Mary Marrara moved to Northeast Pennsylvania from Fort Washington 47 years ago when she fell in love with her husband, Phil, and then fell in love again with the community she found. The Jermyn resident has contributed to, chaired or served with dozens of charitable groups and events in the area through the years. To honor her for this life of giving, the Scranton Chapter of UNICO named her 2016 UNICAN of the Year.

Marrara will be celebrated at the Charity Ball set for Saturday, March 4, at Genetti Manor, Dickson City. Cocktail hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. Tickets are $60, available from any member or by calling 570-558-8519. One of the first places Marrara shared her generosity with was St. Joseph’s Center. She went on to serve on boards for the American Red Cross, NEPA Philharmonic League, La Festa Italiana, UNICO Scranton Chapter, Meals on Wheels and Scranton Cultural Center at The Masonic Temple, as well as Keystone College, Better Business Bureau, Anthracite Historical Discovery Center and the stewardship and bereavement committees of Sacred Heart of Mary Church.