New Fund Established to Support Catholic Education

The Elk County Community Foundation recently met with two family members of Harold C. Lenze to finalize the creation of a new Fund at the Foundation. The Harold C. and Marguerite M. Lenze Tuition Assistance Fund for the St. Marys Catholic Elementary and Middle Schools(SMCEMS) will provide tuition assistance for families in need regardless of income.

Both Harold and Marguerite “Midge” have been long time supporters of Catholic education in our community. Harold made provisions in his estate plans to provide funding for this purpose. They chose to come to the Elk County Community Foundation to ensure that funds will be available to the schools for tuition assistance for generations to come. Shortly after Harold passed away in June, the Foundation was notified of his gift.

“Harold was a planner with his head and a giver with his heart” said his wife, Midge. She went on to explain how he achieved balance in his giving, both with his head and his heart, to ensure his dollars were used wisely.

Mary Agnes Marshall and Mary Meyer, the supervising principal and advancement director of SMCEMS respectively, Paula Fritz Eddy, the Foundation’s executive director, and Harold’s niece Janet VanEerden joined Midge at the Village Peddler to celebrate this generous gift.

Mary Agnes commented on the donation, “Harold’s gift to the Foundation complements our endowed funds to help ensure there will always be Catholic education in St. Marys. More tuition assistance means more help for our families. Words cannot adequately express our schools’ appreciation for Harold’s contribution.” Mary also commented, “We have always been very grateful to Harold and Midge for their generosity to our schools over the years. For Harold to leave a final, significant gift through his estate is heartwarming.”

The mission of the Elk County Community Foundation is to strengthen our region through development, stewardship and grant making as donors achieve their philanthropic goals. Its vision is to connect people who care with causes that matter. The Foundation assists donors who have an interest in starting a fund to benefit nearly any charitable organization or cause that they have a vested interest in, whether as a named fund or in the memory of a deceased family member or friend. The Harold C. and Marguerite M. Lenze Tuition Assistance Fund for the St. Marys Catholic Elementary and Middle Schools is one of 69 different funds the Foundation manages. Interested parties are encouraged to contact Paula at the Foundation for more information either by calling 814-834-2125 or visiting its new website at www.elkcountyfoundation.com.
Pictured from L to R

Sitting Janet VanEerden, Midge Lenze and Paula Fritz Eddy

Standing are Mary Agnes Marshall and Mary Meyer