extraordinary gala at the Rose Bank Winery in Newtown, PA, on Friday, November 14th. The evening’s events kicked off with a nod to the “Wicked” theme and a performance by Bucks County native and Broadway performer, Jenny Lee Stern. In attendance were dedicated donors, community partners, former clients, staff, board members, and volunteers who all share a passion for the mission of the Opportunity Council. The event highlighted key moments throughout the decades of impactful work, with nearly 200 people in attendance.


The theme of the event, Changed for Good, was spotlighted throughout the program. Ashley, an Economic Self-Sufficiency graduate spoke of how with the guidance and support of her coach Jen, she went from being a homeless single mother, to a successfully employed, valued member of her community. She spoke of living with purpose and confidence and was thrilled at the ability to now be someone who could help others.


BCOC gave out three awards to honor those who go above and beyond to support them in their work. Delaware Valley University was awarded the "Building Bridges: Community Impact Award" for their partnership with BCOC in serving the Bucks County community through the Hope of the Harvest initiative which provides fresh produce for Fresh Connect and other partner pantries throughout the county.  


Calvary Church was the recipient of the Community Connector Award for their continued commitment to working together to find solutions to improve the lives of neighbors in need. They were honored for engaging others and building connections to advance initiatives that benefit the most vulnerable in our communities.


Dr. Tobi Bruhn was awarded the Ambassador of the Year Award for his incredible dedication to the organization, and his invaluable service as a board member, board chair, donor, volunteer, and supporter of all things BCOC.

 

A spirited live auction capped off the event, with nine exclusive offerings, including vacations and outings, graciously donated by caring supporters. The gala exceeded the fundraising goals of the night, adding $184,000 much needed dollars to help continue BCOC’s work and affect positive change for Bucks County residents.


Erin Lukoss, CEO/Executive Director remarked, “What I’ve learned through this work is that community is at its best when we lift one another up…when we make sure no one has to navigate hardship alone."


Wells Fargo was the lead sponsor of the event, with other sponsors including: BLBB Charitable, Fred Beans Charitable Foundation, Taylor Family Foundation, Wegmans Food Markets, QNB Bank, Bank of America, PECO, Comcast, KeyBank Foundation, Trinity Health/St. Mary’s Medical Center, Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company, Bucks County Water and Sewer Authority, C & N Bank, Capital Health System, Repko Law, Mercer Bucks Technology, BCOC Board of Directors, Newtown Rotary Club, Bob and Pam Byers, Delaware Valley University, Antheil, Maslow & MacMinn, LLP,

The First National Bank and Trust of Newtown, WSFS Bank,

Health and Benefits Partners LLC, BCF Group.

Thank you to the Gene and Marlene Epstein Foundation!


Gene Epstein promised to match $25,000 of Gala donations and he delivered! We continue to be amazed by their generosity!

It's beginning to look a lot like

Give a Christmas!

brown_paper_gift.jpg

Jennifer works hard in a nursing home and says, “All of my money goes to necessities. Christmas is a time for something special. The gift cards are a little breathing room and a chance to make my kids feel that special that the holidays bring.”

The money raised helps financially challenged residents not only during the holidays, but throughout the year with emergency rental assistance, utilities, and other crucial supports.


Your contributions are what keeps this program going!

Update:

Thanksgiving Meal Kits...What an Amazing Community!


Nearly 300 kits were shared with families who needed a little help this year. Each individual, all of the work groups, walking groups, family and friend groups who collected, shopped, and delivered, we are grateful for you!

Foundations Community Partnership is a champion of BCOC!


Our Food Program received a generous grant to help during these difficult times. Foundations Community Partnership supports the behavioral health and human service needs of children, young adults, and families in Bucks County.


Visit the FCP site to learn more.


Our Buddies at Buckingham Elementary School are Bringing Joy to Others!

We are so proud of these students!


This class of caring fourth graders put together "Buddy Bags" for those in need. The bags are full of yummy snacks and a note of care and encouragement.

Thank you, Mrs. Whiton's class! You get an A+ from BCOC!


New Community Event!

Join in the Fun!


Sunday, December 7th, at 12 PM Doylestown will hold its first-ever Ugly Sweater Walk, organized by Discover Doylestown and Doylestown Borough Parks and Recreation. 


They are collecting nonperishable food items, warm coats and mittens, new unwrapped toys, and hygiene products to stuff a Public Works Truck full of donations to take to the New Britain Food Pantry, Bucks County Opportunity Council, and the Code Blue Shelter.

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