Submitted photo from Daily Courier article: (from left) Mike Petrone, Connellsville Lions Club; Phyllis Kovall, Connellsville Lions Club; Jim Porterfield, South Connellsville VFD; Barb Cassel, Connellsville Lions Club; Jeff Layton, New Haven VFD; Robbie Lieberger, Connellsville Township VFD; Jobe Slezak, Bullskin Township VFD; and Jim Daugherty, Morrell VFD.
The Connellsville Lions Club initiated a fund drive to support five local volunteer fire departments. They challenged other organizations and individuals to match their donation to the fire departments, and they distributed $7,000 in 2021.
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) contributed to their effort with a $2,000 grant from the Emergency Relief Fund. During a time when first responders’ typical fundraising events were affected by the pandemic, CFFC was happy to support not one, but five organizations through the Lions Club’s program.
The five volunteer fire departments (VFDs) were Bullskin Township VFD, New Haven VFD, Connellsville Township VFD, Morell VFD, and South Connellsville VFD. The Lions Club anticipated most of the VFDs to use the funding for equipment and supplies to sustain their organizations.
People get excited to join an effort that is well-supported and has a strong promise of success. “The monies presented through this grant enabled us to approach other businesses and individuals in our community and ask for their help also,” said Phyllis Kovall, Past President of Connellsville Lions Club.
“Nonprofits could not exist and do their jobs without the help of organizations such as CFFC,” said Kovall. In addition to supporting VFDs, the Lions Club contributes to revitalization projects, community events, and various other forms of community service. CFFC’s grantmaking program supports organizations like these in the collective effort of building a stronger Fayette.
#BuildingAStrongerFayette
