A Spectacular Celebration of Community, Fun and Empowerment

At NorwesFest, our annual signature celebration and fundraiser hosted at Ort Farms, the spirit of community, fun, and empowerment comes alive in an inspiring showcase of unity and support. This highly anticipated event exceeded expectations in its third year, leaving attendees with unforgettable memories and a renewed sense of connection to Norwescap’s work and mission. This year’s NorwesFest once again brought together individuals of all ages, committed to making a difference while also having an incredible time! Let’s take a closer look at this remarkable celebration and the impact it had on the community. 

Family Fun Day: A Blast of Joy for Everyone! 

The festivities kicked off with Family Fun Day, a day brimming with smiles, laughter and endless adventures – and thankfully, hardly a drop of rain, despite unpredictable forecasts! From classic summer activities like volleyball and face painting to unique experiences like the thrilling “Egg-plosion” hunt and OMGBubbles, there was something for everyone to enjoy. And let’s not forget the raffle prizes that had families buzzing with excitement, including tickets to popular attractions like Great Adventure and Dorney Park. Oh, and did we mention the Honky Tonk Scoundrels rocking the stage, filling the air with their lively tunes? From start to finish, the day offered something fun and memorable for adults and kids alike! 

Sunset Soirée: What a ‘Night to Remember’! 

The forecast on June 24^th hardly guaranteed a sunset,  so the evening portion of NorwesFest was reset indoors in the barn at Ort Farms, which was was transformed into an elegant and enchanting space complete with sparkling lights, lovely wildflowers, and beautifully set communal tables. Guests were welcomed with signature cocktails, local brews, and a delicious farm-to-table spread; some indulged in friendly bocce ball and cornhole competitions, while others enjoyed the solar-powered carousel that brought out the childlike joy in everyone.

The mood for the evening was set with upbeat and nostalgic swing, big band, and pop-swing tunes by the incredible 17-piece Summer Swing Orchestra, led by vocalist Kevin Grey. Our Board President Jim Buehler shared his perspective on the impact of Norwescap’s mission on thousands of families right in our own communities, and CEO Mark Valli and CDO Heather Thompson took the stage as well, surprising and thrilling the audience with their musical talents. The highlight of the evening was Donna DiBenedetto’s inspirational story; her journey with Norwescap, her positive outlook for her future, and her commitment to transforming her lessons learned into support for others, brought Norwescap’s work to life in a very real way. You can watch her powerful speech on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/AUxihmBtcBc. Goosebumps, anyone? 

Expressing Our Gratitude: Thank You, NorwesFest Heroes!

None of this would have been possible without our amazing supporters and sponsors. We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who attended NorwesFest and contributed to its resounding success. Your unwavering support and commitment to our mission of empowering individuals and strengthening communities are truly inspiring. We would also like to give a special shout-out to our event sponsors: