Archive for category: News Post

ST. MARYS, PA – What started as a group of friends with a shared love of cars has grown into something much bigger—a group committed to giving back to the community they call home.

The Elk County Cruisers Car Club recently awarded $3,400 in grants from the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund, held at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF). This year’s funding will benefit the St. Marys Airport Authority, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, St. Marys Public Library, Crystal Fire Department, and Christian Food Bank.

Founded in 2010 by a group of friends who love cars, the Elk County Cruisers have turned their hobby into an opportunity to make a difference throughout Elk County. Through car shows, cruise-ins, special events, and other activities, the group raises funds that are put right back into local organizations and community projects.

“The Elk County Cruisers are one of those groups I love to tell others about,” said Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation. “They are a true example of what community impact is all about. They came together because of something they love—their vehicles—and turned that passion into an opportunity to raise money and give back to Elk County. They have fun doing it, they bring people together, and our community benefits from their hard work and generosity.”

The Cruisers’ impact extends beyond their annual grantmaking. They have partnered with local organizations on community projects, including working with the St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail and American Legion Post #103 on the flagpole and veterans’ monument at Shawmut Park. They also helped make possible the installation of a United States Flag Retirement Receptacle in front of American Legion Post #103, providing a convenient and respectful place for the public to retire worn American flags.

In 2025, the Cruisers established a donor-advised fund at ECCF to build upon their charitable efforts and create another way to support local organizations and projects for years to come.

Throughout the year, members participate in car shows, cruise-ins, parades, and other events throughout the region. Their story is a testament to what can happen when people come together around something they enjoy and use that passion to make their community stronger.

Donations of any size to the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund are gratefully accepted and help the Cruisers continue supporting charitable organizations and projects throughout Elk County. Donations can be made online at www.elkcountyfoundation.org or mailed to the Elk County Community Foundation, PO Box 934, St. Marys, PA 15857.

The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a nonprofit organization that strives to strengthen the region through development, stewardship, and grantmaking while working with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals.

PHOTO: Representatives from local organizations receiving grants from the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund join members of the Elk County Cruisers for a check presentation. Crystal Fire Department: Jeff Smith, Brian Gallagher, Ken Weidow, Richard Gavazzi and Shawn Carlson; St. Marys Public Library: Leslie Swope; Christian Food Bank: Mary Ann Valentine; Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys: Joe Jacob; St. Marys Airport Authority: Seth Hall and Tim Ruffner; Elk County Cruisers: Joe Walker, Andy Hoy and Tim Robinson; and Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation.

The Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) is pleased to announce that the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund has awarded $19,066 in grants to support local organizations and projects benefiting residents of the Johnsonburg area.

The Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund was established in 2020 through the remaining assets from the sale of the Johnsonburg Community TV Company. Rather than allowing those assets to fade into history, they became the foundation of a permanent charitable fund dedicated to the Johnsonburg community. Today, the Fund provides grants to nonprofit organizations and community projects benefiting residents of the Johnsonburg Area School District.

This year, the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund awarded its full available grant distribution of $19,066 to six local organizations:

Guardian Angel Center – $2,500 for the Guardian Angel Center 2026–2027 school year

Helping Hands Food Pantry of Elk County – $3,871 for its Personal Care and Hygiene Assistance Program

Johnsonburg Chamber of Commerce – $2,500 for the Vendor Canopy Purchase Phase

Johnsonburg Community Center – $6,120 for its Heating Improvement Project

Johnsonburg Community Trust – $2,500 for the Johnsonburg Autumn Harvest Festival

Johnsonburg Fire Department – $1,575 for Milwaukee battery chargers

The Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund is guided by a local volunteer committee that helps identify community needs and recommends grants that strengthen Johnsonburg. Because the Fund is permanently endowed, its principal is invested and continues to generate funding for grants year after year.

As the Endowment grows, so does its ability to support the Johnsonburg community. Gifts from individuals, families, businesses, and organizations can help increase the amount available for future grants and build upon the original gift that established the Fund.

“Each year, the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund is able to support a wide variety of needs within the community,” said Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation. “This year’s grants are a great example of that—from helping families with basic necessities and supporting youth, to investing in community facilities, events, and our fire department. Every gift made to the Endowment helps us build on this impact and creates an even stronger resource for Johnsonburg’s future.”

Community members can become part of the Fund’s legacy through gifts of any size. One-time and monthly contributions, memorial or honorary gifts, estate or planned gifts, IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions, and gifts of appreciated stock are among the ways individuals can support the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund. Every contribution helps grow the Endowment and increases the funding available for future grants.

For more information about the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund, to make a contribution, or to learn about other grant opportunities, visit www.elkcountyfoundation.org or contact the Elk County Community Foundation at 814-834-2125.

The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a nonprofit grant-making organization dedicated to strengthening our region through development, stewardship, and grant making as donors achieve their philanthropic goals.

Photo: Photo: Representatives from the Johnsonburg Area Endowment Fund and this year’s grant recipient organizations gathered to celebrate $19,066 in grants awarded to six organizations serving the Johnsonburg community. Pictured from left are Scott Cherry, Rachel Kilhoffer, Al Maletto, Chris Kreckel, Kylie Maland, Barb Duffy, Kathy Herzing, Janice Carnovale, Tiffany Boschert, and Tony King.