Initial Stackpole-Hall funding sparks 20 years of growth

ECCF: 20 Years: celebrating our past ~ inspiring our future

This is the 2nd in a series of articles on the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) during its 20th anniversary year, highlighting its history and impact in the community

St. Marys, PA, February 25, 2020:

In 2000 a group of community leaders made a decision that would impact our communities for years to come. After 18 months of discussion, and a brief affiliation with the Erie Community Foundation, the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF) received its designation as a 50lc3 organization. The foundation embarked on its mission with a

$50,000 investment from The Stackpole-Hall Foundation for each of three years to fund its start-up operations. ECCF’s first Board of Directors then began the work of building this charitable organization that would invest over  $5 million into community projects over the next two decades.

Richard Masson became the first board president, working alongside the board’s twelve additional members in creating the framework for the foundation’s growth and success. Future board presidents would include Bea Terbovich, Charlie Constable, Judith Manno Stager, Dan Straub, Don Vallone, Jake Meyer, Gennaro Aiello, and current board president, Tom Jesberger, all of whom served to develop its vision and build on the momentum of those who served before them. These officers along with many talented individual board members with unique backgrounds and diverse experience have been a great asset to the Community Foundation over the years.

Martha Engel was appointed as the first Executive Director to oversee the business of the foundation. She served in this capacity until 2005 when Paula Fritz Eddy took over the director position, which she currently holds today. These women have been responsible for overseeing the administration, programs and strategic plan of the organization.

The Elk County Development Fund and the Benn Goodrich Fund were the initial funds that came into the Elk County Community Foundation. When the old Elk County Development Foundation dissolved, their dollars were turned over to the Elk County Community Foundation and became the Elk County Development Fund. The Benn Goodrich Fund was established in memory of Mr. Goodrich, the first chairman of the Stackpole Hall Foundation Board of Directors. ECCF now administers a total of 170 funds. “Our foundation gratefully acknowledges the Stackpole-Hall Foundation for not only their financial support but also for their guidance and leadership that made the Elk County Community Foundation a reality”, stated Paula Fritz Eddy, ECCF Executive Director.

A community foundation is a vehicle for people of all means to make a lasting difference in their community. The Elk County Community Foundation administers funds of all sizes, providing a simple, powerful and personal approach to giving. For 20 years ECCF has played a key role in identifying opportunities and supporting programs that solve community problems. Through the years the foundation has been supported by donors who established charitable funds or donated to existing funds. Hundreds of grants for community projects and scholarships for students have been awarded. The vision of the founders of the Foundation has truly impacted the lives of thousands of our area residents.

For more information on the Elk County Community Foundation, call 834-2125 or visit their website at www.elkcountyfoundation.org.