NEWS 2025
Poetry of Place Event Raises $1,260 for Greater Pike
April 28, 2025
MILFORD, PA – More than 80 guests gathered at Forest Hall on Saturday, April 12, to celebrate Milford’s vibrant spirit, history, and artistic community during The Poetry of Place, a reading by Milford’s Poet Laureate Chuck O’Neil from his new collection, better gods.
The event, held during National Poetry Month, raised $1,260 for the O’Neil Family Fund at Greater Pike Community Foundation. The fund supports local causes and organizations including historic preservation, autism support services, and food insecurity.
O’Neil’s evocative poetry was paired with the work of the late local artist Joe Splendora, whose paintings were featured in a special temporary exhibition.
“I was overwhelmed by the generosity and warmth of this community,” said Chuck O’Neil. “To share my poetry in the heart of Milford, surrounded by the art of Joe Splendora and so many friends, was truly a gift. The fact that it also supported a great cause makes it even more meaningful.”
Local artist Marie Liu, director of the ARTery Gallery, opened the event with introductory remarks that celebrated Milford’s legacy of artistic expression.
All proceeds from the sale of O’Neil’s books were donated directly to the O’Neil Family Fund at Greater Pike, as were a portion of the evening’s bar proceeds.
“We are deeply grateful to the O’Neil family and all the organizers for this generous support,” said Rick Little, Greater Pike’s Executive Director. “Events like this one celebrate the creative pulse of Milford while also continuing our mission to enhance the quality of life in our community.”
The event was graciously hosted by Milford Hospitality Group, which provided the elegant setting at Forest Hall.
“Milford thrives because of events like this — where history, art, and community come together,” said Steve Rosado of Milford Hospitality Group. “It was an honor to host such a meaningful gathering in one of our community’s most iconic spaces.”
Copies of better gods are available locally at Better World on Broad Street in Milford, with all proceeds from those sales donated to the O’Neil Family Fund. The collection is also available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and can be ordered through independent bookstores, however the proceeds from the sale of books via these non-local outlets are not donated to the O’Neil Family Fund.
The Poetry of Place was made possible through the sponsorship of the Historic Preservation Trust of Pike County and Turano Insurance.
Online donations to the O’Neil Family Fund can be made on Greater Pike’s Funds page. Scroll to the fund name for the link.
Greater Pike offers individuals, families, and local businesses an opportunity to provide a permanent and personal way to give back to the community. For more information about opening a fund or scholarship, or contributing to an existing fund, contact Rick Little, Executive Director, at (570) 832-4686, ricklittle@greaterpike.org, or visit www.greaterpike.org, Facebook.com/GreaterPike, or Instagram.com/GreaterPikeCF.