Dr. Norma Thomas – Queen Ester, Edward, and Phyllis Thomas Memorial Fund for East End United Community Center
The inspiration to create this endowed Fund at the Community Foundation comes from a long legacy of service. My parents (Queen Ester and Edward Thomas) instilled in their children the words from scripture that essentially read “To whom much is given, much is required”. Although we would have been considered a low income family, we never went without food, transportation or a roof over our heads so in that, we were rich.
In my work in aging services over many years, I have often spoken about the fact that we need to leave a legacy behind. I believe this is extremely important in the African American community. My mother was one of the original incorporators for the East End United Community Center and she specifically wanted young people who passed through its doors to have exposure to the arts in the broadest definition of the word. In a time when arts programs have essentially disappeared from the educational system, this Fund is designed to give young people exposure to the arts which will help them not only use and or develop their talents, but also assist them in being well rounded individuals. My sister, (Phyllis) who unfortunately died young, was a beautiful singer. In my history I have worked to endow four different scholarship Funds at two different universities. This Fund is to leave a legacy in the community in which I grew up in the name of my sister and parents.
The primary idea for Fundraising has been to send a letter to family and friends asking them to contribute to the Fund based on the “blessings” they have received. Other ideas are a dine out at a local restaurant and a gathering of creative artists at the East End United Community Center.
If you would like to support the Queen Ester, Edward, and Phyllis Thomas Memorial Fund for East End United Community Center, please contact the CFFC office at 724-437-8600 or mail your check, made payable to: CFFC, 2 West Main Street, Suite 101, Uniontown, PA 15401. Be sure to write the Queen Ester, Edward & Phyllis Thomas Memorial Fund in the memo portion of your check.
Please join us on October 5 at The Fayette Philanthropy Dinner being held at the Summit Inn, as we honor the 2017 Class of Fayette Philanthropists, as well as the Philanthropist of the Year, Chevron.
Sponsorships and Tickets are now available.
