Dear Friends,

Congratulations to all of the new board members who started office serving non profit organizations on July 1 - and thank you! Thank you, especially, to those serving as Board Chairs, as Officers, and Committee Chairs. Your work is so important to the strategic direction of the organizations you serve, and even more important to the constituents who benefit and the communities that are made stronger for your service.

Entering my 20th year as President & CEO of Leadership Harrisburg Area, I’ve worked with 16 different board chairs over the years. I’m enriched by the knowledge, motivation, and wisdom that each board chair invested in me. A healthy relationship with each individual board chair has been instrumental in helping LHA overcome challenges and achieve continued growth and success. It’s said that the single largest determinant of a non profit organization’s success is the relationship between the board chair and chief staff officer. If you are looking for ways to improve this critical relationship, here are some tips:

• For the Executive Director or CEO: Make your board chair shine! Keep them prepared with the information, resources, and support to confidently represent the organization.

• For the volunteer board chair and officers: Recognize that serving in key leadership roles requires a significant investment of time and energy. Approach the responsibility with full commitment and dedication. It may require clearing other things from your schedule to fully engage as the organization’s top ambassadors.

• For both the Executive Director/CEO and board chair: Over communicate with one another; clearly communicate with the entire leadership team as a united front, meet regularly, and ensure that no one is ever caught off guard. 

• For everyone involved: Enjoy the honor of serving in roles greater than yourselves. Appreciate one another and value opportunities to make a difference. Enlist others in your important work; care, love, and have fun! These roles, for good reason, have term limits! Make the most of your leadership positions while you can.

Another great way to strengthen board relationships is by participating in LHA’s Board Strong. If you haven’t already completed your Board Strong certification, check it out at the link below. Please share with your entire Board of Directors and encourage group participation. Shout out to Beahive Affordable Housing, Friends of Midtown, and Paxton Ministries for their engagement with Board Strong. We applaud your participation!

https://www.leadershipharrisburg.org/programs/board-strong/

If you’re not currently serving on a non profit board, please check out the opportunities listed in The Community Caller. And if board service isn’t for you right now, check out all of the events and other volunteer needs. Surely, there’s something for everyone here!

Thank you and take care,

Una Martone

President & CEO

Leadership Harrisburg Area 

Listed Chronologically by Event Date

Community Day in the Park

August 1, 2026 | Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Park | 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Bring your friends, family, and neighbors and spend the day with us! From delicious food trucks and fresh farm market finds to local artisans, small businesses, and community organizations, we have an incredible group joining us this year!, Community Day is the perfect way to celebrate summer. Free Parking & Free Admission for Everyone! (Click the Graphic for Details)

Parks Night & Community Night

August 2, 2026 | Various Locations | 4:00 - 6:00 PM

Join us for Parks and Community Night a new part of New Cumberland’s National Night Out initiative. Together we can build stronger relationships and promote safety in our neighborhoods. Mark your calendar and invite your friends – you won’t want to miss it!

• FREE Hot Dogs
• FREE Ice Cream
• Bring something to share
• Meet Your Neighbors
• Learn About Your Parks
• Information On New Block Captains Program
• Meet The Police, Fire and EMS

 If you have any questions email Thaddeus Eisenhower at

thadfornewcumberland@gmail.com (Click the Graphic for details)

Ice Cream Social

August 5, 2026 | Coronet Park | 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Join us for an Ice Cream Social in downtown Harrisburg’s newest green space, featuring local ice cream makers, music, and creative pop-ups in a relaxed, open-air park setting.

Enjoy:

• Local ice cream vendor: Honey Bear
• Groovy sets from His & Hers Vinyl DJs
• Adult refreshments from Zeroday Brewing
• Art exhibition by local artist Reina76
• Handmade goods from Moonrise Candle Co.

This family-friendly event is the perfect excuse to grab a scoop, browse local art, and hang out in the park with friends and neighbors. Expect chill vibes, community energy, and plenty of sweet treats. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Dare to Dream - The Penguin Project: Theatre Harrisburg

August 7- 9, 2026 | Whitaker Center | Various Show Times

The Penguin Project strives to demonstrate that individuals with disabilities are fully capable of participating in community activities with the same dedication and enthusiasm as others, if given opportunity and support. Disney’s Dare to Dream JR. is a 60-minute musical revenue that follows an eager group of trainees on their first day at a fictional Walt Disney Imagineering Studio. As the group sets out to help each other discover their dreams, they work together to explore the power of dreams to unite, inspire, and make anything possible. Drawing from a century of beloved Disney films, Dare to Dream JR. features songs appearing for the first time ever in a Disney stage musical, including fan-favorites from The Princess and the Frog, Coco, Encanto, and Frozen II. This musical revue is a thrilling mix of contemporary songs, timeless classics, and brand new medleys that are sure to surprise and delight Disney lovers of all ages. (Click the Graphic for Details)

India Day Central PA Community Fair

August 8, 2026 | HACC Harrisburg | 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Every August, the green lawns of HACC's Harrisburg Campus transform into a vibrant slice of India. Drawing up to 18,000 visitors from Mechanicsburg, Colonial Park, and beyond — India Day is a free community fair honoring heritage and sharing one of the world's richest cultures with all of Central Pennsylvania. India Day is more than a festival — it is a vital cultural bridge. AIACPA uses this platform to build harmonious relationships, integrate new immigrants, and educate Central Pennsylvania about Indian traditions. Local, state, and federal politicians regularly attend, recognizing the profound civic impact of the Asian Indian-American community. "If you can make it to just one community festival this summer — make it this one." Please email IndiaDayPa@gmail.com. with any questions. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Legally Blonde Jr. The Musical: Theatre Harrisburg

August 14 - 16, 2026 | Krevsky Center | Various Show Times

Harvard’s favorite blonde takes the stage by storm in this fabulously pink, high-energy, and empowering musical! Legally Blonde Jr. follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Packed with punchy, upbeat numbers and an inspiring message of staying true to yourself, this show is pure, heartwarming fun from start to finish. Special Cast Feature: This unique production features a cast made up entirely of our incredible Penguin Project Peer Mentors! Usually, these dedicated youth are on stage guiding and supporting our artists with special needs—but for this performance, the mentors are stepping directly into the spotlight to showcase their own fantastic theatrical talents. Come cheer on the amazing team that helps make the Penguin Project magic happen! (Click the Graphic for Details)

Let's Talk Walkability - Hampden Township

August 14, 2026 | Hampden Township Municipal Building | 2:00 PM

Hampden Township is seeking community input on walkability throughout the Township. Residents are invited to join Director of Public Works Jeremy Miller and Commissioners Ryan Argot and John Matthew Smith for an informal discussion about opportunities to improve walking connections, including sidewalks, trails and other pedestrian infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences, concerns and suggestions as the Township considers ways to improve connectivity and walkability throughout the community. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Cultural Fest 2026

August 15, 2026 | River Front Park | 3:00 - 10:00 PM

The Commissioners and the County's Cultural Celebration Task Force invite you to a free festival celebrating cultural diversity in Dauphin County. This event will bring together our region's diversity and cultures as well as celebrate and increase awareness of our vast differences and commonalities. The event will offer cultural food & performances, craft vendors, Dauphin County Human Services, Systems of Care Youth Fest, Professional Development, Sports & Games, Children's Corner, and more. This is a FREE event, but bring along some spending money to shop with the vendors and enjoy ethnic foods from a variety of food trucks. Bring your lawn chairs. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Adults Night Out - Whitaker Center

August 21, 2026 | Whitaker Center | 5:30 - 8:00 PM

Trade your to-do list for tree frogs, your sofa time for sloth love, and your usual Friday night out for something a little wilder. Adults Night Out is your chance to explore the UPMC Science Center after hours; no kids, no field trips, just science, animals, drinks, and a perfectly unconventional evening with your favorite people! Wander through interactive exhibits. Meet some seriously cool animal friends. Explore Under the Canopy, our newest traveling exhibit. Then grab a drink, take a selfie, challenge your friends to a game, and rediscover why curiosity is more fun when you’re old enough to order from the bar. Animal encounters take place every 30 minutes beginning at 6 PM.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Edward R. Norford Memorial Scouting America Golf Classic

August 24, 2026 | Carlisle Country Club | 10:30 AM

Join us for the Edward R. Norford Memorial Scouting America Golf Classic at the historic Carlisle Country Club in Carlisle!  Sponsors and participants will enjoy a full day of excitement, including lunch, a dinner reception, skill contests, door prizes, exclusive gifts, and silent auction opportunities—all while connecting with community leaders and showcasing their brand. By supporting this event, you’ll make a lasting impact on Scouting America and the New Birth of Freedom Council, helping empower local youth through Scouting in a memorable, world-class setting. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Pursuit of Justice Purse Auction

August 26, 2026 | Country Club of Harrisburg | 5:30 - 7:30 PM

The Pursuit of Justice Purse Auction Pop Up Happy Hour is used to raise excitement for the main event - our Annual Purse Auction in December! These events raise money for the YWCA's free, civil legal services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking and money raised at the Pop Up will help us purchase the wonderful bags that we will sell at the live auction in December. Join us for this fun, casual event featuring some great raffle items! (Click the Graphic for Details)

Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival

September 12, 2026 | AACA Museum | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Community members, food lovers, and families are invited to come together for a day of incredible food, entertainment, and philanthropy at the 10th Annual Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival. Bringing together thousands of attendees each year, the festival features a massive lineup of local food trucks, diverse vendors, family-friendly activities, and live entertainment. This milestone 10th anniversary celebration aims to be the festival's most impactful yet, creating a vibrant community atmosphere while raising vital funds to support children fighting critical illnesses. The proceeds from this milestone event will directly benefit Make-A-Wish® Philadelphia, Delaware & Susquehanna Valley. Contact Parul Luthra (parull@wishuponafoodtruck.com) with any questions.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Fall Heart Screenings: Peyton Walker Foundation

Adult Heart Screening: September 12, 2026

Lancaster Stormers

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Youth Heart Screening: October 24, 2026

Central Dauphin East High School

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Traditional physical exams and medical histories often fail to detect the silent, dangerous heart conditions that predispose adults and children to sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Many structural or electrical abnormalities won’t show up on a physical exam alone. Register today for a free heart screening with The Peyton Walker Foundation.

✔ Vitals check

✔ Electrocardiogram (EKG)

✔ Heart murmur screening

✔ Learn CPR and AED

✔Heart Health Education

✔ Echocardiogram (if needed)

You will meet with a healthcare professional, receive a copy of your EKG and get a summary report. The screening takes about 60 minutes, a time that could save a life. Spots fill quickly! (Click on the Dates to Register)

Save the Date: Voices of Leadership - Exploring Fans First

September 18, 2026 | October 23, 2026 | November 20, 2026

Penn Harris Hotel

7:30 - 9:00 AM

Fans First sponsored by PNC, overviews a philosophy of employee empowerment, joy, and constant experimentation that has yielded a worldwide waitlist exceeding 4 million people for the Savannah Bananas. Today the franchise has sold out major league and football stadiums and produced over $50 MIL in annual merchandise sale. How can your business, organization or team adopt & apply some of the Fans First principles right here in Central PA? In a three-part series of educational and networking events, Voices of Leadership 2026 will feature local leaders and subject matter experts to share their perspectives on Fans First, an overview of the Savannah Bananas written by their Founder & Owner, Jesse Cole. 

Save the Date: Beyond Leadership

September 25, 2026 | HACC Harrisburg Campus | 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Beyond Leadership is a summit focused on servant leadership featuring LHA’s original curriculum the 10 Essentials of Servant Leadership in a fast-paced, interactive, multi-media format that will engage each person in activities and dialogue. Individual and self-reflective activities combined with group and team activities create a rich and robust experience and lots of new connections too. Facilitated by LHA’s President & CEO, Una Martone, Beyond Leadership incorporates a history of servant leadership and explores best practices from local and international organizations.

Seeking Volunteers: Harrisburg Board Game Alliance

August 29, 2026 | Strawberry Square | 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Harrisburg Board Game Day is seeking volunteers to help make this year’s event a success. Volunteers are needed to assist with event setup, welcome attendees at the registration desk, help with event photography, teach games and support board game designers during playtesting. This is a fun way to support a growing community event, meet new people and help create a welcoming day for players of all experience levels. Contact President Matt Caylor: (matt@hbgalliance.org) 717-433-8701 (Click the Graphic for Details)

Seeking Volunteers - Wish Upon a Food Truck Festival

September 12, 2026 | AACA Museum | 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Volunteers keep the festival moving with joy, kindness, and community spirit! Whether you love greeting guests, helping kids craft, or supporting vendors behind the scenes, we have a role for you. Every shift helps us grant wishes through Make-A-Wish in Hershey, PA and creates a magical day for families. The milestone event will take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the AACA Museum in Hershey, PA Learn more about our volunteer opportunities and sign up today. Contact Parul Luthra (parull@wishuponafoodtruck.com) with any questions. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Call for Board Members: Community Check-up Center

The Community Check-Up Center of Harrisburg is seeking dedicated individuals to serve on our Board of Directors. If you believe that everyone deserves access to quality health care, regardless of their ability to pay, we would love to hear from you. Since 1994, the Community Check-Up Center has provided essential health and wellness services to diverse and underserved children and adults throughout our community. As a nonprofit health center, we are committed to improving health outcomes and expanding access to care for those who need it most. We are currently looking to fill three Board of Directors positions and are particularly interested in individuals with experience in:

• Fundraising and donor development
• Community networking and relationship building
• Finance and financial management

This is an opportunity to use your skills, expertise, and passion to help guide an organization that is making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. We welcome individuals who are committed to supporting our mission and strengthening the health of our community. Contact Karen Snyder:

717-412-8581 (karensnyder3131@yahoo.com) with any questions.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Volunteer with CONTACT Helpline

Be the Reason Someone Feels Heard & Hopeful. Volunteer with CONTACT Helpline! Since 1970, CONTACT Helpline has offered 24/7 support to those facing loneliness, stress, anxiety, other mental health challenges, or who need information and referrals to address basic needs such as housing, food, or utility payment assistance — but we can’t do it without caring people like you. CONTACT Helpline is seeking volunteer board members and volunteer phone specialists. CONTACT Helpline’s Board of Directors is a dynamic working board. Board members are expected to commit to the role for at least 1 year. Will you make this commitment to CONTACT Helpline? Volunteer Phone Specialists – are the voices that provide information and referrals, and empathetic listening to those who reach out to CONTACT Helpline.

• No experience needed
• Training provided
• Flexible hours
• Remote volunteer opportunities 

One call can change a life. Will the person who picks up that call be you?

Join us today and be a part of something meaningful. Contact us to learn more about volunteering: Christine Marriott (cmarriott@contacthelpline.org)

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Call for Board Members: Fredricksen Library

Our Board of Trustees are looking for passionate community members to serve alongside them. The Board is the backbone of Fredricksen, and its members make big picture decisions for the future of our library. Particularly, if you have finance, legal, or business experience- we want you!

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Seeking Volunteers: Homeland Hospice

Homeland Hospice is seeking individuals and groups to use their time, knowledge, skills, and, most importantly, compassion to bless patients and families during some of their most sensitive life circumstances.  We have varying volunteer roles that encompass both administrative and patient supports. Please visit our website to view our current opportunities or the attached informational packet, and we also welcome your input to engender new ways to impact those we serve. Contact Ory Bower (Volunteer Coordinator), 717-221-7890 ext. 8114, obower@homelandhospice.org with any questions.

(Click the graphic for details)

Seeking Volunteers: Junior Achievement of South Central PA

We’re getting an early start this year, and volunteer opportunities for the 2026–2027 school year are now available with Junior Achievement of South Central PA! By opening opportunities earlier, we hope to give volunteers additional time to explore programs and secure dates that work best with their schedules.

Opportunities are available throughout the school year and can fit a variety of schedules and interests. We also love to have teams from the same company volunteer together! Contact Mary Reinhard with any questions at mreinhard@jascpa.org who will point you in the right direction to sign up directly with your Junior Achievement Business Development Manager.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Seeking Volunteers - LHM Social Services Foundation

LHM Social Services Foundation’s Horizons transitional housing program, which serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the Harrisburg area, is seeking volunteers to serve daily meals from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and to greet program participants, visitors, and staff at its resource desk. Multiple three-hour shifts are available Monday through Friday, offering flexible opportunities to get involved. Contact Wendy Fellinger at wendy.fellinger@lhm-foundation.org or (717) 402-6317. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Call for Junior Board Members: YWCA Greater Harrisburg

Application Deadline: July 31, 2026

The YWCA Junior Board consists of a dynamic group of young women, ages 21-35, who are committed to raising awareness and funds in support of the YWCA Greater Harrisburg and who are interested in gaining valuable experience on a nonprofit board. The Junior Board is seeking applicants for service starting with its 2026-2027 term. Junior Board members serve three year terms and must be between 21-35 at the start of their first term.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Create Your Community Grant

The MyHBG Create Your Community Grant Program (MyHBG Program) provides funding for small‑scale, low‑cost, community-driven projects that enhance downtown public spaces, improve safety, and/or strengthen neighborhood identity of downtown Harrisburg. The program empowers residents, nonprofits, and local businesses to test creative ideas that make downtown streets and public spaces more vibrant, inclusive, people-centered, and community-oriented. Projects can be located anywhere in the city, but applicants are encouraged to consider projects located downtown. Priority may be given to projects that are located downtown or strengthen the connection between a community to downtown. Standard grants will range between $500 to $2,500. Grants exceeding $2,500 may be awarded if the applicant demonstrates significant project impact and deliverability. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Grant Opportunity: The Foundation For Enhancing Communities

Application Deadline: September 1, 2026

TFEC Community Impact Grants support nonprofit organizations working to strengthen communities across South Central Pennsylvania. Through this grant opportunity, TFEC seeks to strengthen community capacity by investing in local non-profit organizations and partnerships that drive measurable impact and long-term sustainability to address diverse needs in communities. By supporting initiatives that increase access to services, enhance collaboration and align local resources around shared goals, the grant opportunity empowers communities to address pressing challenges with locally informed, data-driven solutions. Emphasis is placed on strategies that generate lasting outcomes—such as strengthened organizational infrastructure (i.e. strategic plans and measurable outcomes), sustainable strategies, and equitable community-wide benefit—ensuring that benefits extend well beyond the grant period and create enduring positive change. The Community Impact Grant is available to organizations of all sizes, budgets and reaches. This competitive grant is open to nonprofit organizations whose proposed projects serve Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, or Perry Counties and the Dillsburg Area of Northern York County.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Build Your Future Workforce - Career Connect

We know the workforce is shrinking. By participating in career awareness and preparation activities, we can keep PA talent in PA, and build your future talent pool. Through Career Connect, the Partnership for Career Development (PCD) connects employers, schools, and community partners to help students explore careers and prepare for what’s next while strengthening the regional talent pipeline across South Central Pennsylvania. Flexible Ways to Engage Through the Career Connect Platform: Site visits - Work Experience - Co-op - Paid internships - Unpaid internships - Speakers or presenters - Job shadowing - Mock interviews - Career fairs - What else can you offer? Contact Lynda Sims-Morris (lynda@crpcd.org) with any questions. (Click the Graphic for Details)

Nature Center Classroom Rental: Wildwood Park

Did you know you can rent the indoor Classroom at Wildwood Park? Only 10 mins from downtown Harrisburg, the space is perfect for a variety of events! Consider this space in your 2026 planning for meetings, birthdays, showers etc. The classroom can accommodate a maximum of 60 people.

(Click the Graphic for Details)

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Leadership Harrisburg Area is proud to partner with Community Aid. Did you know that we can earn income through your donations? Simply provide LHA’s partner number with your next donation: 50330.

The Community Caller is emailed to over 3,160 subscribers on a regular schedule every month. The goal of the publication is to match people and resources with service opportunities and missions & programs that benefit the community. Announcements are placed primarily by non profit organizations, educational institutions, and other community organizations. If you would like to include an event or announcement in the next issue, please feel free to contact LHA with detailed information including:

• Organization Website
• Contact Name, Phone Number and Email
• Date of Event
• Specific Request
• Description
• Attach a flyer of the event, if applicable

Please send submissions to Communications and Program Support Manager, Alexis Jones at ajones@leadershipharrisburg.org or call 717-934-0760. All content is subject to approval by LHA and may be edited for space.

Be sure to ask about sponsorship opportunities for The Community Caller!