Celebrating Community Foundation Week: The Sturge W. Hughes Memorial Fund

by | Nov 17, 2017 | Uncategorized

The Sturge W. Hughes Memorial Fund was started in 2016 by his wife Regina.

Sturge, a Vietnam veteran and carpenter, never let his disabilities and special needs of facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, ankylosing spondylitis, and coronary artery disease dictate his life. According to Regina, “While they may have hindered his ability to shingle a roof or play a round of golf, they never affected his wit or wisdom.”

As he began to have more time in the office due to his health limitations, Sturge shared his knowledge with the younger generation, as well as business associates.  He enjoyed providing first jobs, teaching a trade, financing an education, or helping people start their own businesses. It was this dedication to helping the young people “make a difference” to their lives that was his passion.

“When Sturge passed away, I wanted to create a tribute to his passion by supporting and enriching the lives and careers of young people. I had a vision of what I wanted to accomplish.  However, I had no experience in the best method of moving forward to attain my goal.  I contacted the Community Foundation of Fayette County and met with Clara Pascoe and Renee Couser to share my thoughts.   They were helpful and supportive beyond my expectations,” said Regina.

Regina recently retired from a 51-year association with Rockwell/Sensus in Uniontown.  Like Sturge, she enjoyed working and mentoring the new and younger associates while giving back to a company that fulfilled her professional goals as well as contributed to the happiness in her personal life.  She continues to strive to “make a difference” and feels that the Foundation provides the path to this achievement.

Celebrating Community Foundation Week: Melvin J. & Beatrice Vance Keller Memorial Scholarship

by | Nov 16, 2017 | Uncategorized

The Melvin J. and Beatrice Vance Keller Memorial Scholarship, originally named the Melvin J. Keller Memorial Scholarship, was started in 2008 by Beatrice Keller.

“When my father passed away in 2008, my mother wanted to honor him with a scholarship fund that would help area students and communities for many years,” said daughter Judy Haines.  When her mother passed away in 2011, the name of the fund was changed to include her.

Education was always a priority in the Keller home. Beatrice was a French and English teacher for the Connellsville School District, while Melvin served on the school board for Connellsville School District for many years.  He was very civic minded and involved in many organizations.

“Creating a legacy in my father’s name was important to my mother and we are honored to be able to continue this process in their names year after year. If students are encouraged and helped to fulfill their dreams and become teachers, imagine the lives that are touched by this award?  Each family who gets involved in the Community Foundation of Fayette County does it for a reason so there are many stories to be told. I am happy to share our story,” said Judy.

Graduating seniors from Connellsville Area High School and Geibel Catholic Junior-Senior High School, and students who have received the award in previous years, going into the field of education are eligible to apply. Awards are based on academic achievement and proven financial need.

“I would encourage others to consider the CFFC. All donations to the fund are tax deductible,” she added.

 

 

2017 Fayette Philanthropy Winner Announced

by | Oct 9, 2017 | Fayette Philanthropy

Congratulations to Jill Taylor and the Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Team and To All Of The 2017 Participants!

Jill Taylor and the Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Team, raised $9,605 for their scholarship fund created in memory of Deana Martorella.

Left to Right: Clara Pascoe (Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Fayette County), Dr. Norma Thomas, Jim Protin, Linda Ulery, Casey Clark, Jill Taylor, Brent Robinson (Chevron), Scott Taylor, Bill Poninsky

The Fayette Philanthropy Project produced five new philanthropists, who raised over $30,000 for their charitable Funds.

 

 

 

Fayette Philanthropy Dinner – October 5, 2017

by | Sep 18, 2017 | Uncategorized

Sponsorship Opportunities

The Fayette Philanthropy Project was created to promote charitable giving, to honor the region’s established philanthropists and to encourage new ones. The Philanthropy Project is a competition among individuals or teams to win the title of Fayette County’s newest philanthropist. Last year, Julie Nagy won the competition by raising the most money for her new Fund – the Paige Nagy Memorial Fund, created in memory of her daughter. This Donor Advised Fund supports non-profits that were important to Paige.

This year, the Fayette Philanthropy Project participants are:

  • Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Team – Deana Martorella Memorial Scholarship Fund
  • Dr. Norma D. Thomas – Queen Ester, Edward, and Phyllis Thomas Memorial Fund for East End United Community Center (designated for arts programming)
  • Linda Ulery – Scott Allen Jeffries Memorial Fund
  • Casey Clark – Protin Family – Mon Valley Community Fund
  • Bill Poninsky – Uniontown YMCA Permanent Fund

The winner of the 2017 competition will be announced at the Philanthropy Dinner. The Chevron Corporation will be honored as established Philanthropist of the Year. The Chevron Community Fund, held at the CFFC, awards approximately $100,000 annually to non-profits in Fayette and Greene counties.