Since 2021, the Strawberry Patch Fund has distributed nearly $250,000 among seven organizations. The fund is a permanent endowment, which means it will continue to grow over time and provide annual grants to the selected nonprofits in perpetuity.
Grantees: Crime Victims Center of Fayette County; Domestic Violence Services of SWPA; Fayette Friends of Animals; Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers; Mount Macrina Manor; Uniontown Public Library; St. John’s Catholic School.
It was 2010 when the Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) first learned it would be the sole beneficiary of a community-minded person’s estate. The donor selected specific organizations to receive annual grants after their passing and the creation of the fund.
When they passed away, the process of settling the estate was led by their trusted attorney, who worked with CFFC staff to ensure that the donor’s wishes were met.
The foundation also receives gas well royalties from the donor’s estate, adding to the available funds for grant distributions.
“The Strawberry Patch Fund is a great example of philanthropy and how the foundation can be the connecting force for people to give back in a variety of ways,” said CFFC Chief Executive Officer Jessica Hajek-Bates. “The donor’s legacy is one of amazing generosity and positive impact for our local communities forever.”
Pictured left to right: Rebecca Wardle (CFFC), Andrea Hibbs (Crime Victims Center), Keeley Forrestel (Fayette Friends of Animals), Jessica Hajek-Bates (CFFC), Steve Petruska (Uniontown Public Library), Carol Ashton (Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers), and Maggie Novotny (Domestic Violence Services).
