Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Announces 2024 Community Grant Awards Totaling Over $128,000
PHOTO CAPTION: 2024 Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Community Project Grant is presented to the Clearfield YMCA Summer Day Camp Program to pay for the remodeling project of the day camp room. PICTURED L-R CCCF Grant Committee Chair Lisa Kovalick, YMCA Executive Director Brian McDonald, CCCF Board Chair Jeb Soult, Summer Day Camp Program Director Karter Bell and CCCF Board Member Shayne Lumadue.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors announces the release of over $128,000 in funding for community projects in Clearfield County. The 2024 spotlight programs in the Clearfield area are the Summer Day Camp Room Remodel at the Clearfield YMCA and the Upgrade for the Colorado Pool Timing System for the Clearfield Aquatics Club. Each project is receiving a $2,000 grant award with the funding for the Aquatics Club coming from the Kurtz CCL Fund.
In announcing the awards, CCCF Board Chairman Jeb Soult said “while we couldn’t fund all the grant requests this year, the Grant Committee did a superb job reviewing all applications and provided a quality list of projects to award a total of just over $128,000 in grant funding to. The projects selected represent communities across Clearfield County and meet the criteria to improve communities, help citizens and solve identified problems. We thank every organization that applied and appreciate the work performed and services provided by all these community organizations”.
Grant Committee Chair Lisa Kovalick added “Grant Committee members did careful and detailed individual reviews of all submitted applications before meeting as a group to make the final selections. Committee members carefully considered the benefit and impact each project would have before making our final recommendations to the CCCF Board of Directors”.
CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken noted “the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Grant Program looks for programs that will benefit a large segment of the population, especially children, while helping to cover a need or solve a problem. All projects selected for funding meet a need within their community or to the county”.
PHOTO CAPTION: 2024 CCCF Community Project Grant is awarded to Clearfield Aquatics Club for Upgrades to the Colorado Timing System. Pictured L-R: CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken, Directors of the Clearfield Aquatics Club Melanie MacDonald, Tera O’Link, Morgan Duke, Kerry Wallace and Erin Wills.
Other projects receiving grant awards are: Arc Human Services for the T.E.A.M.S Program, Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund for Assistance for Local Cancer Patients, Brisbin Borough to purchase playground equipment at the restored Brisbin Park and Dam, The Children’s Aid Society for Child Care Center Painting Project, CLEAR-CENTRE POOL for Lawn Care for the Pool, We Care for Kids for their Sneakers and Boots Program, Downtown DuBois Inc for their E3 Entrepreneurial Shed Program, The Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties for maintenance and safety projects at Camp Confidence, Clearfield County Cancer Support Inc for their cancer patient support programs, Clearfield County League on Social Services for the RELLIES program, Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department for community fire prevention programs, Curwensville Pike Township Historical Society for improvement project in the display areas, Glen Richey Fireman’s Recreational Park for the purchase of a new mower, God’s Cupboard at West Side United Methodist Church for their food programs, Grampian Penn Bloom Volunteer Fire Company to replace aging wooden public seating units, Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library to complete the Story Walk project and purchase an AED device, Lawrence Township Rec Park to purchase ADA playground equipment, Life Fast Forward to cover costs for the program, Little League Baseball Inc / Moshannon Valley Little League for Ramey Softball Field Fence Project Phase 2, Mahaffey Scout Park Association for equipment at the park, SENSEational Kids Gymnasium LLC for Inclusive Sensory Equipment, Serendipity Horse Rescue Ranch for purchase of a transport trailer, St John Lutheran Church to restore stained glass windows, Winburne Fire Company for Fire Rescue Equipment Transition costs and the Winkler Art Gallery and Art Education Center for the Paint the Town Mural Project 2.0.
Grants were also awarded from the Sarah Jane Mattern Fund to Osceola Mills community organizations the Columbia Fire Company, the Osceola Mills Community Library, the Osceola Mills Community Historical Foundation and the Osceola Mills United Methodist Church.
Anyone interested in supporting CCCF Endowment Funds that provide funding for the Community Grant Program can visit the CCCF website at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org and do a secure online donation or donations can be mailed to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830 with checks made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and note on the check memo line “Support CCCF Grant Program”. The Charitable Foundation also welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in starting an endowment or scholarship fund that will benefit their community or a specific area of need.
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Announces Over $80,000 in Scholarship Awards for 2024
PHOTO CAPTION – Madi, Beth and Robert Evans present the 2024 Ava Evans Memorial Scholarship to Ethan Sorbera – 2024 graduate of Clearfield Area High School.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, along with scholarship committees representing over 35 named scholarship funds, announce scholarship awards totaling over $80,000 to 2024 graduates from schools across Clearfield County and surrounding counties. The 2024 total dollar amount awarded is double what was awarded just 2 years ago.
Charitable Foundation Board of Directors Chairman John G. Jeb Soult Jr. said “We appreciate the generosity of all individuals, families and organizations that have established scholarship funds with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. The ongoing commitment by the people associated with our scholarship funds represents a great investment in the future of every scholarship recipient”. CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken added “We congratulate the scholarship committee members for their work in reviewing all the applications and the selection of some very impressive students to receive scholarship awards this year”.
For 2024, the following scholarships were presented for the first time: BE THE KINDNESS FUND IN MEMORY OF WESTIN CANTOLINA to Lincoln Hoover – CCCTC, EVELYN CZARNECKI-VERBEKE MEMORIAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIP to Lucy G. Billotte and Tracy Zhu – Clearfield Area High School and the SHIRLEY ANN MCKEE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Conner Howell – Curwensville High School and Isaac Michael – Clearfield Area High School.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors and members of the various scholarship committees are pleased to announce these Class of 2024 graduates as recipients of the following scholarships:
ARDELL BRESSLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Adelyn Ruiz – Clearfield Area High School, ARNOLD AND ETHEL CAMERON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Warren Diethrick – CCCTC and Cole Brooks – 2nd Year at Penn State Dubois, AVA EVANS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Ethan Sorbera – Clearfield Area High School, BOB E. DAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Evan Forcey – Clearfield Area High School, CLEARFIELD HS CLASS OF 62 SCHOLARSHIP to Isaac Putt and Nadia Libreatori – Clearfield Area High School, CLEARFIELD HS CLASS OF 72 SCHOLARSHIP to Benjamin Wriglesworth – Clearfield Area High School, CLEARFIELD HS CLASS OF 75 SCHOLARSHIP to Elijah Fox, Alexandra Miller, Peyton Norris and Olivia Rowles – Clearfield Area High School, CUNNINGHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND to Alayna Winters – Clearfield Area High School, DUBOIS ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS to Dominic Vizza, Noah Sawtelle, Baylee Spinda, Charlie Nixon, Maria Buskirk, Shelby Laukitis, Sydney Peace – DuBois Area High School AND Brady Snyder, Lauren Davidson, Connor Siple – DuBois Central Catholic, EILEEN C. WITHEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Riley Smith – Curwensville High School, GERALD READ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Warren Diethrick and Nicholas Vaow – Clearfield Area High School, GOLDEN BISON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP to Isaac Putt, Nadia Libreatori, Isabella Walls, Carter Chamberlain – Clearfield Area High School, HARRY W. ROWLES ENDOWMENT – PRESENTED BY GOLDEN BISON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION to Olivia Bailey, Anthony Lopez, Adelyn Ruiz – Clearfield Area High School, JANET MCCRACKEN HANSARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Nadia Libreatori – Clearfield Area High School, JOSEPH AND MARY MCFARLAND BISHOP SCHOLARSHIP to Lauren Davidson – DCC and Nicholas Vaow – Clearfield Area High School, KENNETH MCMILLEN SWIMMING SCHOLARSHIP to Nicholas Vaow – Clearfield Area High School, MARSHA NOVEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Danielle Cline and Nicholas Vaow – Clearfield Area High School, MEGHAN DEININGER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Dorothy Bailor – CCCTC, REITZ THEATER PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP to Madalyn Rhodes – DuBois Area High School, SCOTT BEERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Kiersten McGarry, Calli Manno, Dorothy Bailor and Wyatt Schwiderske – CCCTC, SHIRLEY ROWLES MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Savannah Carfley – Curwensville High School, TAYLOR HARPSTER/T-HARP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Haylee Wood and Khendyl Sharrer – Philipsburg Osceola High School
The CLEARFIELD EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS are as follows: BELIN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP to Madison Lumadue, Jacob Lukehart, Mary Jo Brobeck and Hailee Irwin CNB BANK SCHOLARSHIP to Kendra Lewis and Madison Nelson JUDITH PEALE-STRATTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Kellie Ann Jackson, Hayley Wooster, Lydia Zuccolotto, Chloe Eamigh, Olivia Sager and Alexa Lockett, JUDITH RILEY HALE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Tabitha Gallaher KURTZ BROS SCHOLARSHIP to Khendyl Sharrer, Frank Visnofsky III, Jacob Lenhart and Allivia Pierce MID PENN BANK SCHOLARSHIP to Mary Jo Brobeck and Hailee Irwin PENN HIGHLANDS SCHOLARSHIPS to Jem Therasme, Morgan Glace, Kendra Smith and Chloe Sarver WOODWARD PHARMACY and CITY DRUGS EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP to Tabitha Gallaher.
Anyone interested in donating to any of the scholarship funds listed can visit www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org to donate by credit card or by check made payable to “Clearfield County Charitable Foundation” with the name of the scholarship fund written in the MEMO line mailed to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830.
The 2024 Gerald Read Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Nicholas Vaow and Warren Diethrick by Bill Guthridge. Frank Barba, chairman of the scholarship committee said “Nicholas and Warren are 2 very worthy recipients of the scholarship. Both exemplify the type of life Gerald Read led and the committee felt they will carry on Gerald’s legacy”.
Madi, Beth and Robert Evans present the 2024 Ava Evans Memorial Scholarship to Ethan Sorbera.
Nicholas Vaow accepting the 2024 Joseph and Mary McFarland Bishop Scholarship from Phyllis Byerly and Barbara Bishop.
Evan Forcey accepting the 2024 Bob E Day Memorial Scholarship from Matt Day.
We are in the process of finalizing the 2024 scholarship awards. All scholarship committees are hard at work reviewing the submitted applications and making their decisions on their recipients. THANK YOU to all the students that took time to submit applications. We are impressed with what these students have accomplished during their high school years and the plans they are making for their future.
On April 26th, Joe Paese, Executive Vice President and Director of Trust and Wealth Management for Mid Penn bank presents a $10,000 donation to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. Pictured L-R with Mr. Paese are CCCF Board members Vicki Myers, Shayne Lumadue, Jeb Soult, George Weidlein, Maureen Gathagan, John Harpster and CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken.
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Holds Annual Meeting and Reflects on Positive Year
Photo Caption: Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors – Front Row l-r Secretary/Treasurer Lisa Conrad, Chairman John G. Jeb Soult, Jamie Straub, Vice Chairman John Harpster, Back Row l-r Joe Valenza, Maureen Gathagan, Dana Beauseigneur, Lee Grace Valigorsky and Trustee Representative George Weidlein. Missing from photo – Lisa Kovalick, Vicki Myers and Shayne Lumadue.
The Board of Directors of the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation recently held their annual meeting to review activities during 2023 and reorganize the board for 2024.
During 2023, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation recorded donations totaling $3,641,651.95, up from $2,116,797.33 collected during 2022. Trustee Mid Penn Bank reported the market value of all CCCF funds as of January 25th, 2024 totaled $17,106,213.20 up from $11,465,299.49 at the end of 2022. On the financial reporting side, the annual audit was completed for the 2022 year by Young, Oakes, Brown and Company PC Certified Public Accountants with no findings and all annual required filings to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Internal Revenue Service have been submitted and accepted.
For the year ending December 31st, 2023, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation distributed back to communities across Clearfield County a total of $373,030.20 as follows: $57,150 in scholarship awards, $90,590 through the community grant program awards, $15,000 to community food banks through the Basic Needs Fund and $210,290.20 in annual distributions to the beneficiaries of various endowment funds.
New funds created during 2023 include the Clearfield Area High School Class of 72 Scholarship Fund, the Shirley Ann McKee Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Be the Kindness Fund in Memory of Westin Cantolina. Additionally, estate settlement work was completed for the Constance McGarry Estate to finalize creation of the Fred L. and Bernece C. Rhoads Nursing Scholarship Fund along with the legal work to gain court approval to transfer the PB Zentmyer Fund from the Masonic Lodge to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. With the funds created in 2023, there are now 60 total endowment or scholarship funds under the Charitable Foundation.
Board Chairman John G. Soult Jr. stated “We appreciate all the individuals, families and organizations who have created scholarship or endowment funds with the Charitable Foundation. We are thankful to everyone who made donations in support of our funds during 2023 and we are looking forward to further success in 2024. The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation has seen tremendous growth in recent years which benefits many students, individuals and organizations throughout Clearfield County”.
Executive Director Mark McCracken reported to the board that discussions are ongoing with individuals, families and community organizations that could see several new scholarship or endowment funds established in 2024. McCracken advised that he is currently working with scholarship committees and high school guidance departments to accept applications for 2024 scholarship awards.
Board officers selected for the coming year are Chairman John G. Soult Jr., Vice Chairman John Harpster and Secretary / Treasurer Lisa Conrad. In addition to the board officers, current members of the CCCF Board of Directors are Dana Beauseigneur, Maureen Gathagan, Lisa Kovalick, Shayne Lumadue, Vicki Myers, Jamie Straub, Joe Valenza, Lee Grace Valigorsky, Trustee Representative George Weidlein and Directors Emeritus Robert M. Kurtz Jr. and Kevin McMillen.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation welcomes inquiries from any individuals, families or organizations interested in establishing an endowment or scholarship fund to benefit communities in Clearfield County. Information is available on the CCCF website www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org, or by contacting us at 814-592-7331 or emailing at cccfexecdir@outlook.com. Online donations to any of our funds can be made on the website or by mailing checks to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830. Checks should be made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and write the name of the fund donating to on the MEMO line.
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Announces Over $90,000 in Community Grant Awards
PHOTO CAPTION: 2023 Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Community Project Grant is presented to the Clearfield Regional Police Department to support the Community Policing Project. Accepting the award, Chief Vince McGinnis and Assistant Chief Julie Curry said “Community Policing is at the heart of the Clearfield Regional Police Department and our officers regularly engage with community members, especially children, which creates public trust. Engaging with children of the community early in life allows our officers to not only form a bond with the kids, but also by extension, create relationships with the parents and guardians of the children.” PICTURED L-R Lisa Kovalick – CCCF Grant Committee Chair, Dr. Michael McSkimming – CRPD Board, Assistant Chief Julie Curry, Supervisor Randy Powell – CRPD Board, Chief Vince McGinnis, Supervisor Jeremy Ruffner – CRPD Board, Boro Council Member Steve Livergood – CRPD Board Chairman, Boro Council Member Stephanie Tarbay – CRPD Board and Mark McCracken – CCCF Executive Director.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors recently approved the release of over $90,000 in community project grant funding. In announcing the awards, CCCF Board Chairman Jeb Soult said “we are pleased the total combined amount awarded through the 2023 CCCF Grant Program is a significant increase over what was awarded in 2022. The increase was made possible due to some significant donations made to the endowment funds that support the grant program combined with a positive year of investment earnings”. Soult continued “the Grant Committee recommended some very worthwhile projects benefiting communities and organizations from all over Clearfield County. The CCCF board of directors is confident the organizations receiving the grant awards will complete some beneficial projects with the funding they receive”.
Grant Committee Chair Lisa Kovalick noted “Grant Committee members did careful and detailed individual reviews of all submitted applications, then met as a group to make the final selections. Committee members considered the benefit and impact each project would have on a community or a group in need before making final recommendations to the CCCF Board of Directors”.
2023 CCCF Grant Funding is awarded as follows:
Regular CCCF Grant Funds awarded countywide – $61,950 TOTAL – Individual Awards: Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund $1,500 – Financial Assistance for Local Cancer Patients, Bucktail Council, BSA $1,200 – 2023 Workforce Development and BSA Merit Badge Program, Children’s Aid Society in Clearfield County $5,000 – School-Based Mentoring Clearfield/DuBois, CLEAR-CENTRE POOL $1,000 – HeartStart OnSite AED Package, Clearfield-Jefferson Drug & Alcohol Commission $1,000 – Too Good For Drugs Program, Cultural Resources, Inc. / Reitz Theatre $1,100 – Performance microphone purchase, DuBois Area Historical Society, Inc. $2,000 – DuBois Area Historic Society education room and technology equipment replacement, DuBois Central Catholic School Air Rifle Team $500 – DCC Air Rifle Enhancement – SOFTWARE, Foundation for Christian Counseling $2,500 – Mental Health and Addictions Counseling Grants, Free Medical Clinic of DuBois, Inc. $5,000 – Expansion of Oral Healthcare Program, Front and Centre Productions, Inc. $2,000 – IGNITE Youth Theatre Characters, Gethsemane United Methodist Church of the West Branch $2,000 – New AEDs, Life Line Pregnancy & Infant Services $2,000 – Project Safe Child, Little League Baseball Inc / Moshannon Valley Little League $3,500 – Ramey Softball Field Fence Project, Lydia Circle Faith United Lutheran Church $500 – Supplies and Gifts for the 80 and over dinner, Mature Resources Foundation, Inc. $850 – The Village of Hope Signage, New Life Ministries of Clearfield County $1,800 – Freedom House Kitchen Renovation, North Point Volunteer Fire Company – $5,000 – Rescue Tools and Training, Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited $1,000 – Clearfield County Youth Field Day, Pentz Run Youth Services Inc. $2,000 – Pentz Run Youth Services Classroom Update—Flooring, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Preschool $500 – Support our Bookworms, Steve Livergood Jr. Christmas Eve Dinner Foundation $2,000 – Supplies and Gifts for Christmas Eve Dinners, The Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties $2,000 – Camp Friendship Renovation, The Bilger’s Rocks Association $1,500 – Final completion of Outdoor Classroom Project, The Chemo Care Bag Project $2,500 – Chemo Care Bag Supplies, We Care For Kids $1,000 – Feminine Product Dispensers in the girl’s restrooms in each of the school buildings, West Branch Elementary $1,000 – Vendy the Curiosity Cabinet, Winburne Fire Company Number One $2,500 – Simplified fire rescue operations and enhancement of personnel safety, Winkler Art Gallery and Art Education Center – $5,000 – Paint the Town Mural Project and Young Men’s Christian Association / YMCA of DuBois $2,500 – Security Cameras for DuBois Area YMCA.
Kurtz Clearfield, Curwensville, Lawrence Township Fund – funding is only awarded to organizations located in the 3 listed municipalities – $12,100 TOTAL – Individual Awards: Clearfield Regional Police Department $3,000 – Community Policing Project, Clearfield Swimming Pool Association $5,000 – Clearfield Community Pool Resurfacing Project, Lawrence Township Recreation Park $3,000 – Benches for public seating throughout LT Rec Park, God’s Cupboard – West Side United Methodist Church $500 – God’s Cupboard Food Project, and Curwensville / Pike Township Historical Society $600 – Computer Equipment for digital scanning of historical records collection.
Sarah Jane Mattern Fund awarded to 4 organizations in Osceola Mills – $16,540 TOTAL – Individual Awards: Columbia Volunteer Fire Company $4,135 – Multi Purpose Upgrade Project, Osceola Mills Community Historical Foundation $4,135 – Preservation of Brisbin House for Community Use, Osceola Mills Community Library $4,135 – Operations, Equipment, Books and Supplies, Osceola Mills United Methodist Church $4,125 – Replacement of Dining Room Windows.
CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken said “the comprehensive list of grant awards recommended by the Grant Committee and approved by the CCCF Board of Directors meets a broad set of goals and criteria including, projects must be funded in communities across all of Clearfield County, the projects should bring improvement and benefit to the entire community and its citizens while addressing specific needs within the community or remedying a community or countywide problem. The CCCF Board has always strived to fund projects that will positively impact overall public safety, the lives of children, the elderly and those with special needs”. Soult, Kovalick and McCraken thanked the individuals who served on the Grant Committee and added their appreciation to all the organizations that took the time to file grant applications.
Anyone interested in supporting CCCF Endowment Funds that provide funding for the Community Grant Program can visit the CCCF website at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org and do a secure online donation or donations can be mailed to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830 with checks made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and note on the check memo line “Support CCCF Grant Program”. The Charitable Foundation also welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in starting an endowment or scholarship fund that will benefit their community or a specific area of need.
CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken was interviewed on August 3rd by Micheal Clement on Sunny 106 in DuBois. The interview focused mainly on the opening of the online grant application portal for the 2023 CCCF Community Grant Program and the distribution approved by the CCCF Board of Directors of $15,000 for food banks across Clearfield County.
The 2023 Scott Beers Memorial ATV Run raised almost $4,000 for the Scott Beers Memorial Scholarship Funds that provide annual scholarships through the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation to students at the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center and to students at Moshannon Valley High School. Valerie and Gordon Beers reported everyone had a great day attending the event and sharing memories of Scott. Pictured below is a group photo of those who attended the 2023 event.
The family and friends of Scott Beers will be holding the annual ATV Run to benefit the Scott Beers Memorial Scholarship Fund on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023. See attached flyer for the details.
Posted: November 22, 2024 by Mark McCracken
2024 CCCF Grant Awards
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Announces 2024 Community Grant Awards Totaling Over $128,000
PHOTO CAPTION: 2024 Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Community Project Grant is presented to the Clearfield YMCA Summer Day Camp Program to pay for the remodeling project of the day camp room. PICTURED L-R CCCF Grant Committee Chair Lisa Kovalick, YMCA Executive Director Brian McDonald, CCCF Board Chair Jeb Soult, Summer Day Camp Program Director Karter Bell and CCCF Board Member Shayne Lumadue.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors announces the release of over $128,000 in funding for community projects in Clearfield County. The 2024 spotlight programs in the Clearfield area are the Summer Day Camp Room Remodel at the Clearfield YMCA and the Upgrade for the Colorado Pool Timing System for the Clearfield Aquatics Club. Each project is receiving a $2,000 grant award with the funding for the Aquatics Club coming from the Kurtz CCL Fund.
In announcing the awards, CCCF Board Chairman Jeb Soult said “while we couldn’t fund all the grant requests this year, the Grant Committee did a superb job reviewing all applications and provided a quality list of projects to award a total of just over $128,000 in grant funding to. The projects selected represent communities across Clearfield County and meet the criteria to improve communities, help citizens and solve identified problems. We thank every organization that applied and appreciate the work performed and services provided by all these community organizations”.
Grant Committee Chair Lisa Kovalick added “Grant Committee members did careful and detailed individual reviews of all submitted applications before meeting as a group to make the final selections. Committee members carefully considered the benefit and impact each project would have before making our final recommendations to the CCCF Board of Directors”.
CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken noted “the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Grant Program looks for programs that will benefit a large segment of the population, especially children, while helping to cover a need or solve a problem. All projects selected for funding meet a need within their community or to the county”.
PHOTO CAPTION: 2024 CCCF Community Project Grant is awarded to Clearfield Aquatics Club for Upgrades to the Colorado Timing System. Pictured L-R: CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken, Directors of the Clearfield Aquatics Club Melanie MacDonald, Tera O’Link, Morgan Duke, Kerry Wallace and Erin Wills.
Other projects receiving grant awards are: Arc Human Services for the T.E.A.M.S Program, Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund for Assistance for Local Cancer Patients, Brisbin Borough to purchase playground equipment at the restored Brisbin Park and Dam, The Children’s Aid Society for Child Care Center Painting Project, CLEAR-CENTRE POOL for Lawn Care for the Pool, We Care for Kids for their Sneakers and Boots Program, Downtown DuBois Inc for their E3 Entrepreneurial Shed Program, The Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties for maintenance and safety projects at Camp Confidence, Clearfield County Cancer Support Inc for their cancer patient support programs, Clearfield County League on Social Services for the RELLIES program, Clearfield Volunteer Fire Department for community fire prevention programs, Curwensville Pike Township Historical Society for improvement project in the display areas, Glen Richey Fireman’s Recreational Park for the purchase of a new mower, God’s Cupboard at West Side United Methodist Church for their food programs, Grampian Penn Bloom Volunteer Fire Company to replace aging wooden public seating units, Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library to complete the Story Walk project and purchase an AED device, Lawrence Township Rec Park to purchase ADA playground equipment, Life Fast Forward to cover costs for the program, Little League Baseball Inc / Moshannon Valley Little League for Ramey Softball Field Fence Project Phase 2, Mahaffey Scout Park Association for equipment at the park, SENSEational Kids Gymnasium LLC for Inclusive Sensory Equipment, Serendipity Horse Rescue Ranch for purchase of a transport trailer, St John Lutheran Church to restore stained glass windows, Winburne Fire Company for Fire Rescue Equipment Transition costs and the Winkler Art Gallery and Art Education Center for the Paint the Town Mural Project 2.0.
Grants were also awarded from the Sarah Jane Mattern Fund to Osceola Mills community organizations the Columbia Fire Company, the Osceola Mills Community Library, the Osceola Mills Community Historical Foundation and the Osceola Mills United Methodist Church.
Anyone interested in supporting CCCF Endowment Funds that provide funding for the Community Grant Program can visit the CCCF website at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org and do a secure online donation or donations can be mailed to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830 with checks made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and note on the check memo line “Support CCCF Grant Program”. The Charitable Foundation also welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in starting an endowment or scholarship fund that will benefit their community or a specific area of need.
Posted: June 13, 2024 by Mark McCracken
CCCF Announces 2024 Scholarship Recipients
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Announces Over $80,000 in Scholarship Awards for 2024
PHOTO CAPTION – Madi, Beth and Robert Evans present the 2024 Ava Evans Memorial Scholarship to Ethan Sorbera – 2024 graduate of Clearfield Area High School.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, along with scholarship committees representing over 35 named scholarship funds, announce scholarship awards totaling over $80,000 to 2024 graduates from schools across Clearfield County and surrounding counties. The 2024 total dollar amount awarded is double what was awarded just 2 years ago.
Charitable Foundation Board of Directors Chairman John G. Jeb Soult Jr. said “We appreciate the generosity of all individuals, families and organizations that have established scholarship funds with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. The ongoing commitment by the people associated with our scholarship funds represents a great investment in the future of every scholarship recipient”. CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken added “We congratulate the scholarship committee members for their work in reviewing all the applications and the selection of some very impressive students to receive scholarship awards this year”.
For 2024, the following scholarships were presented for the first time: BE THE KINDNESS FUND IN MEMORY OF WESTIN CANTOLINA to Lincoln Hoover – CCCTC, EVELYN CZARNECKI-VERBEKE MEMORIAL NURSING SCHOLARSHIP to Lucy G. Billotte and Tracy Zhu – Clearfield Area High School and the SHIRLEY ANN MCKEE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Conner Howell – Curwensville High School and Isaac Michael – Clearfield Area High School.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors and members of the various scholarship committees are pleased to announce these Class of 2024 graduates as recipients of the following scholarships:
ARDELL BRESSLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Adelyn Ruiz – Clearfield Area High School, ARNOLD AND ETHEL CAMERON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Warren Diethrick – CCCTC and Cole Brooks – 2nd Year at Penn State Dubois,
AVA EVANS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Ethan Sorbera – Clearfield Area High School, BOB E. DAY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Evan Forcey – Clearfield Area High School, CLEARFIELD HS CLASS OF 62 SCHOLARSHIP to Isaac Putt and Nadia Libreatori – Clearfield Area High School, CLEARFIELD HS CLASS OF 72 SCHOLARSHIP to Benjamin Wriglesworth – Clearfield Area High School, CLEARFIELD HS CLASS OF 75 SCHOLARSHIP to Elijah Fox, Alexandra Miller, Peyton Norris and Olivia Rowles – Clearfield Area High School, CUNNINGHAM SCHOLARSHIP FUND to Alayna Winters – Clearfield Area High School, DUBOIS ROTARY CLUB SCHOLARSHIPS to Dominic Vizza, Noah Sawtelle, Baylee Spinda, Charlie Nixon, Maria Buskirk, Shelby Laukitis, Sydney Peace – DuBois Area High School AND Brady Snyder, Lauren Davidson, Connor Siple – DuBois Central Catholic, EILEEN C. WITHEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Riley Smith – Curwensville High School, GERALD READ MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Warren Diethrick and Nicholas Vaow – Clearfield Area High School, GOLDEN BISON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP to Isaac Putt, Nadia Libreatori, Isabella Walls, Carter Chamberlain – Clearfield Area High School, HARRY W. ROWLES ENDOWMENT – PRESENTED BY GOLDEN BISON ALUMNI ASSOCIATION to Olivia Bailey, Anthony Lopez, Adelyn Ruiz – Clearfield Area High School, JANET MCCRACKEN HANSARD MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Nadia Libreatori – Clearfield Area High School, JOSEPH AND MARY MCFARLAND BISHOP SCHOLARSHIP to Lauren Davidson – DCC and Nicholas Vaow – Clearfield Area High School, KENNETH MCMILLEN SWIMMING SCHOLARSHIP to Nicholas Vaow – Clearfield Area High School, MARSHA NOVEY MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Danielle Cline and Nicholas Vaow – Clearfield Area High School, MEGHAN DEININGER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Dorothy Bailor – CCCTC, REITZ THEATER PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP to Madalyn Rhodes – DuBois Area High School, SCOTT BEERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Kiersten McGarry, Calli Manno, Dorothy Bailor and Wyatt Schwiderske – CCCTC, SHIRLEY ROWLES MILLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Savannah Carfley – Curwensville High School, TAYLOR HARPSTER/T-HARP MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Haylee Wood and Khendyl Sharrer – Philipsburg Osceola High School
The CLEARFIELD EDUCATION FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS are as follows: BELIN FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP to Madison Lumadue, Jacob Lukehart, Mary Jo Brobeck and Hailee Irwin CNB BANK SCHOLARSHIP to Kendra Lewis and Madison Nelson JUDITH PEALE-STRATTON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Kellie Ann Jackson, Hayley Wooster, Lydia Zuccolotto, Chloe Eamigh, Olivia Sager and Alexa Lockett, JUDITH RILEY HALE MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP to Tabitha Gallaher KURTZ BROS SCHOLARSHIP to Khendyl Sharrer, Frank Visnofsky III, Jacob Lenhart and Allivia Pierce MID PENN BANK SCHOLARSHIP to Mary Jo Brobeck and Hailee Irwin PENN HIGHLANDS SCHOLARSHIPS to Jem Therasme, Morgan Glace, Kendra Smith and Chloe Sarver WOODWARD PHARMACY and CITY DRUGS EDUCATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP to Tabitha Gallaher.
Anyone interested in donating to any of the scholarship funds listed can visit www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org to donate by credit card or by check made payable to “Clearfield County Charitable Foundation” with the name of the scholarship fund written in the MEMO line mailed to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830.
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Posted: May 22, 2024 by Mark McCracken
Some of our 2024 Scholarship Recipients
The 2024 Gerald Read Memorial Scholarships were awarded to Nicholas Vaow and Warren Diethrick by Bill Guthridge. Frank Barba, chairman of the scholarship committee said “Nicholas and Warren are 2 very worthy recipients of the scholarship. Both exemplify the type of life Gerald Read led and the committee felt they will carry on Gerald’s legacy”.
Madi, Beth and Robert Evans present the 2024 Ava Evans Memorial Scholarship to Ethan Sorbera.
Nicholas Vaow accepting the 2024 Joseph and Mary McFarland Bishop Scholarship from Phyllis Byerly and Barbara Bishop.
Evan Forcey accepting the 2024 Bob E Day Memorial Scholarship from Matt Day.
Posted: April 24, 2024 by Mark McCracken
2024 Scholarships to Be Announced Soon
We are in the process of finalizing the 2024 scholarship awards. All scholarship committees are hard at work reviewing the submitted applications and making their decisions on their recipients. THANK YOU to all the students that took time to submit applications. We are impressed with what these students have accomplished during their high school years and the plans they are making for their future.
Posted: February 27, 2024 by Mark McCracken
Mid Penn Bank Donates to Charitable Foundation
On April 26th, Joe Paese, Executive Vice President and Director of Trust and Wealth Management for Mid Penn bank presents a $10,000 donation to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. Pictured L-R with Mr. Paese are CCCF Board members Vicki Myers, Shayne Lumadue, Jeb Soult, George Weidlein, Maureen Gathagan, John Harpster and CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken.
Posted: February 7, 2024 by Mark McCracken
2024 Annual CCCF Board Meeting Held
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Holds Annual Meeting and Reflects on Positive Year
Photo Caption: Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors – Front Row l-r Secretary/Treasurer Lisa Conrad, Chairman John G. Jeb Soult, Jamie Straub, Vice Chairman John Harpster, Back Row l-r Joe Valenza, Maureen Gathagan, Dana Beauseigneur, Lee Grace Valigorsky and Trustee Representative George Weidlein. Missing from photo – Lisa Kovalick, Vicki Myers and Shayne Lumadue.
The Board of Directors of the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation recently held their annual meeting to review activities during 2023 and reorganize the board for 2024.
During 2023, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation recorded donations totaling $3,641,651.95, up from $2,116,797.33 collected during 2022. Trustee Mid Penn Bank reported the market value of all CCCF funds as of January 25th, 2024 totaled $17,106,213.20 up from $11,465,299.49 at the end of 2022. On the financial reporting side, the annual audit was completed for the 2022 year by Young, Oakes, Brown and Company PC Certified Public Accountants with no findings and all annual required filings to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the Internal Revenue Service have been submitted and accepted.
For the year ending December 31st, 2023, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation distributed back to communities across Clearfield County a total of $373,030.20 as follows: $57,150 in scholarship awards, $90,590 through the community grant program awards, $15,000 to community food banks through the Basic Needs Fund and $210,290.20 in annual distributions to the beneficiaries of various endowment funds.
New funds created during 2023 include the Clearfield Area High School Class of 72 Scholarship Fund, the Shirley Ann McKee Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Be the Kindness Fund in Memory of Westin Cantolina. Additionally, estate settlement work was completed for the Constance McGarry Estate to finalize creation of the Fred L. and Bernece C. Rhoads Nursing Scholarship Fund along with the legal work to gain court approval to transfer the PB Zentmyer Fund from the Masonic Lodge to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. With the funds created in 2023, there are now 60 total endowment or scholarship funds under the Charitable Foundation.
Board Chairman John G. Soult Jr. stated “We appreciate all the individuals, families and organizations who have created scholarship or endowment funds with the Charitable Foundation. We are thankful to everyone who made donations in support of our funds during 2023 and we are looking forward to further success in 2024. The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation has seen tremendous growth in recent years which benefits many students, individuals and organizations throughout Clearfield County”.
Executive Director Mark McCracken reported to the board that discussions are ongoing with individuals, families and community organizations that could see several new scholarship or endowment funds established in 2024. McCracken advised that he is currently working with scholarship committees and high school guidance departments to accept applications for 2024 scholarship awards.
Board officers selected for the coming year are Chairman John G. Soult Jr., Vice Chairman John Harpster and Secretary / Treasurer Lisa Conrad. In addition to the board officers, current members of the CCCF Board of Directors are Dana Beauseigneur, Maureen Gathagan, Lisa Kovalick, Shayne Lumadue, Vicki Myers, Jamie Straub, Joe Valenza, Lee Grace Valigorsky, Trustee Representative George Weidlein and Directors Emeritus Robert M. Kurtz Jr. and Kevin McMillen.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation welcomes inquiries from any individuals, families or organizations interested in establishing an endowment or scholarship fund to benefit communities in Clearfield County. Information is available on the CCCF website www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org, or by contacting us at 814-592-7331 or emailing at cccfexecdir@outlook.com. Online donations to any of our funds can be made on the website or by mailing checks to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830. Checks should be made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and write the name of the fund donating to on the MEMO line.
Posted: November 13, 2023 by Mark McCracken
2023 CCCF Grant Awards Announcement
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Announces Over $90,000 in Community Grant Awards
PHOTO CAPTION: 2023 Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Community Project Grant is presented to the Clearfield Regional Police Department to support the Community Policing Project. Accepting the award, Chief Vince McGinnis and Assistant Chief Julie Curry said “Community Policing is at the heart of the Clearfield Regional Police Department and our officers regularly engage with community members, especially children, which creates public trust. Engaging with children of the community early in life allows our officers to not only form a bond with the kids, but also by extension, create relationships with the parents and guardians of the children.” PICTURED L-R Lisa Kovalick – CCCF Grant Committee Chair, Dr. Michael McSkimming – CRPD Board, Assistant Chief Julie Curry, Supervisor Randy Powell – CRPD Board, Chief Vince McGinnis, Supervisor Jeremy Ruffner – CRPD Board, Boro Council Member Steve Livergood – CRPD Board Chairman, Boro Council Member Stephanie Tarbay – CRPD Board and Mark McCracken – CCCF Executive Director.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors recently approved the release of over $90,000 in community project grant funding. In announcing the awards, CCCF Board Chairman Jeb Soult said “we are pleased the total combined amount awarded through the 2023 CCCF Grant Program is a significant increase over what was awarded in 2022. The increase was made possible due to some significant donations made to the endowment funds that support the grant program combined with a positive year of investment earnings”. Soult continued “the Grant Committee recommended some very worthwhile projects benefiting communities and organizations from all over Clearfield County. The CCCF board of directors is confident the organizations receiving the grant awards will complete some beneficial projects with the funding they receive”.
Grant Committee Chair Lisa Kovalick noted “Grant Committee members did careful and detailed individual reviews of all submitted applications, then met as a group to make the final selections. Committee members considered the benefit and impact each project would have on a community or a group in need before making final recommendations to the CCCF Board of Directors”.
2023 CCCF Grant Funding is awarded as follows:
Regular CCCF Grant Funds awarded countywide – $61,950 TOTAL – Individual Awards: Bob Perks Cancer Assistance Fund $1,500 – Financial Assistance for Local Cancer Patients, Bucktail Council, BSA $1,200 – 2023 Workforce Development and BSA Merit Badge Program, Children’s Aid Society in Clearfield County $5,000 – School-Based Mentoring Clearfield/DuBois, CLEAR-CENTRE POOL $1,000 – HeartStart OnSite AED Package, Clearfield-Jefferson Drug & Alcohol Commission $1,000 – Too Good For Drugs Program, Cultural Resources, Inc. / Reitz Theatre $1,100 – Performance microphone purchase, DuBois Area Historical Society, Inc. $2,000 – DuBois Area Historic Society education room and technology equipment replacement, DuBois Central Catholic School Air Rifle Team $500 – DCC Air Rifle Enhancement – SOFTWARE, Foundation for Christian Counseling $2,500 – Mental Health and Addictions Counseling Grants, Free Medical Clinic of DuBois, Inc. $5,000 – Expansion of Oral Healthcare Program, Front and Centre Productions, Inc. $2,000 – IGNITE Youth Theatre Characters, Gethsemane United Methodist Church of the West Branch $2,000 – New AEDs, Life Line Pregnancy & Infant Services $2,000 – Project Safe Child, Little League Baseball Inc / Moshannon Valley Little League $3,500 – Ramey Softball Field Fence Project, Lydia Circle Faith United Lutheran Church $500 – Supplies and Gifts for the 80 and over dinner, Mature Resources Foundation, Inc. $850 – The Village of Hope Signage, New Life Ministries of Clearfield County $1,800 – Freedom House Kitchen Renovation, North Point Volunteer Fire Company – $5,000 – Rescue Tools and Training, Pennsylvania Wildlife Habitat Unlimited $1,000 – Clearfield County Youth Field Day, Pentz Run Youth Services Inc. $2,000 – Pentz Run Youth Services Classroom Update—Flooring, Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Preschool $500 – Support our Bookworms, Steve Livergood Jr. Christmas Eve Dinner Foundation $2,000 – Supplies and Gifts for Christmas Eve Dinners, The Arc of Jefferson and Clearfield Counties $2,000 – Camp Friendship Renovation, The Bilger’s Rocks Association $1,500 – Final completion of Outdoor Classroom Project, The Chemo Care Bag Project $2,500 – Chemo Care Bag Supplies, We Care For Kids $1,000 – Feminine Product Dispensers in the girl’s restrooms in each of the school buildings, West Branch Elementary $1,000 – Vendy the Curiosity Cabinet, Winburne Fire Company Number One $2,500 – Simplified fire rescue operations and enhancement of personnel safety, Winkler Art Gallery and Art Education Center – $5,000 – Paint the Town Mural Project and Young Men’s Christian Association / YMCA of DuBois $2,500 – Security Cameras for DuBois Area YMCA.
Kurtz Clearfield, Curwensville, Lawrence Township Fund – funding is only awarded to organizations located in the 3 listed municipalities – $12,100 TOTAL – Individual Awards: Clearfield Regional Police Department $3,000 – Community Policing Project, Clearfield Swimming Pool Association $5,000 – Clearfield Community Pool Resurfacing Project, Lawrence Township Recreation Park $3,000 – Benches for public seating throughout LT Rec Park, God’s Cupboard – West Side United Methodist Church $500 – God’s Cupboard Food Project, and Curwensville / Pike Township Historical Society $600 – Computer Equipment for digital scanning of historical records collection.
Sarah Jane Mattern Fund awarded to 4 organizations in Osceola Mills – $16,540 TOTAL – Individual Awards: Columbia Volunteer Fire Company $4,135 – Multi Purpose Upgrade Project, Osceola Mills Community Historical Foundation $4,135 – Preservation of Brisbin House for Community Use, Osceola Mills Community Library $4,135 – Operations, Equipment, Books and Supplies, Osceola Mills United Methodist Church $4,125 – Replacement of Dining Room Windows.
CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken said “the comprehensive list of grant awards recommended by the Grant Committee and approved by the CCCF Board of Directors meets a broad set of goals and criteria including, projects must be funded in communities across all of Clearfield County, the projects should bring improvement and benefit to the entire community and its citizens while addressing specific needs within the community or remedying a community or countywide problem. The CCCF Board has always strived to fund projects that will positively impact overall public safety, the lives of children, the elderly and those with special needs”. Soult, Kovalick and McCraken thanked the individuals who served on the Grant Committee and added their appreciation to all the organizations that took the time to file grant applications.
Anyone interested in supporting CCCF Endowment Funds that provide funding for the Community Grant Program can visit the CCCF website at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org and do a secure online donation or donations can be mailed to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830 with checks made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and note on the check memo line “Support CCCF Grant Program”. The Charitable Foundation also welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in starting an endowment or scholarship fund that will benefit their community or a specific area of need.
Posted: August 3, 2023 by Mark McCracken
August 3rd Interview on Sunny 106
CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken was interviewed on August 3rd by Micheal Clement on Sunny 106 in DuBois. The interview focused mainly on the opening of the online grant application portal for the 2023 CCCF Community Grant Program and the distribution approved by the CCCF Board of Directors of $15,000 for food banks across Clearfield County.
Posted: July 25, 2023 by Mark McCracken
2023 Scott Beers Memorial Run Raises Almost $4,000
The 2023 Scott Beers Memorial ATV Run raised almost $4,000 for the Scott Beers Memorial Scholarship Funds that provide annual scholarships through the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation to students at the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center and to students at Moshannon Valley High School. Valerie and Gordon Beers reported everyone had a great day attending the event and sharing memories of Scott. Pictured below is a group photo of those who attended the 2023 event.
Posted: June 26, 2023 by Mark McCracken
2023 Scott Beers Memorial ATV Run
The family and friends of Scott Beers will be holding the annual ATV Run to benefit the Scott Beers Memorial Scholarship Fund on Saturday, July 22nd, 2023. See attached flyer for the details.
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