2016 Fayette Philanthropy Participant – Terry Burden

by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Sep 14, 2016 | Fayette Philanthropy

Terry Burden – East End Community Center Fund

My life of service started early through my affiliation with the youth ministries at my church in Uniontown, PA. My life of service continued while I was a student at The University of Pittsburgh, were I was inducted into The Gamma Sigma Sigma Service Sorority. I was involved in many service projects in the Oakland community of Pittsburgh, during this time.

After graduation, I decided to return to Fayette County to be near family. I became a member of Interfaith Assembly for Christ Church, where I’ve been a Trustee, and Board Member and served as the Treasurer for over 15 years.    I had a twenty eight year professional career as a Claims Representative with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, but continued by involvement with service projects in the community.   Prior to retirement I was awarded State Farm Insurance Companies Northeast Zone Volunteer of the Year. I was also honored by the Pittsburgh Courier as one of their Fifty Women of Excellence.

After receiving an invitation from a friend, I attended a Silver Generations meeting at the East End United Community Center. I became involved in many of the programs at the Center, and I believe because of this involvement, I was selected as the East End United Community Center Volunteer of the year in January 2016.  I was asked by Matthew Crutchman, East End United Community Center Executive Director, to be the face of Center through the 2016 Fayette Philanthropy Project.  After consideration, I accepted and was excited about being involved in the numerous fundraising activities representing East End United Community Center in the Philanthropy Project. My fundraisers have included hoagies sales and a Gospel Explosion Concert.  All funds I raise will be used to create an Agency Fund for the Center to be used to sustain the organization and provide for them a bright future.

Being recognized publicly was never a priority, as I believe the scripture Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required: and from him who has been entrusted with much, even more is demanded.”

2016 Fayette Philanthropy Participant – Matt Shorraw

by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Sep 14, 2016 | Fayette Philanthropy

Matt Shorraw – 500 Donner Project

Music, art, and culture have always been a part of my life. I grew up loving music – listening to it constantly, and performing in the Monessen Chorus and Marching Band. After graduating, I went to California University, where I become involved in their choir, and decided to pursue a major in Commercial Music Technology. I am now the Assistant Band Director at Monessen High School. This was a full-circle moment for me. It gave me the chance to give back to the school, and share my love of music with my students.

I have also renewed my interest in architecture, and founded the “500 Donner Project”. I decided that I wanted to save that building, and create a café, music center, and restore the former third-floor Masonic Hall, in order to create a recital hall. The 500 Donner Project Fund will be a Permanent Agency Fund, whose annual proceeds will provide for the sustainability of the new music center, which will be a non-profit organization.

I have been working on this project for over a year, reaching out to people and making my story known. It is my hope that upon my acquisition of 500 Donner, I will restore it, and implement my plan for reuse. Students in this region need and deserve a music center, where they can be connected to the community.

Within a year’s time, the building has been listed on the Young Preservationists Association of Pittsburgh’s Top 10 Preservation Opportunities in the Pittsburgh Region, as well as granted Conditional Historic Status from the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, pending an exterior restoration. I also have the support of Preservation Pittsburgh, as well as several other groups, and many individuals. The “500 Donner Project Fund” will be used to fund the operations of the music center. This center will focus on youth, but will aim to serve, teach, and unite all music lovers in the region.

“Music expresses that which cannot be said, and on which it is impossible to be silent.” -Victor Hugo.”

2016 Fayette Philanthropy Participants – Michael Edwards & Dan Cocks

by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Aug 31, 2016 | Fayette Philanthropy

Michael Edwards & Dan Cocks
Achievement In the Arts – Fayette County Cultural Trust/Rotary

After serving 20 years in the United States Air Force and traveling around the world, Dan states, “my military experience has taught me the importance of art education, especially how art and culture fits into any society.  No matter what country we flew into, whether it was in the Orient, Europe, Middle East or the Soviet Union, art played an important part in expressing a sense of place.  During the Holocaust, prisoners sometimes were spared because they were able to produce a piece of art or play an instrument.  Schools seem to be losing focus on the arts. I feel the need to help keep the arts alive in the youth of today by recognizing the talents they achieved during their high school senior year.  The Fayette County Achievement in the Arts Award is an important partnership between the Fayette County Cultural Trust and area Rotary Organizations.  We recognize student’s achievements in Music, Theater and Visual Arts as a way to thank them for being considered the best in their class.”

Michael agrees, “In order to further the mission of the Cultural Trust of improving the quality of life in Fayette County, we believe that honoring students who have excelled in the arts was an important effort to undertake.  The skills that students learn whether in musical, visual or theatrical arts are talents that they will take with them for a lifetime.  We are proud to be able to support these students as they further their education.”

If you would like to support the Achievement in the Arts – Fayette County Cultural Trust/Rotary Fund, 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.  Please write Achievement in the Arts in the memo portion of your check.

2016 Fayette Philanthropy Participant – Julie Nagy

by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Aug 24, 2016 | Fayette Philanthropy

Julie Nagy – 2016 Fayette Philanthropy Participant (Paige Nagy Memorial Fund)

“I have always liked to participate in fundraising efforts for various causes throughout my life, but on May 12, 2015 it suddenly became very personal. My daughter, Paige, who had just turned 21 in April, unexpectedly passed away during the night from SUDEP (Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy).

She had been diagnosed at the age of 4 with epilepsy and lived a pretty normal life but in 2014 her seizures started becoming more frequent and much worse and tragically she passed away from one. Paige was the most selfless, caring person I 

ever knew. She was a CNA and also loved fundraising for the Fayette Friends of Animals (FFOA). I feel it is only fitting to honor her memory by carrying on her efforts to help others.  Through the Paige Nagy Memorial Fund, contributions will be given to the FFOA, the CNA Program at the Fayette County Career and Technical Institute, as well as to other local non-profits.

My fundraising efforts include my Pennies for Paige campaign which have shown me how many people love to donate their pennies and loose change and will continue for as long as people want to give.  Also, the Second Annual Paige Nagy Memorial Golf Outing is being held on August 27, 2016 at Cedarbrook Golf Course.

The outpouring of love and support I have already received has been overwhelming and I hope people continue to care about my efforts for years to come.” 

If you would like to support the Paige Nagy Memorial Fund, 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.  Please write the Paige Nagy Memorial Fund in the memo portion of your check.