The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) held a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 13, 2025 in partnership with the Fayette Chamber of Commerce. This commemorated the foundation’s purchase and relocation to 250 West Main Street, Uniontown, PA 15401.
Casey Leonard, Michael George, CJ Callahan, Ron Gabriel, David Hughes, Renee Couser, Jessica Hajek-Bates, Jim Higinbotham, Larry Kiefer, Terry Burden, Josh Ellsworth, Ed Balling
This strategic move, funded through the foundation’s operating reserve, marks a significant milestone in CFFC’s evolution. Until now, CFFC has operated out of leased spaces, most recently at 5 South Mt. Vernon Avenue in Uniontown. The new facility offers a substantial increase in square footage, allowing for expanded staffing and more opportunities to host events and presentations on-site. The first floor features a large conference room area with mobile desks and chairs, a kitchen, multiple restrooms, three offices, and two additional work stations. The lower level has a large office and storage rooms. The foundation requests that you park in the lot at the rear of the building and enter through the back door when visiting the office.
The large conference room enables CFFC to host events and convenings on-site.
Before the ribbon cutting, guests gathered at the front of the building for special remarks.
Muriel Nuttall, Fayette Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, welcomed everyone and highlighted that this milestone sparks a renewed energy and increased visibility to the foundation’s work as they continue in their mission. Local elected officials also shared remarks about the foundation’s philanthropic work and the excitement of seeing the organization grow. Remarks were shared by Senator Pat Stefano, Debbie Hoone from the office of Representative Charity Grimm Krupa, County Commissioner Scott Dunn, County Commissioner Vince Vicites, and County Commissioner Dutch Kaufman.
Debbie Hoone, Senator Pat Stefano, Commissioner Dutch Kaufman, Ron Gabriel, Renee Couser, Jessica Hajek-Bates, Commissioner Vince Vicites, Commissioner Scott Dunn
Renee Couser, CFFC retiring Executive Director, shared that the 250 West Main Street purchase and relocation helps to achieve the three goals of the foundation’s strategic plan: growth and impact; awareness and engagement; organization and operations. “This facility gives the foundation the infrastructure to grow, the visibility to engage our community more effectively, and the operational foundation it needs to succeed,” said Couser.
Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer, said, “This ribbon cutting is not just about a building; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and a stronger Fayette County.” She recognized the efforts of the foundation board members and staff to make this milestone possible, and she thanked Fairchance Construction Company for their support throughout the building’s renovation.
Ron Gabriel, Chair of the CFFC Board of Directors, also shared gratitude to the late Robert and Elouise Eberly, whose investment in the foundation decades ago made the purchase and renovation of the building possible. He credited Renee Couser for encouraging the vision of the foundation having its own home in this building. Gabriel underscored the importance of this new location being a home for not just the foundation board and staff, but also the community, with new opportunities for growth, impact, and inclusion with on-site events and programs.
Board members in attendance joined Couser and Hajek-Bates for the ribbon cutting, followed by refreshments and mingling throughout the new office.
Customized hats were created at the Stahls hat bar to showcase CFFC’s new logo
Stahls’ provided a “hat bar” with a selection of baseball hats, CFFC logo patches, and additional fun patches that guests picked and saw come to life as their customized hat was heat pressed and presented to them. With CFFC’s recent launch of a new logo, this special experience helped kick off CFFC’s new branding efforts to increase visibility of the foundation throughout Fayette County.
The foundation’s mission is to build a stronger Fayette County by inspiring charitable giving, supporting nonprofits, and nurturing positive community impact. “To scale that impact and meet our goals, we need space to grow and a strong identity that reflects our mission, vision, and values,” said Gabriel.
To learn more about the foundation’s philanthropy and how you can get involved, call our office at 724-437-8600.
