By Katrina MacLeod,

The Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce (SCCCC) held their Second Annual Inspirational Breakfast on Wednesday, April 20th at the Mendenhall Inn.

Warm spring weather and sunny skies offered a perfect start to the day as 125 chamber members and guests gathered to network and hear an inspiring keynote speech from local-girl-made-good, Pat Ciarrocchi.

The event began with a coffee reception and networking before guests were seated and treated to a rousing fanfare and Presentation of Colors by the Coronation Heraldic Fanfare Trumpets, a regimental band from The Valley Forge Military Academy & College.

The National Anthem followed and was performed acapella in the rich baritone of longtime community member and community contributor, Leon R. Spencer.  Spencer also gave the Invocation, during which he gave thanks for those who grow the community.

Southern Chester County Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board, Judith Lee, gave her remarks and praised Ciarrocchi as a role model for her early in her career.

It was clear, as Ciarrocchi was introduced by Christine Trumbull, on behalf of the Presenting Sponsor, ServPro of Kennett Square, Oxford, that Ciarrocchi required no introduction at all in a room filled with friends, family, and people who have watched her on Channel 3 for more than 30 years.

Along the way, the Emmy award winning journalist, enjoyed a career with many experiences that inspired her, and that she used as examples to inspire the SCCC attendees.

SCCC President & CEO, Cheryl Kuhn said she was pleased to see the audience captivated by Ciarrocchi’s speech.

The former newscaster easily held the attention of the room as she segued from stories of growing up in Kennett Square as little “Patty Ciarrocchi” attending “St. Pat’s” and belonging to a local mushroom family, to her 16-hour long, on-air interview and coverage of Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia in 2015

A lifelong catholic, Ciarrocchi joked that she knew she had reached the pinnacle of her journalism career following her interview of the Pope

She ended her talk by encouraging everyone in the room to use their gifts and to help others reach their full potential.

“The greatest good, is the greater good,” she said.  “Believe you are here for a reason; something big! And tell your kids that too!”