Interact to honor Kay Sykora with Community Appreciation Award at November 9, 2017 event

Intercommunity Action will present its 2017 Community Appreciation Award to Kay Sykora on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at Germantown Cricket Club in Philadelphia. Ms. Sykora is being honored for her many years of passionate work on behalf of Roxborough and Manayunk. The award, given annually to someone who exemplifies community services, is presented at Interact’s annual Caring for the Community Auction.

Ms. Sykora was the founding Director of the Manayunk Development Corporation. For over 18 years, Ms. Sykora steered the efforts that transformed Manayunk into one of the most successful commercial districts in our region. Since 2006, Ms. Sykora moved into the role of Director of Destination Schuylkill River, with a primary focus on the Schuylkill Waterfront, trails and watershed. Projects she has led include the Schuylkill River Trail and Manayunk Towpath trails, the Manayunk Bridge, Venice Island Recreation and Performance Center, and extensive greening and art projects. The overarching goal of her work has been to engage with schools, neighborhood and business interests, and other stakeholders to improve the quality of life for the community.

Ms. Sykora is also a champion for Roxborough, coordinating projects to improve greenspace in Shawmont and Germany Hill. Much of the work she led was incorporated into the Lower Northwest section of the City of Philadelphia’s Comprehensive Plan. In addition, Ms. Sykora is passionate about improving central Roxborough while maintaining the community’s unique flavor. She was instrumental in getting a neighborhood conservation overlay to help guide new developers while preserving the look and feel of central Roxborough.

Ms. Sykora is an active member of the community, having served on dozens of both local and regional boards and committees. Most recently, these have included the Schuylkill Heritage Corridor and the Circuit, Roxborough Development Corporation, Central Roxborough Civic Association, Ivy Ridge Green, and the Roxborough Conservancy. We are most proud of her service on Interact’s board of directors, helping the board’s transition committee recruit and hire our current President & CEO. For all her past work, her current projects, and her commitment to our neighborhood, Interact can think of no more worthy person to receive this year’s Community Appreciation Award.

“It’s a pleasure and an honor for Interact to present the 2017 Community Appreciation Award to Kay Sykora,” says President and CEO Bryan H. Cohen. “Kay has been a part of the Interact family for over 20 years. Her efforts on behalf of Interact and the community have helped support our belief that everyone deserves a fulfilling life.”

Award presentation will be during Interact’s annual “Caring for the Community” fundraising auction on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at the Germantown Cricket Club. Seats are still available, and reservations can be made by visiting www.intercommunityaction.org/auction. Admission is $85 and proceeds benefit the many programs of Interact. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., when guests can bid in a silent auction and enjoy appetizers and cash bar followed by a sumptuous dinner and live auction. Live entertainment provided by The Blackbird Society Orchestra. Event made possible by the following sponsors: Staffing Plus, Cantrill Clark, FMA Professional Resources, Diamond and Associates, The Graham Company, Domus Construction, PK Janitorial, PECO, and US Medical Staffing.

About Interact - Intercommunity Action (Interact) helps people live fulfilling lives by providing resources for Aging, Behavioral Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Our vision is “Everyone deserves a fulfilling life.” Interact serves over 3,000 adults, children, and adolescents every year in over 20 programs across our three divisions: aging, behavioral health, and intellectual & developmental disabilities. Since 1969, we have been providing mental healthcare, housing, and social services to the people of Roxborough, Manayunk, East Falls, Andorra, and Wissahickon, as well as surrounding communities, with several of our programs are citywide. Learn more on our website, intercommunityaction.org.