15th Anniversary of Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Virtual Event

Burn Prevention Network Partners with WFMZ to Host

• Awards event will be live-streamed on wfmz.com on Thursday, Oct. 22, 6-7 p.m.
• Ten brave firefighters, police officers, and everyday citizens will recount the life-or-death incidents that earned them Spirit of Courage awards.
• Special awards will recognize a burn survivor/advocate and an “Essential Worker” who made exceptional contributions during COVID-19.
• Press may arrange interviews with winners by emailing [email protected]

In accordance with national and local guidelines regarding coronavirus and physical distancing, this year’s Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage Awards will be presented via a virtual platform in partnership with WFMZ. The annual Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage award program is produced by the local Burn Prevention Network and sponsored by Valley Preferred, the preferred provider organization affiliated with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), along with LVHN.

“Our honorees have incredible stories to tell, and we’re privileged to be able to celebrate each and every one of them in this new, exciting way,” said Dan Dillard, Executive Director/CEO of Burn Prevention Network. The live-streamed event will feature the following:

• Video narratives of Spirit of Courage awards and the Phoenix Award (interviews with recipients and actual images similar to previous years)
• New award to recognize essential workers; attendees will vote for the winner during the event
• Presentation of colors, national anthem, and retirement of colors
• Brief welcome by Brian Leader, Vice President for Orthopedics, Neurosciences, and the Institute for Surgical Excellence, Lehigh Valley Health Network
• Congratulatory messages to award recipients (from sponsors, colleagues, friends, family, and nominators)
• Recognition of first responder organizations involved with Heather Glen Senior Living fire in Allentown
• Sponsor recognition through on-screen acknowledgement, congratulatory messages, the Burn Prevention Network website, and virtual program book (downloadable)
• Event donations can be made through https://bit.ly/bootburns
• Event video available after presentation on Burn Prevention Network and sponsor websites as well as WFMZ.com

Burn Prevention Network is encouraging viewers to organize watch parties, where small groups of people watch the event together,* or individually watch the event from their respective homes. To promote this idea, the organization is sending out “Watch Party Goodie Packages,” with popcorn, chocolate, a mask, hand sanitizer, and lifesavers.

The Valley Preferred Spirit of Courage honors local heroes who have risked their lives to try to save others from burn injury or death, as well as a burn survivor who has gone on to help others in the burn community. Traditionally the event has attracted nearly 1,000 firefighters, EMTs, police officers, and business people from the Lehigh Valley and across the state of Pennsylvania. Proceeds from the event support Burn Prevention Network’s Camp Susquehanna, other burn survivor support programs, and LVHN’s Regional Burn Center.

For names of this year’s winners, visit the Burn Prevention Network website or valleypreferred.com

*Pennsylvania’s Gov. Wolf recommends indoor gatherings not exceed 10-20% of capacity, as of Oct. 9, 2020. Physical distancing (6 feet between individuals), and wearing masks to help stop the spread of coronavirus are endorsed by Burn Prevention Network, Valley Preferred, and LVHN.

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About Burn Prevention Network

Burn Prevention Network is a regional 501(c) 3 non-profit organization currently serving 22 counties throughout eastern Pennsylvania and Warren County, New Jersey. Burn Prevention Network mission is to provide burn prevention and fire safety education to and advocacy for those at greatest risk of burn injuries.

About Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Regional Burn Center

Lehigh Valley Health Network’s Regional Burn Center is one of only 58 nationwide verified by the American Burn Association and American College of Surgeons. To receive this designation, a burn center must meet rigorous standards regarding personnel qualification, facilities, resources and medical services. The center provides inpatient and outpatient care for adults and children from the point of injury through the rehabilitation process.