The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation has added 4 new scholarship funds that will award scholarships to graduating seniors in 2022. This is in addition to the existing 24 scholarship funds that awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to over 40 student recipients in 2021. The new scholarship funds and the criteria for each are as follows:
SCOTT BEERS MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Established by the parents, family and friends of Scott Beers, this scholarship honors the memory and life of Scott who died in an ATV accident in October of 2018. Scott was a 2017 graduate of CCCTC and was attending Edinboro University on a full scholarship from First Energy Corp pursuing his dream to become an electric line worker at the time of his death. The Scott Beers scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduate of the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center who is enrolled to continue their education in a post secondary college, trade or technical school. The Beers scholarship committee is looking to award the scholarship to a student who has completed their course work at CCCTC in good standing, has a financial need and has experienced and overcome some obstacles in life. Applicants will need to submit a letter of recommendation and complete a 500 word essay describing a life obstacle they have overcome and the impact it had on their life. Applications for the Scott Beers Memorial Scholarship will be available after March 1st in the Guidance Office at CCCTC.
ARDELL BRESSLER MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Established by Mr. Bressler’s niece and his estate, this scholarship honors his 25 years as an English teacher at Clearfield Area High School. Many of Mr. Bressler’s students fondly remember the positive impact he had on them. To continue his impact on current and future Clearfield High School students, the Ardell Bressler Scholarship will be awarded annually to a graduate of Clearfield Area High School who achieved good grades in their English studies throughout their high school career. Staff members of the CHS English Department will form the committee who will annually review the scholarship applications and award the scholarship to a graduating senior. Applications for the Ardell Bressler Memorial Scholarship will be available after March 1st in the Guidance Office at Clearfield Area High School.
ARNOLD AND ETHEL CAMERON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Established by the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, the Cameron Scholarship Committee will be accepting applications submitted by 2022 graduates of the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center and Jeff Tech. Criteria the committee will be considering include applicants must be graduating in good standing with the CCCTC or Jeff Tech, have a financial need and are enrolled and accepted into a trade or technical school to continue their education in the fall of 2022. Interested students can pick up an application for the Cameron Scholarship after March 1st in the Guidance Departments at CCCTC and Jeff Tech. The application will require letters of recommendation be submitted.
REITZ THEATER PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP – The Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship has been established by Cultural Resources Inc., to provide scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors who have been involved in productions or programs at the Reitz Theater. The scholarship selection committee will give special consideration to a student who is pursuing further education and a career in the performing arts. Applications for the Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship are available at www.reitztheater.com and hard copies will be available after March 1st at the guidance offices of high schools in the DuBois area.
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Executive Director Mark McCracken said “The Charitable Foundation is excited to add these 4 new scholarship funds to our existing portfolio of available scholarships. Adding these new funds gives even more scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors in high schools throughout Clearfield County. The Charitable Foundation Board of Directors thanks the families and friends who have entrusted us to manage and grow these scholarship funds that will benefit graduating seniors for many years to come”.
Anyone interested in donating to the 4 new scholarship funds or any of the existing scholarship funds can visit www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org, click the heading ONLINE DONATION TO A SCHOLARSHIP FUND and then scroll and select the blue button for the scholarship fund you want to donate to. Or you can mail a donation check to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and write the scholarship fund name in the check’s memo field. Send the donation check to: Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830
Mark McCracken, left, Executive Director Clearfield County Charitable Foundation presents DaltonKendrick from the ClearfieldSkateParkCommittee a CCCF grant to help fund the ramp purchase and installation. The new ramp can be seen in the background.
The Clearfield Skate Park Committee recently added a new mini ramp to the back corner of our local skate park.
In late August, a 3 1/2 foot tall by 16-foot wide mini ramp was purchased from Keen Ramps, a specialty ramp manufacturer based out of Long Beach, California. The ramp arrived in late October and was completed during the first week of November.
This is the first ramp that the committee has constructed since starting its fundraising efforts in the summer of 2020. Designed to serve all patrons from beginner to advanced, the ramp offers a unique experience that has already brought visitors from surrounding counties despite the change in weather and available daylight.
The project was funded through various contributions including a grant from the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation for $445 which was supplemented with an additional donation from the foundation.
The committee raised additional funds through various events. An ongoing GoFundMe campaign and various donations from local supporters generated the final monies needed to complete the purchase.
The ramp was unloaded with the help of borough road crew and constructed with the help of Fred Weaver, Dalton Kendrick, Brian Graham, Andy Moore, and Issac Maines.
The mission of the Clearfield Skate Park is to provide a safe and sustainable facility for skateboarders, bicyclists, scooter riders, roller skaters, and roller bladers in the Clearfield area.
Improvements to this facility will continue to support local youth through providing a creative and physical outlet while also providing opportunities for mentoring as these activities connect individuals of all ages.
The Clearfield Skate Park Committee is planning future projects for the spring of 2022 and it is still seeking financial and material donations to complete the next phase of construction. If you are interested in donating, please consider visiting www.GoFundMe.com/f/clearfield-skatepark or sending a donation to Clearfield Skate Park Fund, 6 S. Front Street, Clearfield PA, 16830.
Checks should be made payable to Clearfield Borough with a memo “Skate Park”. Donations that are designated for the skate park are eligible to be claimed as charitable donations on income taxes.
To follow the Skate Park Committee’s progress and receive information about future events, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages @clearfieldskatepark.
Presenting a 2021 CCCF Grant to the Clearfield Swimming Pool Association is CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken with (from left to right) Pool Association members, Margaret “Lady” Putt – Pool Assoc. Vice President, Tristen Buck – Pool Manager, Becky Johnson – Pool Assoc. Treasurer and Brian Marshall – Pool Assoc. President pictured with one of the new replacement filters. Accepting the grant, Marshallsaid “The ClearfieldSwimming Pool Association appreciates the $3,000 grant award from the ClearfieldCountyCharitable Foundation. The grant will help us pay the cost of much-needed new covers for the pool filters, which should last about twenty years. The support of the community, including the Foundation, helps us keep the pool affordable for the people of ClearfieldCounty”.
For the 2021 grant cycle, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation received 27 applications from community organizations requesting funding plus four applications from Osceola Mills community organizations that are eligible to apply annually for funding from the Sara Jane Mattern Fund.
All 31 applications were turned over to members of the CCCF Grant Review Committee for their individual review and scoring. On October 15th, the Grant Review Committee members met to rank all applications and complete funding recommendations to the Charitable Foundation Board.
At their October 29th board meeting, the Charitable Foundation Board reviewed the recommendations and approved the following grant awards:
Bilger’s Rocks Association -$2,636.00 – To pave handicapped parking and sidewalk
Bob Perks Fund -$1,200.00 – Financial assistance for citizens undergoing cancer treatments
Bucktail Council BSA -$1,000.00 – Workforce development and BSA Merit Badge Program
Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Serv. -$500.00 – Supplies for Pregnancy and Parenting Program
Central PA Community Action -$2,500.00 – Funding for new location for Clearfield Food Pantry
Central PA Food Bank -$1,000.00 – Fresh Express Mobile Food Distribution Program,
Clear-Centre Pool – Osceola Mills -$1,500.00 – Purchase pool vacuum
Clearfield Chamber of Commerce -$1,000.00 – Life Fast Forward Program – for HS Students
Clearfield County Cancer Support Inc. -$2,000.00 – To assist citizens undergoing cancer treatment
Clearfield County Public Library -$330.00 – To purchase wireless printer for mobile library
Clearfield Studio Arts Theater -$1,200.00 -Cost for 55 students to attend PSU Theater Arts Program
Clearfield Swimming Pool Association -$3,000.00 – Repair filtration system
Clearfield YMCA -$3,000.00 – Equipment to start Esports League for Youth
Cultural Resources Inc. -$750.00 – Projector for Reitz Theater
DuBois Area Historical Society -$1,000.00 – Install interpretive panels for 150th anniversary
Glen Richey Fireman’s Recreational Park -$3,000.00- Playground equipment installation
God’s Cupboard – West Side UM Church -$1,000.00- Operate God’s Cupboard food program
Grampian Lions Club -$1,000.00 – Vision and hearing aid support
Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library -$2,500.00 – Replace public computers
Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Co #1 -$670.00 – Fire Prevention Education for Clearfield and Lawrence Twp.
Mature Resources Foundation -$500.00 – Produce video, “Aging Matters” for local use
Osceola Mills Presbyterian Church -$1,000.00 – Create handicapped parking and entry
PA Wildlife Habitat Unlimited -$500.00 – Funding for PWHU Youth Field Day
REST Inc. $1,000.00 – REST Kinship Family Support Group Program
Salvation Army DuBois -$1,000.00 – Ark of Learning/Love in a Backpack Program funding
West Branch Elementary School -$1,000.00 – Reading books to give to elementary aged students
Young People Who Care -$900.00 -Emergency home repair projects in Clearfield
The following awards were made from the Sara Jane Mattern Fund to these organizations in the borough of Osceola Mills designated by the Mattern Estate to receive annual funding:
The grant awards listed represent $27,622 from the CCCF Community Fund, $9,064 from the Kurtz Clearfield, Curwensville, Lawrence Township Fund and $11,229 from the Sara Jane Mattern Fund, for a total distribution of $47,915 to support community projects all over Clearfield County.
The $47,915 in funding approved by the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors represents an increase of $27,670 over the amount of grant funding released last year.
Since 2006, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation’s grant program has awarded over $202,000 to projects in communities across Clearfield County.
On behalf of the Charitable Foundation Board and Grant Review Committee, Charitable Foundation Executive Director Mark McCracken said “The projects awarded CCCF grant funding for 2021 represent many communities and some unique projects. The Grant Review Committee did a tremendous job ranking the applications and fairly distributing the available funding.
“The projects receiving funding met the stated goals of the Charitable Foundation Board to support projects that will benefit youths, help those in need and promote projects that will improve communities”.
Anyone who would like to contribute to help fund grants next year can do so by sending contributions to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830 by designating the donation to go to the Community Fund, the Kurtz CCL Donor Designated Fund or the Sara Jane Mattern Fund. Donations may also be made online via secure PayPal at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org .
Pictured L-R – Bob Kurtz is presented a plaque from CCCF Board Chairman Kevin McMillen in recognition of the leadership and support Mr. Kurtz and his wife Marilyn have provided to the Charitable Foundation.
To conclude a week of events to celebrate reaching the milestone $10 million value of all funds established with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, the CCCF board held a special recognition dinner for Bob and Marilyn Kurtz.
CCCF Board Chairman Kevin McMillen presented Mr. Kurtz with a plaque that read “On this occasion as we celebrate the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation passing the $10 Million milestone in combined value for our endowment and scholarship funds, we pause to recognize the role Robert M. Kurtz, Jr. played in founding and building the organization. From the initial meetings to discuss forming a community based charitable foundation, it was your vision, encouragement and leadership that was responsible for making the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation the success it is today. Building on the philanthropic legacy the Kurtz family established in the Clearfield community, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation’s mission is to support communities across Clearfield County and strive to make lives better for our fellow citizens. Thank you for all you have done for the community and the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation”.
Joining the Charitable Foundation board to honor Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz were members of community organizations that benefit from the various Kurtz funds including the Clearfield YMCA, the Clearfield County Historical Society, the Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library along with Mr. and Mrs. Monty Kunes representing Kurtz Bros. and several close long time friends of the Kurtz family.
Mr. Kurtz gave a brief speech to conclude the dinner where he stated “It was my vision back in the mid 1990’s to establish a community charitable foundation similar to what was being done in Centre County. While it took several years to get everything up and running in 2007, both Marilyn and I are pleased to see that our vision of a real community based charitable foundation is a reality.
“We are thankful for all the volunteer work people like Kevin McMillen and the other CCCF board members put into making the organization a success. We know that the Charitable Foundation is in good hands and much will be achieved in the future. We thank everyone involved with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation”.
Pictured L-R – Marjann Young, Bob Perks Fund Development Coordinator, Bob Berg recipient of Bob Perks Fund assistance and Mark B. McCracken – Executive Director of the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation.
For several years, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation has partnered with the Bob Perks Fund by awarding CCCF Grant Program funding so the Bob Perks Fund can provide financial assistance through gift cards to Clearfield County residents undergoing cancer treatment.
Recently Marjann Young, Bob Perks Fund Development Coordinator and Mark McCracken, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation met with Bob Berg who is a recent recipient of assistance from the Bob Perks Fund.
Mr. Berg recently lost his flooring business due to the economic downturn brought on by the COVID pandemic. While he was struggling to deal with the financial hardship, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Mr. Berg has been a person who always donated numerous hours to raise funds for local charities and but now he was the person who needed help.
Ms. Young learned about Mr. Berg’s situation and met with him to explain the mission of the Bob Perks Fund the assistance they could provide for him while he is undergoing cancer treatments.
As part of their assistance to Mr. Berg, the Bob Perks Fund has provided him with a gift card purchased using grant funding from the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. With the assistance provided by the Bob Perks Fund and the support of his family and friends, Mr. Berg is able to fight his battle with cancer and concentrate on his recovery.
Ms. Young said “the Bob Perks Fund is appreciative of the support from the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and thanks everyone involved that provides funding for the grant program”.
Mr. McCracken stated “we are pleased to work in partnership with the Bob Perks Fund so they can assist people like Mr. Berg. We also wish Mr. Berg good luck and a speedy recovery”.
The ClearfieldCountyCharitable Foundation awarded grant funding in 2020 to the GoodSamaritanCenterin Clearfieldfor a new sign in front of their Men’s Shelter. Pictured are CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken, Good Samaritan Board Chair Michelle Fannin, GoodSamaritanCenterCEO Douglas K. Bloom and Good Samaritan Board Member Brent Thomas.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation is ready to accept applications for the 2021 CCCF Grant Program. Last year, the grant program awarded over $20,000 to projects that benefited communities across Clearfield County and, since inception, has awarded over $122,000 in total funding.
After the applications are submitted, the CCCF Grant Committee will review and score the applications, then make recommendations to the CCCF Board of Directors who will award the grants during their October board meeting.
For 2021, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors is encouraging community groups to submit applications that will have a real impact on communities. The Charitable Foundation specifically encourages projects that will have a positive impact on the youth in our communities and like to see participation from groups that have never applied before.
CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken said “The CCCF grant program has funded some worthy projects in recent years and we want to continue helping with community projects all over Clearfield County.
“The goal for the grants is to make an impact that will meet specific needs and provide solutions that will make our communities better. The CCCF Board and our Grant Committee is very interested in seeing new and innovative ideas submitted for consideration”.
To be eligible for a grant award, applying agencies/organizations must provide services in local communities and to citizens of Clearfield County. Priority is given to projects that have potential for long-term impact, support the county’s overall needs, do not duplicate other services and will aid residents not currently being served.
Grant funding will not be awarded to cover ongoing operational costs for any organization.
The grants are funded by the Charitable Foundation’s Community Fund along with several individual endowment funds that were set up in the name of certain individuals interested in helping their communities and projects across the county.
Additionally, the CCL Donor Designated Fund was established for projects in Clearfield Borough, Curwensville Borough and Lawrence Township and the Sara Jane Mattern Fund was established by the Mattern estate to fund annual grants to four specific organizations in Osceola Mills.
For those interested in supporting the Charitable Foundation Grant Program or any of our endowment or scholarship funds, contributions may be made at the website https://clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org. Online donations are processed through a secure Paypal account.
Donations can also be mailed to: Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830 – please designate on the check memo line the fund you would like your donation credited to.
We also welcome inquiries from those interested in establishing endowment or scholarship funds to benefit local communities and organizations.
Back L-R: Justin Salada, CRI Board Member, Joe Sensor, Past President CRI, Chuck Johnson, CRI Board Member Front L-R: Judy Smith, CRI Board Member/Treasurer, Mark McCracken, CCCF Executive Director.
Cultural Resources Inc., of DuBois and the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation are pleased to announce the creation of the Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship.
Plans are for the first scholarship to be awarded in the spring of 2022 to a DuBois area graduating senior who has participated in a theatrical event at the Reitz Theater with special consideration given to a student who is pursuing a career in the arts.
Joe Sensor of the Cultural Resources board stated “It has been the goal of CRI for several years to create a scholarship that would recognize the theatrical talents of our local young people and hopefully assist them in realizing their dreams of pursuing a career in the arts or a related field. The youth that participate in productions and workshops at the Reitz Theater are a huge reason for why we exist and have been successful for the past 29 years in our local community. This is a wonderful way to recognize that reality, and to give back to this very important demographic.”
The possibility of fulfilling the dream to create a performing arts scholarship came to the forefront earlier this year when Mark McCracken, the executive director of the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, paid a site visit to the Reitz Theater to review a project for which the Charitable Foundation had provided grant funding for.
During the visit, McCracken discussed with Cultural Resources board members Joe Sensor, Judy Smith and Debbie Wirths other services the Charitable Foundation provides that could be beneficial, not only to the Reitz Theater, but to the DuBois community as well.
It was out of these initial discussions that the Cultural Resources Board of Directors decided that partnering with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation would be the way to get the scholarship fund up and running.
McCracken stated “Community organizations like Cultural Resources and the Reitz Theater are the kind of organizations we like to be involved with.This new scholarship fits perfectly into our portfolio of scholarship funds and we are looking forward to working with the Cultural Resources Board to grow the value of the scholarship fund so multiple scholarships can be awarded in future years.”
Sensor and McCracken shared “We envision this scholarship fund will become an important award for future graduates in the Tri-County area and will be a way that the area community can recognize and encourage young people with special interest in the arts.”
Those interested in supporting the Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship can do so online at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org by clicking ONLINE DONATION TO A SCHOLARSHIP FUND, then selecting the DONATE button specific to the CRI / Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship which will take you to a secure PayPal donation site to process a credit card donation. Also, donations by check can be mailed to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830. Checks should be made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation with Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship noted in the memo line.
All donations are tax deductible and the Charitable Foundation is a registered 501c3 charitable organization.
Pictured are Rev. Thomas Young, President of the Golden Bison Alumni Association, Jason Stanko recipient of CAHS Class of 62 Scholarship and the Gerald Read Memorial Scholarship and Matt Bailor recipient of one of the Golden Bison Alumni Association Scholarships.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, along with the scholarship committees representing 24 different scholarship funds including the Clearfield Education Foundation, are pleased to announce the award of over $50,000 in scholarships for the year 2021.
In announcing the scholarship awards, CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken stated “the scholarships listed below are awarded to an outstanding group of young people representing the graduating Class of 2021 from many local and area high schools.
“Several of our scholarships were established to honor the memory of some exceptional people, and it is the hope that the scholarship recipients will carry on the legacy of the people named on their scholarships. The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation congratulates all the recipients and wishes them success with their post high school education.”
Valarie Dixon, Acting Director of Clearfield Campus of Lock Haven University noted “the Clearfield Education Foundation(CEF) is awarding over $14,000.00 this fall, and almost $30,000 for the year, to LHU Clearfield campus students. The Clearfield campus is thankful to the CEF for their invaluable contributions to the success of the campus”.
New this year to the CCCF scholarship list is the Harry W. Rowles Memorial Scholarship awarded by the Golden Bison Alumni Association.
Early in 2021, the Charitable Foundation was notified by the Harry W. Rowles Charitable Trust in Chamberburg PA that funding was allocated to establish a memorial scholarship in honor of Mr. Rowles who was a graduate of Clearfield Area High School. The Golden Bison Alumni Association agreed to award the annual Harry W. Rowles Memorial Scholarship in addition to the annual scholarships already awarded by the Golden Bison Alumni Association.
With the addition of the Harry W. Rowles Scholarship, the Golden Bison were able to award $7,000 in scholarships for 2021.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce the following 2021 scholarship recipients chosen by the individual scholarship fund committees. CAHS Class of ’62 Scholarship: Jason Stanko – Clearfield High School, CAHS Class of ’75 Scholarship Fund: Seth Visnofsky – Clearfield High School,
Cunningham Scholarship: Christina McGinnis – Clearfield High School, Meghan E. Deininger Scholarship Fund: Dana L. Heltzel – Central High School and Gabriella A. Finn – Bellwood Antis High School, DuBois Rotary Club Scholarships: Brockway High School: Sydney Manno, Benjamin Glasl, Noah Bash, Morgan Lindemuth, Dubois High School: Lakin Smith, Kaylee George, Anna Wingard, Taylor Smith,
Eileen C. Withey Memorial Scholarship: Chasey Howell – Curwensville High School, Gerald Read Memorial Scholarship: Jason Stanko – Clearfield High School, Golden Bison Alumni Association Scholarship: Katelyn Hullihen, Megan Durandetta, Matthew Bailor, Christina McGinnis
Harry W. Rowles Memorial Scholarship presented by the Golden Bison Alumni Association: Hunter Dixon, Seth Visnofsky, Ethan Yarger, Kenneth McMillen Endowment Scholarship: Joscelyn Narehood – Clearfield High School, Marsha Novey Memorial Scholarship: Joscelyn Narehood – Clearfield High School, T-Harp / Taylor Harpster Memorial Scholarship: Kyle Henry Reese and Abigail Lonjin – Philipsburg Osceola High School
Additionally, the Clearfield Education Foundation Scholarships for LHU Clearfield Campus Students are awarded as follows: Belin Family: Derek Strouse, Elijah Williams, Morgan Glace, CNB : Curtis Caldwell, Kristen Chew, Judith Peale Strattan Memorial: Derek Strouse, Samantha Bromley, Elijah Williams, Emma Morlock, Philip Rowles, Miranda Warner, Judith Riley Hale Memorial: Morgan Glace, Jennifer Gardner
Kurtz Brothers: Erica Linsenbigler, Grace Young, Ashley Folmer, Penn Highlands Clearfield: Samantha Bromley, Emily White, Alexandra Smith, Olivia Sager, Riverview Bank: John Arnold, and Spring Only: Carl Dawes, Woodward Pharmacy / City Drug: Nora Campbell, Jacey Williams, Jessicarain Griffith.
Pictured L-R John Harpster , Abigail Lonjin – 2021 recipient of T-Harp Scholarship, Kyle Reese – 2021 recipient of T-Harp Scholarship, Macy Neideigh (Harpster) and Bobbi Harpster
Cultural Resources Inc board member Joe Sensor, left, demonstrates the equipment purchased for the Reitz Theater using grant funding from the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation to CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation recently provided a $1,000 grant to assist in the purchase of a digital piano, pedal board, stand and amplifier for use at the Reitz Theater. The new equipment replaces old, outdated equipment which not working properly. Cultural Resources Inc. board members Joe Sensor, Judy Smith and Deb Wirth said the equipment will not only be used during performances at the Reitz Theater, but will also be used to provide lessons and training during future children’s programs at the facility. Additionally, the equipment can be moved to other locations where events are being held to promote the arts and theater in the DuBois community. The board members also gave a tour of the Reitz Theater to CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken and explained their plans for 2021. While events at the facility have been cancelled due to COVID restrictions for the past year, this downtime has allowed some renovations to be done inside the theater. Once the renovations are completed, plans are for two plays in the fall of 2021 and planning is underway for a Kids Art Camp to be conducted over the summer months. Sensor explained “In 2019, we sold over 5,000 tickets for our performances and we are hoping to achieve similar numbers once we get back into production with our 2 fall performances”. Both Smith and Wirth said they are hoping the renovations will bring more events to the theater and the facility will continue to be a valued asset in the DuBois community. McCracken said “the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation is impressed with the efforts of Cultural Resources Inc and the Reitz Theater to bring arts and entertainment to the community. “The CCCF Board and Grant Committee fund projects that will better communities and especially enjoy supporting projects that will benefit the youth”. The Charitable Foundation will be doing another round of community project grants in 2021 and will be looking for viable projects to fund. Anyone interested in information about the CCCF Foundation can request information at cccfexecdir@outlook.com.
L-R, Jamie Straub – CCCF Board Member, Kevin McMillen – CCCF Board Chairman, Lisa Kovalick – CCCF Board Member, Mark McCracken – CCCF Executive Director, Diane Bernardo – DuBois City Council Member andBrad Lashinsky – Director, NCPA LaunchBox
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation recently opened a satellite office in the City of DuBois inside the NCPA Launchbox facility, 2 East Long Avenue in downtown DuBois. The Charitable Foundation will have use of the office space every Wednesday.
Charitable Foundation Executive Director Mark McCracken explained that opening the satellite office in DuBois will give the Charitable Foundation a physical presence in the DuBois area that will help strengthen the relationship with funds already established for the DuBois community along with recruiting new endowment and scholarship funds that will enhance DuBois and surrounding communities.
McCracken will be working at the DuBois satellite office most Wednesdays and the Charitable Foundation Board is planning to hold at least 1 quarterly board meeting per year at the location. Brad Lashinsky, Director of NCPA Launchbox said “we welcome the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation to the Launchbox and wish them much success with their endeavors in the DuBois area”.
The opening of the DuBois satellite office continues the growth strategy of the Charitable Foundation Board of Directors that started with the January of 2020 hiring of McCracken as Executive Director along with the opening of a business office located at the Rear of 236 East Market Street in Clearfield.
McCracken said “like everyone else, the Charitable Foundation was hampered throughout 2020 by limitations brought on by the COVID19 restrictions, but we were able to follow through with the board’s long range plan to grow the organization while providing needed support to communities, projects and individuals throughout Clearfield County”.
From the end of 2019 through March 18th of 2021, the market value of all funds established with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation grew from $6,475,000 to $8,965,000. Over the 5 year period from March 1st, 2016 to March of 2021, the Charitable Foundation has awarded a total of 969,335.84 in the form of charitable and scholarship benefits.
During 2020, the Charitable Foundation awarded $20,245 in community project grants, over $42,000 in scholarships to 33 students and made 2 separate distributions of $3,900 and $4,800 to food banks operating in Clearfield County.
The Charitable Foundation Board also announces the recent addition of Jamie Straub to the Charitable Foundation Board of Directors to represent the DuBois area.
Ms. Straub joined the board in January and brings a wealth of experience from her position as Vice President – Sr. Corporate Banker – Commercial Solutions with First Commonwealth Bank in DuBois along with her service on many other community boards.
McCracken said “we are pleased to have Ms. Straub join the Charitable Foundation board and she will offer key input to the board, not only in regards to the DuBois area, but to our efforts across all of Clearfield County”.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation was formed in November of 2004 and now has 47 endowment and scholarship funds valued at over $8.9 million. The Charitable Foundation is registered with both the IRS as a 501(C) 3 tax exempt organization and with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State as a charitable organization.
Donations to any Clearfield County Charitable Foundation fund are tax deductible. Anyone interested in establishing a fund with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation or making a donation to any of our funds should visit www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org or call 814-592-7331 to schedule a meeting.
Posted: April 11, 2022 by Mark McCracken
CCCF Announces New Scholarships Available for 2022
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation has added 4 new scholarship funds that will award scholarships to graduating seniors in 2022. This is in addition to the existing 24 scholarship funds that awarded over $50,000 in scholarships to over 40 student recipients in 2021. The new scholarship funds and the criteria for each are as follows:
ARNOLD AND ETHEL CAMERON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP – Established by the son of Mr. and Mrs. Cameron, the Cameron Scholarship Committee will be accepting applications submitted by 2022 graduates of the Clearfield County Career and Technology Center and Jeff Tech. Criteria the committee will be considering include applicants must be graduating in good standing with the CCCTC or Jeff Tech, have a financial need and are enrolled and accepted into a trade or technical school to continue their education in the fall of 2022. Interested students can pick up an application for the Cameron Scholarship after March 1st in the Guidance Departments at CCCTC and Jeff Tech. The application will require letters of recommendation be submitted.
REITZ THEATER PERFORMING ARTS SCHOLARSHIP – The Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship has been established by Cultural Resources Inc., to provide scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors who have been involved in productions or programs at the Reitz Theater. The scholarship selection committee will give special consideration to a student who is pursuing further education and a career in the performing arts. Applications for the Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship are available at www.reitztheater.com and hard copies will be available after March 1st at the guidance offices of high schools in the DuBois area.
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Executive Director Mark McCracken said “The Charitable Foundation is excited to add these 4 new scholarship funds to our existing portfolio of available scholarships. Adding these new funds gives even more scholarship opportunities to graduating seniors in high schools throughout Clearfield County. The Charitable Foundation Board of Directors thanks the families and friends who have entrusted us to manage and grow these scholarship funds that will benefit graduating seniors for many years to come”.
Anyone interested in donating to the 4 new scholarship funds or any of the existing scholarship funds can visit www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org, click the heading ONLINE DONATION TO A SCHOLARSHIP FUND and then scroll and select the blue button for the scholarship fund you want to donate to. Or you can mail a donation check to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and write the scholarship fund name in the check’s memo field. Send the donation check to: Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830
Last Updated: December 22, 2021 by Mark McCracken
Clearfield Skate Park Committee Completes Installation of New Ramp
Mark McCracken, left, Executive Director Clearfield County Charitable Foundation presents Dalton Kendrick from the Clearfield Skate Park Committee a CCCF grant to help fund the ramp purchase and installation. The new ramp can be seen in the background.
The Clearfield Skate Park Committee recently added a new mini ramp to the back corner of our local skate park.
In late August, a 3 1/2 foot tall by 16-foot wide mini ramp was purchased from Keen Ramps, a specialty ramp manufacturer based out of Long Beach, California. The ramp arrived in late October and was completed during the first week of November.
This is the first ramp that the committee has constructed since starting its fundraising efforts in the summer of 2020. Designed to serve all patrons from beginner to advanced, the ramp offers a unique experience that has already brought visitors from surrounding counties despite the change in weather and available daylight.
The project was funded through various contributions including a grant from the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation for $445 which was supplemented with an additional donation from the foundation.
The committee raised additional funds through various events. An ongoing GoFundMe campaign and various donations from local supporters generated the final monies needed to complete the purchase.
The ramp was unloaded with the help of borough road crew and constructed with the help of Fred Weaver, Dalton Kendrick, Brian Graham, Andy Moore, and Issac Maines.
The mission of the Clearfield Skate Park is to provide a safe and sustainable facility for skateboarders, bicyclists, scooter riders, roller skaters, and roller bladers in the Clearfield area.
Improvements to this facility will continue to support local youth through providing a creative and physical outlet while also providing opportunities for mentoring as these activities connect individuals of all ages.
The Clearfield Skate Park Committee is planning future projects for the spring of 2022 and it is still seeking financial and material donations to complete the next phase of construction. If you are interested in donating, please consider visiting www.GoFundMe.com/f/clearfield-skatepark or sending a donation to Clearfield Skate Park Fund, 6 S. Front Street, Clearfield PA, 16830.
Checks should be made payable to Clearfield Borough with a memo “Skate Park”. Donations that are designated for the skate park are eligible to be claimed as charitable donations on income taxes.
To follow the Skate Park Committee’s progress and receive information about future events, follow their Facebook and Instagram pages @clearfieldskatepark.
Posted: November 10, 2021 by Mark McCracken
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Announces 2021 Grant Awards
Presenting a 2021 CCCF Grant to the Clearfield Swimming Pool Association is CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken with (from left to right) Pool Association members, Margaret “Lady” Putt – Pool Assoc. Vice President, Tristen Buck – Pool Manager, Becky Johnson – Pool Assoc. Treasurer and Brian Marshall – Pool Assoc. President pictured with one of the new replacement filters. Accepting the grant, Marshall said “The Clearfield Swimming Pool Association appreciates the $3,000 grant award from the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. The grant will help us pay the cost of much-needed new covers for the pool filters, which should last about twenty years. The support of the community, including the Foundation, helps us keep the pool affordable for the people of Clearfield County”.
For the 2021 grant cycle, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation received 27 applications from community organizations requesting funding plus four applications from Osceola Mills community organizations that are eligible to apply annually for funding from the Sara Jane Mattern Fund.
All 31 applications were turned over to members of the CCCF Grant Review Committee for their individual review and scoring. On October 15th, the Grant Review Committee members met to rank all applications and complete funding recommendations to the Charitable Foundation Board.
At their October 29th board meeting, the Charitable Foundation Board reviewed the recommendations and approved the following grant awards:
Bilger’s Rocks Association -$2,636.00 – To pave handicapped parking and sidewalk
Bob Perks Fund -$1,200.00 – Financial assistance for citizens undergoing cancer treatments
Bucktail Council BSA -$1,000.00 – Workforce development and BSA Merit Badge Program
Catholic Charities Counseling and Adoption Serv. -$500.00 – Supplies for Pregnancy and Parenting Program
Central PA Community Action -$2,500.00 – Funding for new location for Clearfield Food Pantry
Central PA Food Bank -$1,000.00 – Fresh Express Mobile Food Distribution Program,
Clear-Centre Pool – Osceola Mills -$1,500.00 – Purchase pool vacuum
Clearfield Chamber of Commerce -$1,000.00 – Life Fast Forward Program – for HS Students
Clearfield County Cancer Support Inc. -$2,000.00 – To assist citizens undergoing cancer treatment
Clearfield County Public Library -$330.00 – To purchase wireless printer for mobile library
Clearfield Studio Arts Theater -$1,200.00 -Cost for 55 students to attend PSU Theater Arts Program
Clearfield Swimming Pool Association -$3,000.00 – Repair filtration system
Clearfield YMCA -$3,000.00 – Equipment to start Esports League for Youth
Cultural Resources Inc. -$750.00 – Projector for Reitz Theater
DuBois Area Historical Society -$1,000.00 – Install interpretive panels for 150th anniversary
Glen Richey Fireman’s Recreational Park -$3,000.00- Playground equipment installation
God’s Cupboard – West Side UM Church -$1,000.00- Operate God’s Cupboard food program
Grampian Lions Club -$1,000.00 – Vision and hearing aid support
Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library -$2,500.00 – Replace public computers
Lawrence Township Volunteer Fire Co #1 -$670.00 – Fire Prevention Education for Clearfield and Lawrence Twp.
Mature Resources Foundation -$500.00 – Produce video, “Aging Matters” for local use
Osceola Mills Presbyterian Church -$1,000.00 – Create handicapped parking and entry
PA Wildlife Habitat Unlimited -$500.00 – Funding for PWHU Youth Field Day
REST Inc. $1,000.00 – REST Kinship Family Support Group Program
Salvation Army DuBois -$1,000.00 – Ark of Learning/Love in a Backpack Program funding
West Branch Elementary School -$1,000.00 – Reading books to give to elementary aged students
Young People Who Care -$900.00 -Emergency home repair projects in Clearfield
The following awards were made from the Sara Jane Mattern Fund to these organizations in the borough of Osceola Mills designated by the Mattern Estate to receive annual funding:
Columbia Fire Company -$2,807.25
Osceola Mills United Methodist Church -$2,807.25
Osceola Mills Community Library -$2,807.25
Osceola Mills Historical Foundation -$2,807.25
The grant awards listed represent $27,622 from the CCCF Community Fund, $9,064 from the Kurtz Clearfield, Curwensville, Lawrence Township Fund and $11,229 from the Sara Jane Mattern Fund, for a total distribution of $47,915 to support community projects all over Clearfield County.
The $47,915 in funding approved by the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors represents an increase of $27,670 over the amount of grant funding released last year.
Since 2006, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation’s grant program has awarded over $202,000 to projects in communities across Clearfield County.
On behalf of the Charitable Foundation Board and Grant Review Committee, Charitable Foundation Executive Director Mark McCracken said “The projects awarded CCCF grant funding for 2021 represent many communities and some unique projects. The Grant Review Committee did a tremendous job ranking the applications and fairly distributing the available funding.
“The projects receiving funding met the stated goals of the Charitable Foundation Board to support projects that will benefit youths, help those in need and promote projects that will improve communities”.
Anyone who would like to contribute to help fund grants next year can do so by sending contributions to the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830 by designating the donation to go to the Community Fund, the Kurtz CCL Donor Designated Fund or the Sara Jane Mattern Fund. Donations may also be made online via secure PayPal at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org .
Posted: November 8, 2021 by Mark McCracken
The CCCF honors Robert and Marilyn Kurtz for their Support
Pictured L-R – Bob Kurtz is presented a plaque from CCCF Board Chairman Kevin McMillen in recognition of the leadership and support Mr. Kurtz and his wife Marilyn have provided to the Charitable Foundation.
To conclude a week of events to celebrate reaching the milestone $10 million value of all funds established with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, the CCCF board held a special recognition dinner for Bob and Marilyn Kurtz.
CCCF Board Chairman Kevin McMillen presented Mr. Kurtz with a plaque that read “On this occasion as we celebrate the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation passing the $10 Million milestone in combined value for our endowment and scholarship funds, we pause to recognize the role Robert M. Kurtz, Jr. played in founding and building the organization. From the initial meetings to discuss forming a community based charitable foundation, it was your vision, encouragement and leadership that was responsible for making the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation the success it is today. Building on the philanthropic legacy the Kurtz family established in the Clearfield community, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation’s mission is to support communities across Clearfield County and strive to make lives better for our fellow citizens. Thank you for all you have done for the community and the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation”.
Joining the Charitable Foundation board to honor Mr. and Mrs. Kurtz were members of community organizations that benefit from the various Kurtz funds including the Clearfield YMCA, the Clearfield County Historical Society, the Joseph and Elizabeth Shaw Public Library along with Mr. and Mrs. Monty Kunes representing Kurtz Bros. and several close long time friends of the Kurtz family.
Mr. Kurtz gave a brief speech to conclude the dinner where he stated “It was my vision back in the mid 1990’s to establish a community charitable foundation similar to what was being done in Centre County. While it took several years to get everything up and running in 2007, both Marilyn and I are pleased to see that our vision of a real community based charitable foundation is a reality.
“We are thankful for all the volunteer work people like Kevin McMillen and the other CCCF board members put into making the organization a success. We know that the Charitable Foundation is in good hands and much will be achieved in the future. We thank everyone involved with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation”.
Posted: October 1, 2021 by Mark McCracken
CCCF and Bob Perks Fund Partner to Provide Assistance to Local Cancer Patient
Pictured L-R – Marjann Young, Bob Perks Fund Development Coordinator, Bob Berg recipient of Bob Perks Fund assistance and Mark B. McCracken – Executive Director of the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation.
For several years, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation has partnered with the Bob Perks Fund by awarding CCCF Grant Program funding so the Bob Perks Fund can provide financial assistance through gift cards to Clearfield County residents undergoing cancer treatment.
Recently Marjann Young, Bob Perks Fund Development Coordinator and Mark McCracken, Executive Director of the Charitable Foundation met with Bob Berg who is a recent recipient of assistance from the Bob Perks Fund.
Mr. Berg recently lost his flooring business due to the economic downturn brought on by the COVID pandemic. While he was struggling to deal with the financial hardship, he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
Mr. Berg has been a person who always donated numerous hours to raise funds for local charities and but now he was the person who needed help.
Ms. Young learned about Mr. Berg’s situation and met with him to explain the mission of the Bob Perks Fund the assistance they could provide for him while he is undergoing cancer treatments.
As part of their assistance to Mr. Berg, the Bob Perks Fund has provided him with a gift card purchased using grant funding from the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation. With the assistance provided by the Bob Perks Fund and the support of his family and friends, Mr. Berg is able to fight his battle with cancer and concentrate on his recovery.
Ms. Young said “the Bob Perks Fund is appreciative of the support from the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation and thanks everyone involved that provides funding for the grant program”.
Mr. McCracken stated “we are pleased to work in partnership with the Bob Perks Fund so they can assist people like Mr. Berg. We also wish Mr. Berg good luck and a speedy recovery”.
Posted: August 2, 2021 by Mark McCracken
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation 2021 Grant Applications Available
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation awarded grant funding in 2020 to the Good Samaritan Center in Clearfield for a new sign in front of their Men’s Shelter. Pictured are CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken, Good Samaritan Board Chair Michelle Fannin, Good Samaritan Center CEO Douglas K. Bloom and Good Samaritan Board Member Brent Thomas.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation is ready to accept applications for the 2021 CCCF Grant Program. Last year, the grant program awarded over $20,000 to projects that benefited communities across Clearfield County and, since inception, has awarded over $122,000 in total funding.
Application forms can be downloaded from the website at https://clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org/forms-downloads or can be requested by email at cccfexecdir@outlook.com. The deadline for submission of the completed applications is Friday, September 24th, 2021.
After the applications are submitted, the CCCF Grant Committee will review and score the applications, then make recommendations to the CCCF Board of Directors who will award the grants during their October board meeting.
For 2021, the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Board of Directors is encouraging community groups to submit applications that will have a real impact on communities. The Charitable Foundation specifically encourages projects that will have a positive impact on the youth in our communities and like to see participation from groups that have never applied before.
CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken said “The CCCF grant program has funded some worthy projects in recent years and we want to continue helping with community projects all over Clearfield County.
“The goal for the grants is to make an impact that will meet specific needs and provide solutions that will make our communities better. The CCCF Board and our Grant Committee is very interested in seeing new and innovative ideas submitted for consideration”.
To be eligible for a grant award, applying agencies/organizations must provide services in local communities and to citizens of Clearfield County. Priority is given to projects that have potential for long-term impact, support the county’s overall needs, do not duplicate other services and will aid residents not currently being served.
Grant funding will not be awarded to cover ongoing operational costs for any organization.
The grants are funded by the Charitable Foundation’s Community Fund along with several individual endowment funds that were set up in the name of certain individuals interested in helping their communities and projects across the county.
Additionally, the CCL Donor Designated Fund was established for projects in Clearfield Borough, Curwensville Borough and Lawrence Township and the Sara Jane Mattern Fund was established by the Mattern estate to fund annual grants to four specific organizations in Osceola Mills.
For those interested in supporting the Charitable Foundation Grant Program or any of our endowment or scholarship funds, contributions may be made at the website https://clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org. Online donations are processed through a secure Paypal account.
Donations can also be mailed to: Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, P.O. Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830 – please designate on the check memo line the fund you would like your donation credited to.
We also welcome inquiries from those interested in establishing endowment or scholarship funds to benefit local communities and organizations.
Posted: July 8, 2021 by Mark McCracken
Cultural Resources Inc and the CCCF Partner to Create the Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship
Back L-R: Justin Salada, CRI Board Member, Joe Sensor, Past President CRI, Chuck Johnson, CRI Board Member Front L-R: Judy Smith,
CRI Board Member/Treasurer, Mark McCracken, CCCF Executive Director.
Cultural Resources Inc., of DuBois and the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation are pleased to announce the creation of the Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship.
Plans are for the first scholarship to be awarded in the spring of 2022 to a DuBois area graduating senior who has participated in a theatrical event at the Reitz Theater with special consideration given to a student who is pursuing a career in the arts.
Joe Sensor of the Cultural Resources board stated “It has been the goal of CRI for several years to create a scholarship that would recognize the theatrical talents of our local young people and hopefully assist them in realizing their dreams of pursuing a career in the arts or a related field. The youth that participate in productions and workshops at the Reitz Theater are a huge reason for why we exist and have been successful for the past 29 years in our local community. This is a wonderful way to recognize that reality, and to give back to this very important demographic.”
The possibility of fulfilling the dream to create a performing arts scholarship came to the forefront earlier this year when Mark McCracken, the executive director of the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, paid a site visit to the Reitz Theater to review a project for which the Charitable Foundation had provided grant funding for.
During the visit, McCracken discussed with Cultural Resources board members Joe Sensor, Judy Smith and Debbie Wirths other services the Charitable Foundation provides that could be beneficial, not only to the Reitz Theater, but to the DuBois community as well.
It was out of these initial discussions that the Cultural Resources Board of Directors decided that partnering with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation would be the way to get the scholarship fund up and running.
McCracken stated “Community organizations like Cultural Resources and the Reitz Theater are the kind of organizations we like to be involved with.This new scholarship fits perfectly into our portfolio of scholarship funds and we are looking forward to working with the Cultural Resources Board to grow the value of the scholarship fund so multiple scholarships can be awarded in future years.”
Sensor and McCracken shared “We envision this scholarship fund will become an important award for future graduates in the Tri-County area and will be a way that the area community can recognize and encourage young people with special interest in the arts.”
Those interested in supporting the Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship can do so online at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org by clicking ONLINE DONATION TO A SCHOLARSHIP FUND, then selecting the DONATE button specific to the CRI / Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship which will take you to a secure PayPal donation site to process a credit card donation. Also, donations by check can be mailed to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, PO Box 1442, Clearfield PA 16830. Checks should be made payable to Clearfield County Charitable Foundation with Reitz Theater Performing Arts Scholarship noted in the memo line.
All donations are tax deductible and the Charitable Foundation is a registered 501c3 charitable organization.
Anyone interested in establishing a scholarship or endowment fund with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation can visit the website at www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org or request information at cccfexecdir@outlook.com.
Posted: July 2, 2021 by Mark McCracken
Clearfield County Charitable Foundation Announces 2021 Scholarship Recipients
Pictured are Rev. Thomas Young, President of the Golden Bison Alumni Association, Jason Stanko recipient of CAHS Class of 62 Scholarship and the Gerald Read Memorial Scholarship and Matt Bailor recipient of one of the Golden Bison Alumni Association Scholarships.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation, along with the scholarship committees representing 24 different scholarship funds including the Clearfield Education Foundation, are pleased to announce the award of over $50,000 in scholarships for the year 2021.
In announcing the scholarship awards, CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken stated “the scholarships listed below are awarded to an outstanding group of young people representing the graduating Class of 2021 from many local and area high schools.
“Several of our scholarships were established to honor the memory of some exceptional people, and it is the hope that the scholarship recipients will carry on the legacy of the people named on their scholarships. The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation congratulates all the recipients and wishes them success with their post high school education.”
Valarie Dixon, Acting Director of Clearfield Campus of Lock Haven University noted “the Clearfield Education Foundation(CEF) is awarding over $14,000.00 this fall, and almost $30,000 for the year, to LHU Clearfield campus students. The Clearfield campus is thankful to the CEF for their invaluable contributions to the success of the campus”.
New this year to the CCCF scholarship list is the Harry W. Rowles Memorial Scholarship awarded by the Golden Bison Alumni Association.
Early in 2021, the Charitable Foundation was notified by the Harry W. Rowles Charitable Trust in Chamberburg PA that funding was allocated to establish a memorial scholarship in honor of Mr. Rowles who was a graduate of Clearfield Area High School. The Golden Bison Alumni Association agreed to award the annual Harry W. Rowles Memorial Scholarship in addition to the annual scholarships already awarded by the Golden Bison Alumni Association.
With the addition of the Harry W. Rowles Scholarship, the Golden Bison were able to award $7,000 in scholarships for 2021.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation is pleased to announce the following 2021 scholarship recipients chosen by the individual scholarship fund committees. CAHS Class of ’62 Scholarship: Jason Stanko – Clearfield High School, CAHS Class of ’75 Scholarship Fund: Seth Visnofsky – Clearfield High School,
Cunningham Scholarship: Christina McGinnis – Clearfield High School, Meghan E. Deininger Scholarship Fund: Dana L. Heltzel – Central High School and Gabriella A. Finn – Bellwood Antis High School, DuBois Rotary Club Scholarships: Brockway High School: Sydney Manno, Benjamin Glasl, Noah Bash, Morgan Lindemuth, Dubois High School: Lakin Smith, Kaylee George, Anna Wingard, Taylor Smith,
Eileen C. Withey Memorial Scholarship: Chasey Howell – Curwensville High School, Gerald Read Memorial Scholarship: Jason Stanko – Clearfield High School, Golden Bison Alumni Association Scholarship: Katelyn Hullihen, Megan Durandetta, Matthew Bailor, Christina McGinnis
Harry W. Rowles Memorial Scholarship presented by the Golden Bison Alumni Association: Hunter Dixon, Seth Visnofsky, Ethan Yarger, Kenneth McMillen Endowment Scholarship: Joscelyn Narehood – Clearfield High School, Marsha Novey Memorial Scholarship: Joscelyn Narehood – Clearfield High School, T-Harp / Taylor Harpster Memorial Scholarship: Kyle Henry Reese and Abigail Lonjin – Philipsburg Osceola High School
Additionally, the Clearfield Education Foundation Scholarships for LHU Clearfield Campus Students are awarded as follows: Belin Family: Derek Strouse, Elijah Williams, Morgan Glace, CNB : Curtis Caldwell, Kristen Chew, Judith Peale Strattan Memorial: Derek Strouse, Samantha Bromley, Elijah Williams, Emma Morlock, Philip Rowles, Miranda Warner, Judith Riley Hale Memorial: Morgan Glace, Jennifer Gardner
Kurtz Brothers: Erica Linsenbigler, Grace Young, Ashley Folmer, Penn Highlands Clearfield: Samantha Bromley, Emily White, Alexandra Smith, Olivia Sager, Riverview Bank: John Arnold, and Spring Only: Carl Dawes, Woodward Pharmacy / City Drug: Nora Campbell, Jacey Williams, Jessicarain Griffith.
Pictured L-R John Harpster , Abigail Lonjin – 2021 recipient of T-Harp Scholarship, Kyle Reese – 2021 recipient of T-Harp Scholarship, Macy Neideigh (Harpster) and Bobbi Harpster
Posted: May 26, 2021 by Mark McCracken
CCCF Funds Equipment Purchase for Reitz Theater
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation recently provided a $1,000 grant to assist in the purchase of a digital piano, pedal board, stand and amplifier for use at the Reitz Theater.
The new equipment replaces old, outdated equipment which not working properly.
Cultural Resources Inc. board members Joe Sensor, Judy Smith and Deb Wirth said the equipment will not only be used during performances at the Reitz Theater, but will also be used to provide lessons and training during future children’s programs at the facility.
Additionally, the equipment can be moved to other locations where events are being held to promote the arts and theater in the DuBois community.
The board members also gave a tour of the Reitz Theater to CCCF Executive Director Mark McCracken and explained their plans for 2021.
While events at the facility have been cancelled due to COVID restrictions for the past year, this downtime has allowed some renovations to be done inside the theater.
Once the renovations are completed, plans are for two plays in the fall of 2021 and planning is underway for a Kids Art Camp to be conducted over the summer months.
Sensor explained “In 2019, we sold over 5,000 tickets for our performances and we are hoping to achieve similar numbers once we get back into production with our 2 fall performances”.
Both Smith and Wirth said they are hoping the renovations will bring more events to the theater and the facility will continue to be a valued asset in the DuBois community.
McCracken said “the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation is impressed with the efforts of Cultural Resources Inc and the Reitz Theater to bring arts and entertainment to the community.
“The CCCF Board and Grant Committee fund projects that will better communities and especially enjoy supporting projects that will benefit the youth”.
The Charitable Foundation will be doing another round of community project grants in 2021 and will be looking for viable projects to fund. Anyone interested in information about the CCCF Foundation can request information at cccfexecdir@outlook.com.
Posted: March 27, 2021 by Mark McCracken
CCCF OPENS DUBOIS SATELLITE OFFICE
L-R, Jamie Straub – CCCF Board Member, Kevin McMillen – CCCF Board Chairman, Lisa Kovalick – CCCF Board Member, Mark McCracken – CCCF Executive Director, Diane Bernardo – DuBois City Council Member and Brad Lashinsky – Director, NCPA LaunchBox
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation recently opened a satellite office in the City of DuBois inside the NCPA Launchbox facility, 2 East Long Avenue in downtown DuBois. The Charitable Foundation will have use of the office space every Wednesday.
Charitable Foundation Executive Director Mark McCracken explained that opening the satellite office in DuBois will give the Charitable Foundation a physical presence in the DuBois area that will help strengthen the relationship with funds already established for the DuBois community along with recruiting new endowment and scholarship funds that will enhance DuBois and surrounding communities.
McCracken will be working at the DuBois satellite office most Wednesdays and the Charitable Foundation Board is planning to hold at least 1 quarterly board meeting per year at the location. Brad Lashinsky, Director of NCPA Launchbox said “we welcome the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation to the Launchbox and wish them much success with their endeavors in the DuBois area”.
The opening of the DuBois satellite office continues the growth strategy of the Charitable Foundation Board of Directors that started with the January of 2020 hiring of McCracken as Executive Director along with the opening of a business office located at the Rear of 236 East Market Street in Clearfield.
McCracken said “like everyone else, the Charitable Foundation was hampered throughout 2020 by limitations brought on by the COVID19 restrictions, but we were able to follow through with the board’s long range plan to grow the organization while providing needed support to communities, projects and individuals throughout Clearfield County”.
From the end of 2019 through March 18th of 2021, the market value of all funds established with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation grew from $6,475,000 to $8,965,000. Over the 5 year period from March 1st, 2016 to March of 2021, the Charitable Foundation has awarded a total of 969,335.84 in the form of charitable and scholarship benefits.
During 2020, the Charitable Foundation awarded $20,245 in community project grants, over $42,000 in scholarships to 33 students and made 2 separate distributions of $3,900 and $4,800 to food banks operating in Clearfield County.
The Charitable Foundation Board also announces the recent addition of Jamie Straub to the Charitable Foundation Board of Directors to represent the DuBois area.
Ms. Straub joined the board in January and brings a wealth of experience from her position as Vice President – Sr. Corporate Banker – Commercial Solutions with First Commonwealth Bank in DuBois along with her service on many other community boards.
McCracken said “we are pleased to have Ms. Straub join the Charitable Foundation board and she will offer key input to the board, not only in regards to the DuBois area, but to our efforts across all of Clearfield County”.
The Clearfield County Charitable Foundation was formed in November of 2004 and now has 47 endowment and scholarship funds valued at over $8.9 million. The Charitable Foundation is registered with both the IRS as a 501(C) 3 tax exempt organization and with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of State as a charitable organization.
Donations to any Clearfield County Charitable Foundation fund are tax deductible. Anyone interested in establishing a fund with the Clearfield County Charitable Foundation or making a donation to any of our funds should visit www.clearfieldcharitablefoundation.org or call 814-592-7331 to schedule a meeting.
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