We are incredibly proud to share Tyler Bender’s inspiring journey. In 2023, the Elk County Community Foundation awarded Tyler the McGrady Family Scholarship for the Emergency Medicine Paramedic Program.
Fast forward to today: Tyler took that opportunity and ran with it—literally! He is now the founder and driving force behind Bender Safety & Training Corporation.
Want to see how a single scholarship can spark an entire career of impact? Click here to tune in to our latest Scholarship Spotlight and hear Tyler’s story firsthand!
Although Mary Kathryn (Kathy) Farrell grew up in many places throughout the United States, St. Marys, Pennsylvania, was the one place she always considered home. As a member of the Kosco family, Kathy treasured living close to her many relatives and enjoyed spending time with them, often sharing her love of baking with those around her.
Kathy deeply appreciated the Elk County community and all that made it special. From the simple joy of visiting yard sales to taking in the area’s natural beauty, she found happiness in the people, places, and experiences that made St. Marys feel like home.
Throughout her life, Kathy believed in giving back and helping others. The Mary Kathryn (Kathy) Farrell Memorial Donor Advised Fund was established in her memory to honor that spirit of generosity and continue her legacy of kindness and compassion. Through this fund, her love for the community and her commitment to helping others will continue to make a meaningful difference for years to come.
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-10-27 11:20:532026-10-27 11:20:56Mary Kathryn Farrell Memorial Donor Advised Fund
The Elk County Community Foundation is pleased to share the continued impact of the James and Gloria Straub Pinecrest Manor Activities Fund, established in memory of James and Gloria Straub. The fund provides ongoing support to Penn-Highlands Pinecrest Manor’s Activities Department, helping deliver programs, experiences, and resources that promote residents’ happiness, engagement, and overall well-being throughout the facility.
Gloria Straub volunteered at Pinecrest Manor, where she enjoyed spending time with residents and supporting the Activities Department. In honor of James and Gloria, their family established a fund at the Elk County Community Foundation to continue supporting something that was meaningful to Gloria during her lifetime.
Today, that legacy continues through funding for activities, equipment, and supplies that enrich the lives of Pinecrest Manor residents.
Recent purchases supported by the fund include games that provide opportunities for recreation, socialization, and group engagement; a stereo system for music-based activities; art supplies to encourage creativity; and fidget boards for sensory engagement. The fund also supported the purchase of a laptop, an iPad, and a protective case, allowing residents to stay connected with family and friends through video calls, messaging, and other forms of communication. For residents whose loved ones live farther away or can’t visit often, these opportunities for connection can be especially meaningful.
While some of these purchases may seem small, their impact can be significant. A game shared with friends, a favorite song, an afternoon of creativity, or a video call with a loved one can bring joy, comfort, and connection to a resident’s day. These everyday experiences play an important role in maintaining a positive quality of life.
Megan Bolden, Administrator of Penn-Highlands Pinecrest Manor, and Julie Taylor, Activities Director, understand firsthand the interests and needs of the residents they serve. Through daily interactions, they see what brings residents joy, keeps them engaged, and supports their overall well-being. The James and Gloria Straub Pinecrest Manor Activities Fund helps them identify and support activities, programs, and resources that benefit residents throughout the facility, while also giving the Activities Department staff the tools they need to keep offering meaningful experiences.
“Funds like the James and Gloria Straub Pinecrest Manor Activities Fund are such a meaningful example of why people choose to establish a fund at the Community Foundation,” said Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation. “When someone has a passion for an organization or program, establishing a fund allows that support to continue long after they are no longer here. Gloria loved spending time at Pinecrest Manor, and now her family can continue supporting something that meant so much to her. It’s also important to recognize the staff who work every day to create these experiences for residents. Providing them with the resources they need helps them continue doing what they do best.”
The James and Gloria Straub Pinecrest Manor Activities Fund shows how a family’s generosity can create a lasting impact. Through the fund, James and Gloria’s family continues to honor their memory while helping Pinecrest Manor provide activities and experiences that bring residents enjoyment, comfort, and connection for years to come.
The Elk County Community Foundation works with individuals and families to establish charitable funds that support the organizations, programs, and causes that matter most to them, allowing their generosity to continue making a difference in the community.
For more information about the Elk County Community Foundation, please contact Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director, at 814-834-2125 or eccf@elkcountyfoundation.org.
Pictured: Megan Bolden, Pinecrest Administrator; Tiffany Boschert, ECCF Director; Julie Taylor, Pinecrest Activity Director; Residents: Rose MccLarin and Hugh Gillen.
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-10-21 10:55:412026-10-21 10:55:45James and Gloria Straub Penn-Highlands Elk Pinecrest Manor Activities Fund Continues a Legacy of Caring and Giving
Women Who Care held its annual fall business meeting last evening at the Johnsonburg Fire Hall, bringing together more than 130 members to review and vote on local grant applications. The landmark event celebrated a massive milestone: $500,000 raised since the organization’s inception, with $50,000 awarded in grants this year alone to uplift the local community.
The following organizations were named recipients of the Women Who Care 2026 grants:
The evening also featured the “Donor for a Day” drawing. Congratulations to Debbie Blessler, Anna Kreckel, Judy Allegretto, and Carol Dale, who were selected for this honor. Each individual will select a local non-profit to receive a $500 gift.
Women Who Care extends its deepest gratitude to all members whose dedication and contributions make this community impact possible. Special thanks go to Beth Constable and the volunteers at the Johnsonburg Fire Department for providing a delicious meal, and to Connie Crawford for making the celebratory cake for this historic milestone.
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-10-16 09:09:402026-10-16 09:13:56Women Who Care Crosses $500,000 Milestone with $50,000 in New Local Grants
The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) recently partnered with local industry experts to help area seniors and their families navigate the complexities of long-term planning. On October 5, ECCF representatives joined professionals from Gimbrone Insurance Services, Stifel, Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home, and Lynch-Green Funeral Home for a comprehensive “Planning Ahead” seminar.
Hosted by Jennifer Bish at Elk Haven Nursing Home and Silver Creek, the informative community event provided vital guidance for senior citizens, families, and caregivers. Attendees received practical advice on balancing health plans, managing retirement finances, and structuring robust estate plans.
Incorporate Giving into Your Legacy Securing your future also offers a powerful opportunity to support the community you love. If you would like more information on establishing a charitable fund through your estate plan, will, trust, IRA, or other beneficiary designations, please reach out to the Elk County Community Foundation at 814-834-2125 or visit the official Elk County Community Foundation Facebook Page to learn more about our ongoing community initiatives.
https://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svg00Jessica Fritzhttps://elkcountyfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/logo-1.svgJessica Fritz2026-10-09 13:30:122026-10-09 13:30:14ECCF Partners with Local Experts for “Planning Ahead” Senior Seminar
Want to see how a single scholarship can spark an entire career of impact? Click here to tune in to our latest Scholarship Spotlight and hear Tyler’s story firsthand!
