Last November, my son was diagnosed with lymphoma. Without hesitation, Lauren stepped up and took it upon herself to organize a fundraiser to help with my son’s medical expenses. She worked tirelessly, coordinating every detail with compassion and determination, and ultimately raised over $10,000 for our family. The impact of her kindness during one of the most difficult times in our lives is something I will never be able to fully put into words. Lauren is someone of true integrity. She is compassionate, altruistic, and always ready to help anyone in need — all while juggling the demanding role of restaurant manager and being an amazing, devoted mom. We are incredibly grateful to the Lord for people like Lauren, and this award could not be more deserved. She embodies the very best of Downtown Easton.

— Christine Piper, Co-Owner, Porter’s Pub

You just know you are in for excellent service when you see that big blonde top knot and that beaming smile. Lauren is more than just your friendly neighborhood bartender, she's there to make you feel special, like she’s been waiting for you to come in all day. She’s a vibe we can all appreciate…happy & enthusiastic with a positivie attitude that is contagious. She’s got it going on “off the menu” as well. Without hesitation, she’s ALWAYS there to support (or start) a community fundraiser. You’ll see Lauren participating in all the local events & festivals and she’s is a big time team player in supporting the small business community too

— Val Simmons, Owner, Bodacious Hair & Body

I've known Lauren for close to 15 years, not only does she crush me in Fantasy Football every year but shes also a strong supporter of the business I run as well as so many others downtown! Not only does she help to run one of the biggest restaurants in the downtown area but she she does that 5 days a week while juggling a 3 year old at home and supporting so many people in her homebase. She has a huge heart and deserves to be recognized.

— James Wickemeyer, Manager, Vault Brewing Easton

I have known Lauren for as long as she has worked at Third and Ferry and to say that she is an asset is an understatement. Her enthusiasm and zeal for her job is infectious and her relationship with her customers is frankly impressive. She most certainly has quite a loyal following. In addition she excels in her menu knowledge and creativity working with spirits. Her contributions to the cocktail program at the restaurant are creative and innovative. She is always pushing the limits and brainstorming. She absolutely is one of the most valued employees downtown.

- Devin Palmer, Manager, Sette Luna

Lauren is a Hospitality Professional who I am honored to call a colleague. In a city which is becoming a Culinary Hub, it is fitting to have someone who exudes hospitality, be the first Employee of The Month. The question is not why Lauren, but how could it be anyone else? It takes a special kind of person to open their hearts to every person they meet. For anyone who has met Lauren, is to be loved by Lauren.

- Chris Chang, Director of Operations, EnjoyWithGusto

Lauren Givnin is the warm, welcoming heart of 3rd & Ferry Fish Market. I’ve known her for years building a friendship through being a long time guest at 3rd & Ferry to a friendly network of downtown Easton locals. She has a rare gift for making every person feel at home. Her love for her customers and this community shines in every smile, every conversation, every moment she shares with the people around her.

- Holly Hutchison, 3rd & Ferry regular

She goes above and beyond for us at work, whether it’s about training and becoming more knowledgeable and providing those resources for all of us. It could also be bringing us bagels, salad and snacks on Sunday mornings knowing we have a busy brunch ahead of us that day. I have grown a deep appreciation and love for Lauren because she is always there for me when I need her and she’s an amazing boss, mom and fiancé, daughter and friend.

- Maria, 3rd & Ferry Staff

I’ve known Lauren since high school, and she has always been a genuinely good person and a great friend. Beyond being an excellent bartender, she consistently shows up for her community with kindness, generosity, and heart. She brings people together and makes everyone feel welcome — the kind of person who truly makes a difference.

— Emilio Montesdeoca

What stands out most, to me about Lauren, is her ability to anticipate needs and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Whether it’s remembering my usual order, checking in at the perfect moment, or ensuring everything is prepared just right, Lauren always go above and beyond. Her friendly attitude and steady presence make the bar feel comfortable and inviting. Lauren brings a level of consistency and dedication that truly elevates my experience at the restaurant. Her commitment to great service doesn’t just make a difference, it sets the standard.

- Jay, 3rd & Ferry regular

Lauren is one of my best friends! She has been at 3rd & Ferry Fish Market since day one. She is an incredibly loyal employee friend, and mom. We met when I worked together in 2014. We’ve been inseparable ever since. With both her and Danya (the GM) have made that bar what it is. The knowledge and passion that they have is a rare find. Lauren is not only an amazing bar manager, but an amazing human!

- Robin Capner

As a bar manager she demonstrates dedication to our team and bar regulars on a daily basis. Lauren brings creativity and passion to every drink she crafts. Beyond her skills, her heart is huge and she truly cares about every person her life crosses path with, creating an extremely warm and welcoming environment to be surrounded by. I’m proud to work alongside Lauren and witness the positive impact she has on our bar and community. Lauren is not only a manager, she is a mentor and a friend

- Abby Kern, 3rd & Ferry staff

A few years ago I had some really serious medical issues that kept us away from 3rd & Ferry for quite awhile. Lauren noticed our absence and - with the help of 3rd & Ferry’s owner, Mike Pichetto - she obtained our contact information. What a surprise it was to receive a phone call from Lauren. Her genuine concern was such a welcome call and - over the next many months - Lauren would check in regularly to see how I was doing. In every phone call - she always asked if there was anything she could do for us. Even now, after these few years have passed, when we visit 3rd & Ferry, she always makes a special effort to ask me how things are going, if all is going well and - as always - makes me feel special. Lauren isn’t just an excellent employee … she is an exceptionally kind, thoughtful genuinely sweet person - a blessing to anyone whose life she touches!

- Pam Richetta, 3rd & Ferry regular

Lauren is the kind of person every workplace, every friend group, and every community wishes they had. As an employee, she is dependable, dedicated, and consistently goes above and beyond. As a bartender, she brings skill, warmth, and genuine connection to every shift—she doesn’t just serve drinks, she creates an atmosphere where people feel welcome. Beyond her work, Lauren is an incredible friend: loyal, uplifting, and always ready to show up for the people she cares about. What truly sets her apart, though, is the way she shows up for her community. Whether she’s volunteering her time, supporting local causes, or simply spreading kindness wherever she goes, Lauren gives back without ever expecting anything in return. She is a remarkable human being—compassionate, hardworking, and endlessly generous. Anyone who knows her is better for it.

- Peggy Farkas

I don’t believe you could have found a better person to give this award to. Lauren is an exceptional employee at 3rd and Ferry Fish Market, who truly sets the tone for the entire establishment. She greets everyone with a smile and makes every guest feel welcome the moment you sit down. She handles every situation with professionalism, warmth, and confidence, and it’s clear she genuinely cares about both the guests and her team.

- Eric Campbell

A kind soul, full of energy, tons of experience and knowledge of her craft. She had quickly become the friendly face of 3rd and ferry in no time. She represents exactly what every owner seeks out in a bar manager. Her presence is comfortable, her knowledge is robust and she makes you feel like a part of the family. She leads unassuming and has cultivated lifelong friendships with her peers and employees along the way. She has my vote any day of the week

- Jessie Wilkinson, Manager, Dubs on 5th

I have been going to 3rd and Ferry well over 10 years and Lauren is a key reason for that. Even though the food is obviously great what really made my wife and I keep going back is no doubt the level of service abundantly given by Lauren. If you’re having a tough day, you’ll have no choice but to smile and have a good time within minutes of talking to Lauren no matter how busy she can be. Her love of her job and her guests is obvious and genuine and it shows every single day! As a business owner myself I can say with absolute certainty that I know what a happy employee looks like, and Lauren is exactly that!! I can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition not just for the month but for the decade we’ve had the pleasure of her serving my family and friends!! It’s been Magical (inside joke)

- Eddie & Ivannia, 3rd & Ferry regulars

I’ve known Lauren for 5 years now, meeting her behind the bar at 3rd & ferry where my husband & I call our “2nd home”. For starters, she is an amazing bartender! Never a weak drink and always delicious! She even has a bottle of my favorite Skrewball whiskey set aside for me! But she’s also extremely attentive and aware as a server. She has our bar seats set for dinner whenever we ask. She makes sure we have everything we need and that it’s perfect. We see the relationships she’s built with so many patrons because of these qualities. It’s no wonder her fundraiser event for Jack Piper was such a success! Who wouldn’t want to rally for the Pipers and Lauren! She’s a leader and a friend!

- Ana Grundt, Lehigh Valley Food & Beyond

When we go through the door, we immediately feel like family, with greetings from all, including the owner, but especially from Lauren. She immediately sets us up at the bar with cloth placemats and napkins and utensils, and of course an oyster menu. We love the selection of fresh oysters with mignonette and usually accompany them with sparkling or still white wine. But sometimes we surprise Lauren with a cocktail selection, and she obliges by making the cocktails perfectly to our liking. She is always friendly, upbeat, and positive, while executing her job as bar manager with care and attention to all of the restaurant’s patrons.

- Karen & Rod Oren, 3rd & Ferry regulars

Have you ever watched her control her bar!! She is the conductor and each cocktail is an instrument she finely tunes!! The bar becomes a symphony of customers wondering what to try next!! Lauren’s smile is as huge as her laugh!! Her energy is contagious and fun!! That girl’s knowledge of cocktails, wines and drafts, makes deciding what to have first??? Impossible!! Annnd don’t forget to eat!! She certainly knows what oyster or seafood dish compliments what’s in your glass!! I’m on my feet clapping for her!!

- Christa Wallo

She makes 3rd & Ferry feel like home, like Cheers if you will. I am affectionately know as Hecky and its the first thing I hear walking in the door. It is the best feeling in the world. This coincides with Lauren personally, she is warm, funny, and 100% honest, no BS, no sugarcoating the situation. She will protect those she loves, fiercely especially in my case sometimes from themselves. I could not ask for a better friend. If you have to take one thing away from this, Lauren defines the word friend. It's her, full stop, your best friend in the world.

Lauren is a cornerstone of the downtown Easton bar scene. She’s never met a stranger, effortlessly drawing people in with her energy and passion. A true whiz behind the bar, she excels at cocktails and all things spirits. What truly sets her apart, though, is how deeply she cares—for her friends and family, her customers, and the Easton community. She’s always ready to lend an ear or a helping hand.

- Shawn Allison, President, Lehigh Valley Bourbon Drinkers

Lauren doesn’t just serve drinks; she creates experiences. Whether it’s mixing up the perfect cocktail or sharing a laugh, she makes every moment memorable. We’re proud to call her our friend and even prouder to see her shine. If you haven’t had the chance to meet Lauren, you’re missing out on one of the best parts of Easton

- Mary Elizabeth & Chris Mengle, 3rd & Ferry regulars

Ive worked with Lauren in beer sales for the last 2 years. She has been nothing but a pleasure to deal with. Her work ethic and attention to detail os what lends her to being such a great asset to the easton area and 3rd and ferry!

- Mike Stackhouse

I personally can testify, “well-deserved recognition”!! Lauren is an excellent contributor to the overall atmosphere of 3rd & Ferry being welcoming, friendly and devoted to great food service satisfaction. I Love 💜3rd & Ferry, I Love 💜Lauren!!!

- Darcel Bridges, 3rd & Ferry regular

Every time my husband and I go to 3rd & Ferry, we look for Lauren behind the bar! Her drinks are always amazing, but it’s the way that she jokes around and genuinely cares about her customers that makes her the best!

- Heather Apple, 3rd & Ferry regular

Lauren is the definition of someone who truly cares. From the moment I first came to Easton, she was welcoming, supportive, and thoughtful. She’s the kind of person who greets you at the door, makes connections effortlessly, and introduces people without being asked. She was also incredibly supportive during an important event that meant a great deal to me as a business owner. Lauren doesn’t just work at 3rd and ferry, she helps build community! Go Lauren!

- Tito, Owner, The Joint Coffee Co.

I am happy to work with Lauren. She is not only a true professional but also a wonderful person and a great friend. Having worked with her for several years, I can confidently say that she is highly skilled and dedicated to what she does. Lauren has a natural ability to build warm, friendly, and genuine relationships with guests, which makes working with her a real pleasure. I would highly recommend Lauren for any professional setting.

- Inna, 3rd & Ferry staff

Every time I walk in, whether it is packed to the walls or cozy and quiet, Lauren always greets me with that smile and kindness and attentiveness that makes her so fantastic. Her participation in Easton’s events, to her spearheading fundraising operations for worthy causes, to simply making everyone who walks through those doors feel like they’re family, all while being an incredible friend, mother, and wife are a true testament to the limitless love she has for everyone. She is the embodiment of warmth, whimsy, and genuinely good vibes.

- Sean, 3rd & Ferry regular

Lauren at 3rd and Ferry is the perfect candidate for employee of the month! She is only a wonderful mixologist, but she is a kind and caring gal. She always makes everyone feel at home and that they matter. She is always upbeat! Lauren is a great, wife, Mom and friend.

- Pam Panto

Lauren is a friend. When she loves, she loves hard. That is the way she makes everyone feel when they sit at her bar.

- Tonia Lynn

We moved to downtown Easton 8 years ago this year. Lauren at 3rd & Ferry is one of the first bartenders I had gotten to know. She is witty, funny, always smiling and right on it when it comes to her customers. We always sit where she is serving. She is awesome!!

- Jackie, 3rd & Ferry regular

Lauren has an outstanding appreciation and knowledge in craft beer. Her passion and drive is key in this industry. Its a pleasure to work with her !

- Jackie Fry, Shangy’s Wholesale

She is an amazing Manager, Friend and person. We are all so grateful for her at work everyday

- Nate, 3rd & Ferry staff

Every time my husband and I go to 3rd & Ferry, we look for Lauren behind the bar! Her drinks are always amazing, but it’s the way that she jokes around and genuinely cares about her customers that makes her the best!

- Heather Apple, 3rd & Ferry regular

Lauren is one of the most personable and giving people who serve the Easton community. She is always quick to respond to those in need by organizing fundraisers at the restaurant, as evidenced by the recent event to raise funds for a young man battling cancer. She makes patrons feel at home by remembering names and stories shared. Her personality and genuine concern for the needs of customers have created a following. She is a downtown treasure who always remembers that I like "one stuffed olive"

- Terry and Maryalice Briggs