The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) hosted 350 guests at the third annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort, with Fairchance Construction Company as the Presenting Sponsor. The black-tie event featured a champagne greeting, a cocktail hour and dinner with an open bar, online bidding for an array of silent auction items, a live auction, live music by the Kendall Brothers Band and dancing, and an after-party with a buffet, Stix-DiMarco’s Cigar Bar, and live music by Joe Materkowski. Mike Clark of WTAE Pittsburgh Action News 4 was the master of ceremonies, and Tony Quarrick was the auctioneer for the live auction.
Senator Pat Stefano presented a citation to the Community Foundation as a special acknowledgment of its 25th anniversary. He presented it to Renee M. Couser (CFFC Executive Director), Angela Braun, DC (CFFC Board Chair), and Ron Gabriel (CFFC Vice Chair).
Brandon Katzeff (2024 Gala of Giving Auction Chair) spoke more about CFFC’s 25th anniversary, with November 15, 1999 as the founding date. “The foundation has grown to hold about 200 charitable funds and nearly $25 million in assets,” noted Katzeff. Each year, a percentage of the charitable assets is used to support nonprofits through grants and to support local students through scholarships.
Angela Braun, DC (CFFC Board Chair and 2024 Gala of Giving Chair) addressed the Exhibit Hall to share gratitude to Fairchance Construction for their presenting sponsorship. She also spoke about the foundation’s goals with the Gala of Giving. All event proceeds will stay in Fayette County, with a goal of being a “catalyst for change” by investing in projects that can affect change and growth in the community.
“Starting on April 15, CFFC will be accepting proposals for a second $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant,” said Braun. The foundation is looking for projects that will have county-wide impact, be a true collaboration to address community needs, and serve as a catalyst for change in strengthening Fayette County.
John Wagner III, President and Artistic Director of Main Street Theatre Company, spoke about the first Catalyst for Change Grant that was awarded in fall of 2023 for the organization’s first-ever Fayette County high school musical showcase – “Encore! A Showcase of Local Talent”. The project collaborates with State Theatre Center for the Arts, as the venue host for the showcase, and Fayette County Cultural Trust, as the presenters for the Achievement in the Arts awards that will be announced at the showcase. Tickets are on sale for the May 5, 2024 showcase, with performances at 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Wagner explained that he was tasked to announce dinner, “but simply saying ‘dinner will be served’ doesn’t seem very fun… so instead, I’ll say hit it!” Music started to play and attention was drawn to a table when Brennen Wager-Malia popped up from his seat with candlestick props on his arms as he performed Lumiere’s opening lines to “Be Our Guest” from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. As the song progressed, more Main Street Theatre Company performers rose from their seats to join at the front of the room, with a confetti finish for the surprise ensemble performance.
The thrilling live auction included an autographed Troy Polamalu jersey, a JOLTBIKE electric bike, an office makeover from COE Distributing, a Vahan bracelet from Joyce’s Jewelry, concert tickets for either Jason Aldean or Justin Timberlake, Army Navy game tickets, a Deep Creek, MD getaway, and a Nemacolin overnight stay with golfing.
The room was beautifully decorated by ILLUME Lighting + Event Design and flowers were provided by Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House. Signs and print materials were coordinated through FastSigns of Uniontown and Direct Results. A photo booth mirror from The Wow Booth Co. helped guests capture the evening.
“We are so thankful to everyone who has supported CFFC throughout the past 25 years, and to everyone who is supporting the Gala of Giving as a way to strengthen the future of our charitable impact,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.
More information about the Gala of Giving and the Catalyst for Change Grant can be found on CFFC’s website at www.cffayettepa.org. Contact the foundation at 724-437-8600 if you would like to learn more about your charitable giving options.
Follow us on social media @cffayettepa to see pictures!
