CFFC Awards $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant & Announces Gala of Giving 2024

by | Oct 26, 2023 | CFFC News

The third Gala of Giving ~ Catalyst for Change is set for Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) hosts this event to raise money for significant investments in projects that can affect real change and growth in Fayette County. The first Catalyst for Change Grant, from event proceeds, was recently announced.

CFFC is awarding a $50,000 Catalyst for Change Grant to Main Street Theatre Company, for their Fayette County High School Musical Showcase, in collaboration with State Theatre Center for the Arts and Fayette County Cultural Trust. After Main Street Theatre Company’s October 6 performance of “Godspell”, CFFC’s Executive Director, Renee Couser, presented a check on stage as a special surprise to John Wagner III, Main Street Theatre Company’s Artistic Director.

Renee Couser, CFFC Executive Director, presents check to John Wagner III, Main Street Theatre Company's Artistic Director

Photo credit: Kelly Tunney

All Fayette County high schools will be invited to perform a selection from their musical at the showcase, bringing together youth from across the county. The showcase will shine a light on the vibrant arts community in Fayette County and invite youth, family, friends, community members, and people beyond Fayette County to attend performances and support local businesses on show day. Main Street Theatre Company will lead this project, the State Theatre Center for the Arts will provide the space for rehearsals and performance, and the Fayette County Cultural Trust will present their Fayette County Achievement in the Arts awards throughout the event.

“It is our foundational belief – backed up by significant data – that live performing arts experiences bring communities closer together, spur economic development and inspire change, growth and hope in those who participate,” said Kristen Tunney, Vice President of Main Street Theatre Company.

Renee Couser, CFFC Executive Director, presents check to John Wagner III, Main Street Theatre Company's Artistic Director

Photo credit: Kelly Tunney

Though showcases like this have been taking place in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties for years, this project is the first of its kind for Fayette County. An afternoon and evening performance are planned for May.

“This first Catalyst for Change Grant is just the start, and we encourage everyone to save the date for our next gala on April 13 to help us build up the proceeds that will be used for future funding. With the continued support of individuals and businesses, we hope to offer bigger grants in the future to help spark change in Fayette County on a bigger scale,” said Angela Braun DC, Gala of Giving Chair and CFFC Board Chair.

CFFC is currently accepting sponsorships for the 2024 Gala of Giving, and individual ticket sales are expected to open in February. In addition to sponsorship and tickets, donations can be made to CFFC’s Gala of Giving Fund by check or with the “Donate Now” button at cffayettepa.org.

“We are happy to announce that Fairchance Construction Company is the Presenting Sponsor for the 2024 Gala of Giving. Next year, the community foundation will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, and we are excited to get everyone together in the spirit of charitable giving,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.

Fairchance Consturction Company, Presenting Sponsor of the Gala of Giving 2024

Mike Clark, WTAE Anchor, will be the event’s emcee, and guests will have access to a cocktail hour and exclusive auction items, dinner with a brief program and open bar, a live auction with big-ticket items, live music by the Kendall Brothers, and an after-party. To make it easier to track bidding and make bids from anywhere throughout the event space, guests will use online bidding again this year for the silent auction.

CFFC invites everyone to play a part in helping to make Fayette County a thriving place to live, work, and play. If you or your business is interested in sponsorships or ads, please contact Trish Desvarro, Gala of Giving Event Manager, at 724-557-0820.

CFFC is Accepting Check Donations for Fayette Gives, Ahead of November 9

by | Sep 7, 2023 | CFFC News

Fayette Gives Logo

The Community Foundation of Fayette County (CFFC) is hosting the fourth annual Fayette Gives on November 9, 2023. Fayette Gives is a “day of giving” that supports local charities and engages the community in philanthropy, all in an effort to build a stronger Fayette. Ninety-two (92) charities are participating in Fayette Gives this year, and the public can donate now by check.

The main focus of Fayette Gives is the 12-hour fundraising marathon on November 9 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at www.fayettegives.org with online donations via credit card. Starting on September 7, donors can give early by check and other donation methods, to accommodate donors’ preferences. The minimum gift is $25 per charity.

To donate by check, donors can support one or more charities with one check payable to “CFFC” for their total Fayette Gives contribution amount, along with an official Check Contribution Form. The Check Contribution Form specifies the donor’s selected charities, donation amounts, and recognition preferences. (Click here to download the form.)

“All of the money raised through Fayette Gives will be used to benefit Fayette County. Thanks to the many generous people of Fayette County and beyond, a total of $1,315,892 has been raised through Fayette Gives in the first three years,” said Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director.

To learn about the participating charities and their work in Fayette County, visit the Charity Search page at www.fayettegives.org.

Donations to the 92 Fayette County charities will be boosted by a prorated percentage of the Fayette Gives bonus pool, thanks to generous sponsors. Community Sponsors: Charity Fund; COE Distributing; The Swimmer Family. Generosity Sponsors: Mike Kelly Toyota of Uniontown; Specialty Conduit and Manufacturing; WVU Medicine Uniontown Hospital. Humanity Sponsors: First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County; The Eberly Foundation; Uniontown Walmart Supercenter.

Donations must be received at the CFFC office (5 South Mt. Vernon Ave., Uniontown, PA 15401) by 8 p.m. on November 9 to receive bonus pool dollars.

Questions about Fayette Gives can be directed to 724-437-8600 x203.

Book Vending Machine at Hatfield Elementary

Book Vending Machine at Hatfield Elementary

by | Mar 28, 2023 | Building a Stronger Fayette

 

The Community Foundation of Fayette County’s Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund awarded a grant to Hatfield Elementary School for a book vending machine. CFFC was happy to join students, faculty, and PTO members at the ribbon cutting on March 10, 2023. Students used tokens to select the first books from the vending machine.

 

“Students will have the opportunity to earn vending tokens based on the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) program. Now, all Hatfield students will have the opportunity to grow their own personal libraries, foster a love of reading, and improve test scores.” – Heidi Mears, Principal

 

The Arthur and Millicent Gabriel Legacy Fund awards grants for the puchase of reusable items to enhance classrooms, both for Laurel Highlands School District and Uniontown Area School District.

Educate Fayette Scholarship Fund

by | Mar 17, 2023 | CFFC News

The foundation created the Educate Fayette Scholarship Fund to award scholarships to students pursuing higher education. Donors who wish to support post-secondary students can contribute to this fund, as an alternative to creating a named scholarship fund. Donors will be recognized as Silver ($100 – $4,999), Gold ($5,000 – $14,999), and Platinum ($15,000 +) Sponsors.

You can donate by check or online through CFFC’s PayPal donation portal. If you have questions, please contact Renee M. Couser, CFFC Executive Director, at 724-437-8600 x1.