BETHLEHEM, Pa. - s4story -- A world of experiences can be found right here in the Lehigh Valley. Global flavors, vibrant businesses, welcoming neighborhoods and employers attracting talent from around the world are part of what makes the region a place where people can build careers, connections and community. This fall, LINC will celebrate the people and places that make the Lehigh Valley world-class at "Around the World, Right Here: Celebrating a World-Class Lehigh Valley," its annual fall fundraiser presented by Victaulic.

Guests will enjoy global flavors from Aman's Artisan Indian Cuisine, Mister Lee's Noodles and Sweet Girlz Bakery, along with beer, wine and live music from Allentown native and 2026 American Idol contestant Seth Witcher. The two-hour reception will also offer opportunities to connect with fellow community members and celebrate what makes the Lehigh Valley special. The event will take place Wednesday, Oct. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the National Museum of Industrial History in Bethlehem.

"The Lehigh Valley is a place where people from around the world can find opportunity, build connections and put down roots," said Katelyn Mack, president of LINC. "Many of the talented professionals who move here could work anywhere, and yet they choose to make the Lehigh Valley home. That doesn't happen by accident. It happens because people, businesses and organizations across our region choose to welcome one another and invest in the community we're building together. 'Around the World, Right Here' is a celebration of that spirit and the people who make the Lehigh Valley feel like home."

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For more than a decade, LINC has helped more than 2,500 individuals and families from more than 21 countries make the Lehigh Valley home. By connecting newcomers with the people, resources and opportunities they need to establish roots and thrive, LINC contributes to community vitality and a sustainable economy. In the past year, LINC has launched Teach Lehigh Valley, an initiative to address the teacher shortage and recruit more quality educators to Lehigh Valley K-12 public schools, as well as a program to provide extended transitional support to foreign-born individuals living and working in the area who are experiencing obstacles to local employment.  Proceeds from "Around the World, Right Here" will enable LINC to support more people in the region who experience a significant life transition and who might otherwise leave their job or the area.

"Strong companies depend on strong communities," said Rick Bucher, president and CEO at Victaulic. "At Victaulic, we're proud to support LINC because its work helps people not only build careers in the Lehigh Valley, but build connections and a sense of belonging here. We're proud to invest in the community we call home."

To honor those who play an instrumental role in building connections in and out of the workplace, LINC will present two awards at the event. The Welcoming Workplace awardee, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, is a not-for-profit rehabilitation network headquartered in Allentown with locations throughout eastern Pennsylvania committed to transforming lives through expertise, innovation, creativity and curiosity. The Welcoming Community Leader awardee, Murtaza Jaffer of EBC Printing & Signs, has served as a first friend and guide to many newcomers to the area, generous with his time and willing to lend a hand. The awards recognize individuals and organizations that go beyond simply welcoming newcomers to the region, helping people build connections, establish roots and thrive in their new community and workplace.

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This year's event sponsors include:

Presenting Sponsor

• Victaulic

Wine & Beer Sponsor

• RKL Advisors

Jet-Setter Sponsors

• Alvernia University
• Lehigh University
• Network Magazine
• Olympus Corporation of the Americas

Home Sweet Home Sponsors

• B. Braun
• Crayola
• Good Shepherd Rehabilitation
• Klunk and Millan
• Lehigh Valley Health Network, part of Jefferson Health
• Turnstone Creative
• Your Financial Choices on WDIY 88.1
• WDIY 88.1FM Lehigh Valley Public Radio
• United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley
• City Center Residential

Welcome Wagon Sponsors

• Anthony's Limousine
• Buckno Lisicky & Company
• Just Born
• Lehigh Valley Community Foundation
• Lutron Electronics
• MCIT
• Sarott Design
• Liquid Marketing

Print Sponsor

• Working Dog Press

Workforce Board Lehigh Valley is an event supporter.

Learn more about LINC and "Around the World, Right Here" by visiting: www.linc-lv.org/celebrating-a-world-class-lehigh-valley/

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About LINC

LINC is a nonprofit organization that envisions communities and workplaces where everyone feels welcome, develops roots and thrives. The organization supports employers by attracting and assisting relocated employees and other newcomers to the greater Lehigh Valley, while advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in organizations. LINC also provides career support, workplace inclusion programs and community events to strengthen regional engagement and collaboration. For more information, visit www.linc-lv.org