by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 2, 2026 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is accepting sponsorships, program booklet advertisements, auction item donations, and ticket reservations for the fifth annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Fairchance Construction Company is the gala’s Presenting Sponsor. Proceeds will support initiatives that drive meaningful progress in Fayette County.
As guests are greeted, they will register for the silent auction’s mobile bidding and enjoy cocktail hour with an open bar. Mike Clark of WTAE Pittsburgh Action News 4 will once again serve as the master of ceremonies. A brief program will highlight CFFC’s efforts to inspire charitable giving, support nonprofits, and nurture positive community impact.
Guests will enjoy a delicious dinner followed by a live auction hosted by Tony Quarrick. Following dinner, Kendall Brothers Band will draw guests to the dance floor with live music. The silent auction will close at 9:30 p.m. with auction checkout at 10:00 p.m. The fun will continue at the after party in the Matterhorn Lounge, with live music from Levi Graft and late night snacks.
“We love turning this event into something truly memorable for our guests,” said Angela Braun, Gala of Giving Chair. “The enthusiasm and generosity of our guests support projects that ignite meaningful change in Fayette County. That energy is exactly what this event celebrates.”
The foundation has awarded $175,000 in Catalyst for Change Grants through event proceeds. An additional $100,000 will be awarded this summer.
“We are motivated by the possibilities ahead with additional support and partnership for the Catalyst for Change Grants. The foundation sees this as a big opportunity for growth and impact,” said Jessica Hajek-Bates, CFFC Chief Executive Officer.
Formal attire is requested for the event. Individual ticket sales will be available at a later date.
Please contact Trish Desvarro, Gala Event Manager, with any questions at desvarro@gmail.com or call the CFFC office at 724-437-8600.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Oct 16, 2024 | CFFC News
The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) has hosted three annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change events, awarded a $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant from the proceeds, and will be awarding another $50,000 grant this fall. The momentum will continue to build with the next Gala of Giving on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Fairchance Construction Company is the Presenting Sponsor, once again generously supporting the Gala of Giving.
The formal event features a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner with a brief program and open bar, live auction, live music and dancing, and an after-party. Proceeds from the Gala of Giving will be invested in projects that can affect change and growth in Fayette County.
CFFC is accepting sponsorships, ads, and auction items for the event. Download the Sponsorship Packet. Individual tickets will be available at a later date. To learn more, visit https://cffayettepa.ejoinme.org/2025galaofgiving. Please direct questions to Trish Desvarro, Gala of Giving Event Manager, at desvarro@gmail.com or call the CFFC office at 724-437-8600.
“The Gala of Giving is the foundation’s effort to raise money for bigger and bolder grants that will spark change in Fayette County. We’ve had amazing support from the start, and we thank everyone who is getting on board for another successful event,” said Angela Braun, DC, CFFC Board Chair and Gala of Giving Chair.
The first Catalyst for Change Grant was awarded in fall of 2023 to Main Street Theatre Company, for their Fayette County high school musical showcase, called “ENCORE!”. CFFC’s $50,000 grant made it possible for them to launch this new program, collaborating with State Theatre Center for the Arts and Fayette County Cultural Trust. “Local theater transcends across organizations, schools, and counties. It is a community. It is a family. ENCORE! not only solidified the bonds these organizations share, but allowed the community to be a part of celebrating students in their accomplishments in the arts,” said Megan Clark, Treasurer of Main Street Theatre Company.
CFFC will announce a second grant soon, selected from this spring’s Catalyst for Change Grant requests.
Sponsorship Packet 2025
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Feb 22, 2024 | CFFC News
You can now reserve individual tickets for the Community Foundation of Fayette County’s Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change event on April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. Click here for ticket registration. This black-tie event will feature great food, an open bar through dinner, live and silent auctions, live music and dancing, and an after-party. We hope to see you there!
The Community Foundation of Fayette County is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The Gala of Giving will be a special way to celebrate our first 25 years and provide more funding opportunities for local charities. Grants from event proceeds will be awarded from the Gala of Giving Fund to make a meaningful impact in Fayette County.
Please contact Trish Desvarro, Event Manager, at 724-557-0820 with any questions about sponsorship opportunities.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | Sep 21, 2023 | CFFC News
Save the date! The Community Foundation of Fayette County is hosting the third Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort.
More details to come. Check our website and social media (@cffayettepa) for announcements, and sign up for our e-newsletter to never miss an update.
by Community Foundation of Fayette County | May 16, 2023 | CFFC News
A Night to Remember
In addition to the special announcement of the $50,000 “Catalyst for Change Grant” opportunity, guests at the second annual Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change enjoyed an evening with great company, food and drinks, music and dancing, a photo booth, and exclusive auction items. Guests accessed online bidding for the silent auction, which enabled them to keep an eye on their competition and make bids all at their fingertips.
Mike Clark, WTAE Anchor, was the emcee, and entertainment was provided by the Kendall Brothers, Joe Materkowski, Ed Balling, and Levi Graft. The afterparty in the Matterhorn Lounge also included a cigar bar by Stix – DiMarco’s Cigar Bar.
“Thank you to all of the sponsors, guests, and supporters who helped make this another successful event,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director. “Our board of directors is excited to offer a grant of this size, as the first step in being a catalyst for change through the event’s proceeds,” continued Couser.
View all photos on CFFC’s Facebook!
Gala of Giving 2023 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor: Fairchance Construction Company
Platinum Sponsors: First National Bank; Gabriel Family; Specialty Conduit and Manufacturing; Sprowls Insurance Group; Wells Fargo Advisors.
Gold Sponsors: The Braun Family; COE Distributing; The Ewing Family; Fayette Pipe Company; Ford Office Technologies; Gismondi Family Foundation; Joyce’s Jewelry; Mike Kelly Toyota; MountainCreek Properties; Neubauer’s Flowers & Market House; Pine Hollow Mechanical, Inc.; Stoney’s Brewing Company; Mr. & Mrs. Joshua & Maria Swimmer; WVU Health Sciences.
Silver Sponsors: Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania; Direct Results; Mr. and Mrs. Victor Fiano, Jr.; First Federal Savings & Loan Association of Greene County; Liberty Steel; Montgomery Medical; Janney Montgomery Scott, LLC – Uniontown Office; PNC Bank; SagePoint Financial; Somerset Trust Bank; United Bank; Gnagey Propane; Koval Building Supply.
Bronze Sponsors: Higinbotham Law Offices; Mid Penn Bank; Nickman’s Drug; Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus; Point Marion Veterinary Care; Radcliffe Law, LLC; Shallenberger Construction; Zodiac Management Services, Inc.
Patron Sponsors: Todd & Beth Casteel; Charlie & Renee Couser; Wealth Enhancement Group – Devan White.
Hospitality Sponsors: Stahls’; Chestnut Ridge Counseling Services, Inc.; Demco Excavating; EQT; Ford of Uniontown; Jonathan P. Krizner, DDS; Stix – DiMarco’s Cigar Bar; Universal Steel.
Donate to the Gala of Giving Fund
You can donate to the Gala of Giving Fund, at any time, with a check made payable to CFFC or through our online Pay Pal donation portal.
Contact our office at 724-437-8600 x1 if you have any questions.