WWC Donor for a Day winners award grants to local organizations

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Women Who Care new members recently won the opportunity to award special granting dollars to two local nonprofits. Cly Horning, on left, accepts a $250 grant for the Guardian Angel Center from Sue McDonough, WWC member. Leslie Swope from St. Marys Library, far right, accepts a $250 check from Sharon Barbazenni, WWC member. In second photo: Hailey’s Reading Program at Floyd Fritz Elementary School was chosen to receive a $500 grant from WWC member, Jackie Candalor, far right. Receiving the grant from left, Marcia Raubenstraugh, Avary Nida, and Emmalyn Nida representing Hailey’s Reading Program.

Members of Women Who Care, a project of the Elk County Community Foundation, have the opportunity to qualify each year for the chance to award a special Donor-for-a-Day grant to a nonprofit organization of their choice.

Four lucky members were able to award granting dollars to a favorite organization during the WWC holiday membership drive. Renewing members, Joan Holjencin and Jackie Candalor awarded their $500 winnings to Holy Rosary Parish and Hailey’s Reading Program at Floyd Fretz Elementary School, respectively. New members gave $250 to their charity of choice. Sharon Barbazzeni chose to give her $250 winnings to the St. Marys Public Library, while Sue McDonough presented $250 to the Guardian Angel Center. Women Who Care has given $344,500 to area non-profits since 2010.

Women Who Care brings women from diverse backgrounds together to combine their philanthropic donations and strengthen the Elk County community through the power of collective giving. Close to 225 women make up the membership of Women Who Care. WWC is looking to grow its membership to make an even greater impact in the Elk County area. All area women are encouraged to consider joining WWC. For a minimal donation, you can make a difference for our communities. Find out all about Women Who Care on our website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org.

The Community Foundation is The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in our geographic area by working with philanthropic donors to help them meet their charitable goals. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.

Scholarship at ECCF honors the memory of Hailey Matheson

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Hailey Mae Matheson of Ridgway will be remembered in a special way through the Hailey Matheson Memorial Scholarship Fund established at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) by her parents, Chris and Ali Matheson. Hailey passed away in 2020 at the young age of eight, surrounded by her loving family at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Hailey was a second grader at Francis Grandinetti Elementary School. She was a Girl Scout who also enjoyed horseback riding. She could often be found singing and dancing and touched the lives of anyone she met. With a smile that could light up a room, Hailey was a kind, sweet child who will be remembered for her ability to make anyone’s day brighter. Hailey’s contagious smile and laughter were unforgettable to anyone that knew her and she had the carefree ability to find adventure in the ordinary. A beacon of hope and life will continue to shine, as Hailey gave the gift of life in her final days by being an organ donor.

The Hailey Matheson Memorial Scholarship will award $250 to a graduating senior from any Elk County high school who is a permanent resident in Elk County. The student must be pursuing a post-secondary education, a certificate, or a 2 or 4-year degree. Donations to help build the fund are always welcome. To make a donation go to the Foundation website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org and click on the “Donate Now” button, or call the Foundation.

The Community Foundation is one of 40 statewide partners with PATH (Partners for Access to Higher Education). Students who receive a scholarship award from the Community Foundation may qualify for matching dollars through PHEAA and the PATH program if they attend a PA school. In 2022, 58 students received a total of nearly $75,000 in matching funds through ECCF.

The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in our geographic area by working with philanthropic donors to help them meet their charitable goals. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.

New scholarship at ECCF honors the memory of John & Bette Wachob

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John and Bette Wachob were life-long Johnsonburg residents and active community members. The Elk County Community Foundation is pleased to announce The John and Betty Wachob Scholarship Fund established in their memory by their family. This scholarship will award $1000 annually to a graduating senior from Johnsonburg Area High School pursuing a teaching, education, or healthcare degree.

John and Bette were both graduates of Johnsonburg Area High School and cared deeply about the school and town they lived in for their entire life. They believed in Johnsonburg and valued the education they, and their family, received in the Johnsonburg Area schools.

Bette worked for many years at the Elk County General Hospital and the St. Mary’s Area School District as the Cafeteria, Food Service Director. She was a member of the Democratic Women, Lady Elks and an avid bingo player.

John was a World War II Army veteran and active with a variety of organizations in town, but most notably, was a founding officer of the Johnsonburg Knothole Association, Johnsonburg Lions Club, and the Biddy Basketball Program and started the Green Hornets grade school basketball team. John was a local businessman, sports enthusiast, and in his retirement years a longtime school bus driver.

Community Foundation is one of 40 statewide partners with PATH (Partners for Access to Higher Education). Students who receive a scholarship award from the Community Foundation may qualify for matching dollars through PHEAA and the PATH program if they attend a PA school. In 2022, 58 students received a total of nearly $75,000 in matching funds through ECCF.

The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in our geographic area by working with philanthropic donors to help them meet their charitable goals. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.

Students: apply now through March 7 for scholarships

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Students can apply now for scholarships: deadline is March 7

Over 170 scholarship opportunities are available to area students who are attending colleges, universities or vocational schools.Students can apply for the scholarships through the Elk Community Foundation (ECCF) and the McKean County Community Foundation (MCCF), who are both affiliates of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies. The deadline for the submission of their online applications is March 7. 

Students can access applications on the Foundation websites: www.elkcountyfoundation.org for ECCF and www.mckeancountyfoundation.org for MCCF. Students should go to the “Scholarships/Information for Students” section on the website that gives detailed information on the wide variety of scholarships available. Here they can begin the application process through an online portal. There are opportunities for everyone who is attending a post-secondary education or vocational school, including non-traditional students.

Students will create an account on the online portal where they will take an eligibility quiz that will automatically match them to all the scholarships that are available to them based on the criteria they enter. Each student will then fill out applications online. Students can easily upload letters of reference and transcripts to their applications. Applications can be worked on, saved, and then completed at a later time. Students are able to track the status of each application. The online program will keep applicants on track with their scholarship reporting requirements with automated email reminders and online reporting forms.l

Between Elk and McKean County there have been 15 new scholarship funds added just this year. Donors established these scholarships in memory of, in honor of, or on behalf of groups or individuals who believe in the power of education and want to help local students.

The Community Foundation is one of 40 statewide partners with PATH (Partners for Access to Higher Education). Students who receive a scholarship award from the Community Foundation may qualify for matching dollars through PHEAA and the PATH program if they attend a PA school. In 2022, 58 students received a total of nearly $75,000 in matching funds.

Visit our websites to see what is available. For further details, contact your guidance counselor or the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125 or 1-844-238-2289.

Blumle Nursing Scholarship established at ECCF

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The Elk County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Judy Enstrom Blumle Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarship is now available to a graduating senior from Cameron County High School who is pursuing a degree in nursing. Her family and friends wish to honor her educational commitment by endowing a scholarship in her honor to assist many students over time in furthering their education in the Nursing field.

Students can apply for the Blumle scholarship on the Foundation website: www.elkcountyfoundation.org. For detailed information go to the “Scholarships/Information for Students” section and click on the last green button for “Schools located in these Counties or School Districts”. Here they can begin the application process by accessing the Foundation’s online portal. Students will create an account on the online portal and follow the instructions to complete their application.

Judith (Judy) Enstrom Blumle passed away in 2021. Though often soft-spoken, Judy had a strong will and personality and put a high value on education. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from Muskingum College in 1961 and later moved with her husband in 1976 to Emporium, PA. She was very committed to her family, friends, and to the town of Emporium. For many years, Judy worked as her husband’s (Dr. Charles A. Blumle – “Chuck”) partner in his dental practice. Over her years in Emporium, she volunteered locally throughout the community.

The Blumle scholarship will award $1,000 to a high school senior from Cameron County High School who is pursuing a post-secondary degree in nursing or a nursing certificate, is active in school and community, and demonstrates need. Students who receive a scholarship award from the Community Foundation may also qualify for matching dollars through PHEAA and the PATH program if they attend a PA school.

The Elk County Community Foundation is a non-profit grant-making organization dedicated to improving the lives of people in our geographic area by working with philanthropic donors to help them meet their charitable goals. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.