Bob and Betsy Roberts Establish New Fund at the ECCF
Recently a new Donor Advised Fund was established at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) by Bob and Betsy Roberts. This Fund was a birthday present to Bob, from his wife, Betsy. The Bob and Betsy Roberts Family Fund has been set up to help support the causes and organizations that are most important to them. “The Foundation is a great vehicle for supporting our community,” said Betsy. She went on to praise the Community Foundation’s ability to allow people with any amount of funds, large or small, to be able to provide support to the causes that are important them now and in the future. Much like a private foundation, but on a smaller scale, a donor advised fund at the Foundation allows donors to request annual grants or gifts to their favorite charity from their fund. Since the Foundation is recognized by the IRS as a 501 (c) (3), non profit, it also provides all the legal tax benefits.
Both Bob and Betsy were raised in St. Marys, though Betsy was born in Washington, DC, her family returned when she was very young. The couple received their education through the Catholic School system, graduating together in 1961 from St. Marys Catholic High School. Bob worked at the US Post Office in the area for over 30 years in several positions, including Postmaster for St. Marys and Ridgway. Betsy received her nursing degree from Duquesne University and worked for the PA Department of Health for 9 years. After taking a break to devote time to their children, Betsy returned to the field of nursing as the President/CEO of the Community Nurses, Inc. from where she retired, in 2004. Bob and Betsy have two children Jeffrey Roberts of Wilcox and Amy (Roberts) Smith of St. Marys and enjoy their two grandchildren Kirsten and Kayne.
The Roberts have always been involved in a variety of community affairs for years, serving countless hours in their community and with their favorite charities. Bob has served on City Council and in the past, was President of the St. Marys Parochial School Board and the St. Marys Church Parish Council. He is also an active member of the St. Marys Rotary Club and is currently holds leadership roles with the St. Marys Cemetery Board, Elk County Project Gifts for Kids and the St. Marys Catholic Church Building and Maintenance Committee.
Betsy has served as a board member of many organizations including: Andrew Kaul Memorial Hospital, Elk Regional Health Center, Elk Regional Health System, Community Nurses, PA Association of Home Health Agencies, and Visiting Nurses Association of PA. She was a founding member, and continues as a board member for the Community Education Council and for Elco Housing Inc. She is involved in the St. Marys Catholic Church as a member of the Adult Choir and serves on the parish Care and Concern Committee. Betsy is the current Treasurer of the St. Marys Christian Food Bank and plays an active role in this organization.
When asked about his opinion of their newly established Bob and Betsy Roberts Family Fund, Bob said, “Life has been good (to us) and I have always believed that the more you give the more you get.”
The Roberts’ have been involved with the Elk County Community Foundation in the past as advisors to the Charles and Doris Schloder Family Fund. This fund established a little over a year ago by Betsy and her bother John in honor of their parents. To learn more about establishing a fund or how anyone can support the good works the many organizations in the community contact Paula Fritz Eddy at the Elk County Community Foundation office by calling at 834-2125 or contacting them through their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.
