The Funds of The Luzerne Foundation

The 2U Fund has been created so that children from families without means in Luzerne County can have a happy birthday. Not only does 2U provide funds for children from low income families, it encourages other children to participate in philanthropy by foregoing some birthday gifts so that other children can receive them.

This fund was established as a means for the organization to coordinate and facilitate their regional philanthropy. Grants will be awarded in support of a variety of areas including the health and wellness of seniors in the community.

This Fund was established in 2003 by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects to provide funds to underwrite the costs of a guest speaker to address the members of the NEPA Chapter of the AIA, as well as other interested people and organizations, on the subject of Architecture.

This Fund was established in 2003 by the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects to build an endowment and provide scholarships to worthy and qualified college students from Northeastern Pennsylvania to pursue the study of architecture. Since 2007, the Fund has awarded scholarships to students attending Schools of Architecture at MIT, Philadelphia University and Temple University.

Through the Rose Tucker YouAreYou Program, The Athena Fund makes it possible for 10th grade girls in Luzerne County to partake in a day of investigation, inspiration and image building. Throughout the day, these young women will attend session with professional presenters on self-image, peer pressure, careers and choices about drugs, alcohol and sex. The goal is to provide young women with the tools they need to be strong, secure and proud of being themselves.

On October 12, 1926, the great New York Yankee Slugger, George Herman "Babe" Ruth, visited Wilkes-Barre and participated in an exhibition game in Artillery Park. Ruth hit a pitched ball home run that was determined by a baseball historian to have traveled in excess of 600 feet making it the longest ball hit by a batter in competitive baseball history. The ball landed in Kirby Park. The intent of this "cause" is to raise funding for up to a "two-fold" commemoration of this truly "superhuman feat." We envision a plaque in Artillery Field in Kingston, where the ball was hit, and an information kiosk in Kirby Park somewhere within the vicinity of the approximate site where the ball landed.

This fund was established by Charles and Denny Barber to support a wide variety of organization throughout the regions and to teach charity, sharing and caring to their sons.

Established by the Bear Creek Historical Society, this Fund originated from excess funds raised for the rebuilding of the Bear Creek Dam and will now be used to help maintain, preserve and enhance this historic landmark.

The Leanne Bedwick Scholarship Fund was established in 1996 following the death of Leanne from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Like Leanne, the scholarship recipient must be motivated to reach his or her fullest potential, have been raised in a single-parent home, and have financial need. Graduates of Meyers High School are eligible.

This organizational endowment Fund was created in 2006 to help preserve and maintain the Constance L. Bell Library at the Ethel Walker School in Simsbury, CT. The Ethel Walker School, founded in 1911, is an independent, college preparatory boarding and day school for girls in grades 6 through 12.

This Fund was established to preserve the legacy of the Bell Family and support a wide variety of causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania, regionally and nationally.

The Luzerne Products/Stuart Bell Donor Advised Fund was created by the Bell family and the directors of Luzerne Products. The Fund was created so that the family and corporation could give back to the community that helped them build a successful business.

“ A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned.” Benjamin Franklin’s legacy lives on in Luzerne County through The Luzerne Foundation. In his will, Franklin directed that after 200 years, half of the accumulated funds of his estate go to the State of Pennsylvania to be used for whatever the public officials felt was necessary. The State Legislature split the money among most of the community foundations across the state. The Luzerne Foundation’s $30,000 “Ben Franklin Trust” predominately benefits young people and educational programs within the county. Among those he has touched include the Lands at Hillside Farms, North Penn Legal Services, and the Hoyt Library.

Established by Frank and Carol Bevevino and their children, John and Renee Bevevino, Tom and Karen Bevevino, and Mike and Margaret Cramton, this fund supports a wide variety of causes and organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania and teaches philanthropy and community participation to successive generations.

Family and friends established this Fund in memory of Lisa Blaum, a dedicated teacher and community-minded spirit, and member of the faculty of G.A.R. High School. Grants are awarded to preserve her legacy of support to those qualified G.A.R. graduating senior(s) who best exemplify Lisa’s belief in “excellence over adversity.”

This Fund was established by Thelma K. and Samuel Bosch to assist a graduating senior from Wilkes University who has majored in English or Humanities to assist with advanced graduate education or to pay outstanding educational expenses.

The purpose of The Brass Ring Fund is to raise contributions and awareness to acquire an important local historic icon, the 1909 Carousel formerly at Harvey’s Lake, Pennsylvania. The Fund will help ensure that future generations will enjoy the carousel’s artistic, recreational and historic values as a piece of Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania history.

This Fund was named in honor of Daylene Burnside, the first Executive Director of The Luzerne Foundation, serving from its inception in 1994 through June 2000. Daylene continues to be an active participant as a board member and on numerous committees. This administrative Fund helps to defray the operational expenses of The Foundation such as employee expenses, phone, rent, postage, etc. The intent of this Fund is to allow The Foundation to be as self-sustaining as possible, with cost-effective financial management, administration, tax reporting and audits for those funds established within The Foundation. This Fund is available to maximize the quality and efficiency of philanthropy to maximize the good for the community. All distributions from the Administrative Endowment Fund are used to defray operational expenses of The Foundation.

This fund was established by Joe and Jeanne Butcher to continue the Butcher Family charitable legacy and provide continued support to various organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This Fund, established by the Hazleton Area School District, is designed to help preserve the structure known as The Castle. By restoring The Castle Auditorium, supporters of The Castle Auditorium Fund will address and/or enhance several elements of a healthy community through its programs and services: arts and culture, education, historic preservation, and improving the neighborhood and community. There are few community efforts that can touch so many aspects of a community in such a profound manner.

Celebrity Luncheon is a program established in 1994 to enrich and enhance the cultural life of our community. The program brings four nationally recognized speakers to the area each year. The Fund was established from program proceeds. Grants support education, environmental preservation, economic development, and encouragement of the arts in the Wilkes-Barre, Scranton and Hazleton areas.

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye." The Little Prince

Robert J. Clark, Jr., an English educator for 32 years lived his secret as did his many students. His influence has led so many to realize that this lesson in life lives within each of us. Ken and Anne Krogulski of Dallas established this Fund in Robert's memory to provide scholarship assistance to a worthy student in the "Women with Children" program at Misericordia University who will continue to "gift this world" with a commitment to learning.

The 1LT Michael J. Cleary Memorial Fund will make it possible for his loving family and friends to honor the memory of and advance causes in the community that he believed in and supported. The Dallas native and First Lieutenant was killed in Iraq on December 20, 2005 in an ambush by hostile forces having just completed a demolitions mission. Throughout his life, Michael believed in doing his best and working hard for what he believed in.

The 1LT Michael J. Cleary Scholarship Fund will make it possible for his loving family and friends to honor Mike's memory. The Fund provides a scholarship to benefit a senior at Dallas Senior High School who shows the leadership and humanitarian characteristics that made Michael so special. The Dallas native and First Lieutenant was killed in Iraq on December 20, 2005 in an ambush by hostile forces having just completed a demolitions mission.

The Fund will support the efforts, programs and services of the member organizations of The Coalition on Autism. The Coalition was formed to heighten the awareness of Autism, to enhance the coordination between all existing services and agencies and to bring the community together to benefit children with Autism.

The Concerned Parents of Hazleton Fund was established in 2008, but their impact in the community is already strong and growing. They are an advocacy group dedicated to providing pathways for success through educational access for students and families in the Hazleton area for whom language is a barrier.

The Fund was established to support the values and principles of Unitarian Universalism.

The James Cortegerone Memorial Scholarship Fund was created in 1995 by James, Lorraine and Therese Cortegerone to perpetuate the memory of their son and brother, Jimmy, who died at the age of fourteen. This Fund supports Catholic education and Catholic causes throughout Luzerne County.

This Fund was established by Ray and Ann Crisci to support various organizations in Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This Fund was started by the Board of Directors of the Children’s Service Center in recognition of Joe DeVizia for his many years of service and leadership to the organization and the community,

The Cultural Council of Luzerne County is the local arts agency working to promote awareness of and provide support services to arts, cultural and related educational programs in Luzerne County The Cultural Council is a nonprofit arts advocacy organization that functions as an umbrella agency in support of individuals and arts organizations in our region. The Council programs regional public projects, educational programs, and also represents a unified voice for the arts in the community at large.

Charles E. Parente, his family and friends, established this endowment Fund to assist qualified charities that support underprivileged youth in Luzerne County, most notably the Catholic Youth Center (CYC) in Wilkes-Barre.

This Fund was established by Dorothy Darte-Darling to continue the Darte Family charitable legacy and provide continued support to various organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Established by Judith Dawe’s family and friends in honor of her 80th birthday, this Fund celebrates her passion and support of community programs in Northeastern Pennsylvania, especially those in the area of local historical education.

This Fund was established in honor and memory of Peter Degnan by his wife, family and friends to perpetuate his legacy as a teacher, performer, and choreographer in the art of classical ballet and contemporary dance. Grants will be awarded to deserving dance students at the Degnan Ballet Center and, especially, to promising young artists who attain membership in Ballet Northeast, the Wyoming Valley's premier youth ballet performing company.

The 1st LT Jeffrey F. DePrimo Memorial Fund was established by his family and friends to support Jeff’s many interests in life and will ensure that Jeff’s spirit will remain alive and vibrant among us. Jeff laid down his life for us on May 20, 2008 while serving in Afghanistan. Although Jeffrey gave the ultimate sacrifice that day, his life is a testament to the core values and beliefs that essentially embody our community.

The Scholarship Fund was established by Jeffrey's family and friends to honor his memory by awarding a scholarship annually to a student attending Pittston Area High School, Wyoming Area High School or a student residing in either of these two school districts but attending Holy Redeemer High School. Jeff laid down his life for us on May 20, 2008 while serving in Afghanistan.

This Fund established by the friends and family of a stellar athlete and coach, Daniel J. Distasio, to recognize a graduating senior from Crestwood School District and his alma mater Greater Nanticoke Area School District who exemplify the values of sportsmanship, motivation, dedication and perseverance in the classroom and on the playing field. Distasio, who during his 12 years as coach lead the Nanticoke Football Team to four Wyoming Valley Conference Championships, and a District 2 Championship in 1977, was named Coach of the Year in 1967 and 1977.

The District A Fund was created to support efforts toward improving the quality of life for the residents and citizens of the City of Wilkes-Barre. Together with the Luzerne Foundation and the commitment of dedicated volunteers, funds are being raised to maintain, repair and improve the existing municipal and community facilities throughout the District, as well as to enhance the safety and security for all residents. By identifying and prioritizing projects within the District, the Fund will provide necessary services that Wilkes-Barre City tax revenue cannot.

The Diversity Partnership Fund was established through a matching grant from the National Founders for Lesbian and Gay Issues to encourage charitable giving and endowment building to serve the LGBT community in Northeastern Pennsylvania based on a comprehensive needs assessment.

Local friends and family members of persons with Down Syndrome established this Fund. Awards will be given to causes and programs that support the needs of families with Down Syndrome.

The Earthly Angels Autism Fund was created by Ron and Brenda D’Eliseo to honor their son, Robert, who has Autism. The Fund’s mission is to proactively increase Autism awareness; provide funding nto qualified nonprofit organizations for Autistic services; support programs and education; and to bring hope to those families who deal with the hardships of this disorder.

This fund was made possible by contributions from family and friends of clients of Erwine Home Health and Hospice, Kingston, PA in appreciation for the excellent care and compassion provided to family and loved ones by the dedicated staff of Erwine's.

This Fund was established in honor of Barbara Evans, a beloved teacher and guidance counselor at Lake Lehman School District, who lost a valiant ten year battle with cancer in 2003. A scholarship is given annually to a Lake Lehman senior who has overcome adversity and hardship. Also, the Barbara Evans Award for Outstanding Character is given annually to an eighth grade student, nominated by Lake Lehman faculty and staff.

The primary purpose of the Fund shall be to focus upon, but not be limited to, fostering education, research, public awareness, screenings and all other appropriate measures to strive toward the prevention of blindness. In addition, Eye Care Specialists recognizes the importance of promoting the health, wellness and safety of our community and assisting those programs and services, agencies and organizations that improve the public good.

Attorney Jerome Facher established this Fund in honor of his brother, Herbert, a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre. A scholarship is awarded each year to a deserving Meyers student who shows Herbert’s characteristics of outstanding contribution to school, community and family.

First Night is an alcohol-free, family-friendly community celebration of the New Year through the Arts and is celebrated in over 100 communities in the United States, Canada and Australia. Between 2,000 and 4,000 people have attended each of our previous events and responses from attendees continue to be very positive. A significant portion of the sponsorship support for First Night Hazleton is made possible through its partnership with The Luzerne Foundation.

Established by Rusty and Kathi Flack, Hal and Jean Flack, Janet Flack, and their mother Joan Flack Nusbaum, this Fund is dedicated to continue the Flack Family legacy of support to a multitude of charitable causes throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania and to teach subsequent generations about the importance of giving back to their community.

This Fund was established by Sidney, Pauly and Rob Friedman, and Anne Friedman Glauber to continue the Friedman Family charitable legacy and provide continued support to various organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The Generation to Generation Fund exists to enrich lives through inter-generational sharing by: Crating opportunities for person of all ages to share time, conversations, values and fun together through meaningful activities; encouraging young persons to learn from seniors generations, to benefit from their experience, wisdom and knowledge and to celebrate their accomplishments; helping young people assist our seniors to remain active and to sustain the valuable influence and positive impact they have had on others; enriching and complementing the inter-generation programs and activities of local institutions by utilizing the talents and skills of the young and our seniors; and seeking to develop a model that can be helpful to other communities with a similar mission.

The G.A.R. Blue-Gray Fund was established to equip and maintain a state-of-the-art fitness center to support all athletic programs and the general student population at G.A.R. High School.

This Fund was established by Gus and Val Genetti to build and maintain their family legacy of great hospitality and warmth with service to the community.

This Fund was established to support the maintenance and preservation of the Georgetown Settlement Camp, which is under the care of Wilkes-Barre Township.

Steven P. Geraci - "To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you into something else is the greatest accomplishment."

Paul W. Penkala - "Everyone is a hero if you if you catch us at the right time."

This Fund was established by family and friends of Steven P. Geraci and Paul W. Penkala who died in an automobile accident in September 2008. This scholarship benefits deserving Hazleton Area High School students.

This fund was established to support the important programs and causes within our community, including but not limited to the poor, indigent, homeless, abused and blind.

This Fund was established in honor of the All-State athlete from G.A.R. High School who went on to become one of the most respected high school football coaches of his time. Gorham served as an educator, principal, football coach and athletic director at Meyers High School during a career that spanned 35 years. The Fund will help recognize his ability to challenge students to “soar beyond themselves” and give their all to whatever they do.

The Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Fund provides assistance and support to various programs, services and agencies that assist grandparents who have the responsibility of raising their grandchildren.

The Health Fund of The Luzerne Foundation grew out of a collaboration effort by area hospitals and health care providers to improve the health of persons in our broad community.

Dr. Stephen Heater was the founder of the Occupational Therapy program at Misericordia Universitiy and is recognized as a true forerunner in the profession. This Fund was established to preserve his legacy educational advancement and support of OT programs and studies at Misericordia University.

Frank M. Henry and family established this Fund to support various causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania, most notably the Wilkes-Barre YMCA.

Established by Michael and Kathleen Hirthler to support various causes and interests in Northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly areas involving underprivileged children.

His Resting Place Maternity Home in Exeter was established to meet the needs of homeless pregnant women in Luzerne County. The faith-based home receives no government funding and is largely run by a dedicated staff of community volunteers who provide a nurturing environment for mothers, education classes, support groups and a bridge to a better future. His Resting Place provides counseling and support services to mothers and babies for one year after they leave the home. Staff is involved with adoption advocacy and prevention programs to decrease crisis pregnancies.

The Historic & Landscape Preservation Fund provides funding and grants to support activities within this field of interest. This Fund is specially dedicated to historic and landscape preservation within the entire county.

This Donor Advised Fund was made possible by contributions of family and friends of clients of Hospice Community Care, Kingston, PA in thanks and appreciation for the hospice care of family and loved ones. Grants go to a variety of organizations, particularly those which deal with the health and well being of the youth of Luzerne County.

Established in 2005 by Attorney Joseph A. Quinn and the law firm of Hourigan, Kluger & Quinn, PC, the foundation, also known as HKQ Kids, promotes a safer future for children in Northeastern Pennsylvania through educational outreach and public awareness programs.

This Fund was established to support programs that preserve, maintain and develop the historic past of the Huber Breaker in Ashley, PA.

The Alan Finlay Humford Equities Fund was created to support various nonprofit organizations and charitable causes throughout our region.

Founded February 2009, Hunts for Healing was created to establish a fund to sponsor wounded soldiers returning from military missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, and veterans who have successfully completed the Wounded Warrior Program at the Military Advanced Training Center, Walter Reed Army Medical Center; allowing them to participate in outdoor programs including, but not limited to, hunter safety, clay target shooting, pheasant, upland and small game hunting, fishing and camping.

This Fund was established by Lita and Leonard Insalaco to continue the Insalaco Family legacy and provide charitable support to organizations across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Junior Achievement of Northeastern Pennsylvania, Inc. (JA) was created in 1968 to provide students in kindergarten through Grade 12 a better understanding of the worlds of business and economics. The Junior Achievement Endowment Fund is designed to ensure that students in Northeastern Pennsylvania will have the opportunity to participate in JA’s hands-on learning programs, now and into the future.

This is an endowed Fund that will increase the financial resources available to support the mission of the Junior League of Wilkes-Barre. The mission is accomplished through assessing and responding to emerging and ever changing community needs and by training League members to be leaders in the community.

This Fund was established by Mary Ann's children and friends in honor and loving memory of a woman with an unforgettable personality, a spark for life and a generous heart. Mary Ann grew up in Dupont, a community she loved. She attended the local schools and completed one year of study at Marywood College. There was not money for her to continue her education. Due to this disappointment, she always had a soft spot for those who have to make similar decisions. This scholarship is awarded annually to a hard-working student residing in Dupont, Pittston Area who has plans to enroll in a two or four year college/university.

This Fund was established to support a variety of causes throughout the Wyoming Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania and to maintain the Karambelas charitable legacy.

This Fund was established by the First Federal Charitable Foundation to recognize Alice Kender and her many years of dedicated service and support to the Volunteers of America program in Hazleton. A scholarships will be awarded annually to a Hazleton area youth who has served as a volunteer for the program.

Members of the group Kidz Sake established this Fund to provide aid to families whose children require emergency medical assistance. Grants will help finance special needs such as transportation out of the area and help to defray the costs of expenditures to the families.

The Dr. David Kistler Scholarship Award is announced annually for a student(s) graduating from the sixth grade at the Kistler Elementary School, Wilkes-Barre, who shows academic achievement, good citizenship, personal accomplishments and economic need. The actual scholarship is awarded at the successful completion of high school. Dr. Kistler’s vision has been instrumental in motivating and inspiring young students to strive for a college education.

This Fund was established in 2001 by the Board of Directors of Leadership Wilkes-Barre in memorial to Hannah Kline, the late mother of then Executive Director Sue Kline Kluger. The income from the Fund is designated to provide scholarship assistance for applicants to the Master’s Leadership Series of Leadership Wilkes-Barre, a program for adults of retirement age who have a desire to acquire new skills and increase their contribution to, and involvement in, our community.

This Fund was established by George and Bertha Knecht to provide scholarship support to qualified student graduates from the Wyoming Area High School.

This Fund was established to support a variety of causes throughout the Wyoming Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Ken and Ann Krogulski of Dallas, PA, established this Fund as one of the first funds of The Luzerne Foundation. Their intent is to promote philanthropic giving in the region and to provide for their three daughters a vehicle for giving back to their community. The Fund supports a wide variety of causes and interests throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This Fund was established to support the educational programs and events held at The Lands at Hillside Farms in Shavertown, Pennsylvania. The Lands at Hillside Farms is a nonprofit, regional educational center and historic farm estate. Our dedicated mission is to present aspects and benefits of the region's land, history and promotion of lifestyle choices which are healthy, conservation-minded and practical. Each mission component will be demonstrated through family-friendly educational programs, sustainable agricultural activities and living.

Sandie Lefkowitz and Elaine Lefkowitz Bern have established the Lefkowitz Family Fund to honor and memorialize their father Harold Lefkowitz, mother Lillian Lefkowitz, and son, husband and brother Barry Lefkowitz who established and operated Harrold’s Pharmacy on Old River Road in Wilkes-Barre, PA. This Fund is designated to preserve their legacy of care and support of the local community.

A Hero is strong and brave. My true Hero has lives he does save. A Hero to me is not a cartoon or someone you see on TV. He is an actual person, someone whom I can touch and see. By Nicole Carlo

Michael Carlo was a firefighter who died on September 11, 2001 in the World Trade Center. Michael’s mother Phyllis, in collaboration with State Representative John Yudichak of Nanticoke, established this Fund to support local programs and the construction of a homeland security training facility for this region’s emergency responders.

This Fund was established by State Representative John Yudichak to honor and build upon his family’s legacy of service and support to the Wyoming Valley, most notably in the areas of Nanticoke and the central portion of Luzerne County.

The Lighthouse Pass-Through Fund was established by State Representative John Yudichak primarily to support various libraries and services in support of the youth within his 119th legislative district.

The primary purpose of the Logos Fund is to provide assistance to a wide variety of programs and services performed by United States and international charities. Those associated with the Logos Fund hope to both honor God in their giving and pass on a charitable legacy to successive generations.

Established by the Logue Family to provide scholarships to qualified graduating sixth graders from the Heights Murray elementary School in Wilkes-Barre. The award recognizes their academic success, citizenship and community involvement, economic needs and growth potential. The award will be presented when they graduate from high school.

The Loyal Patriots of America was a group serving causes in the Pittston area for many years. But due to diminished membership, remaining assets from a trust established in the 1960’s has been transferred to The Luzerne Foundation and through the new Fund will be used to continue to support causes in the area, particularly the Pittston YMCA and the Pittston Memorial Library.

This was the very first fund of The Luzerne Foundation. The Founding Member of the Foundation felt it was extremely important that The Luzerne Foundation have a pool of unrestricted or general interest assets in order to best serve the various and changing needs within Luzerne County.

This Fund was established in 2001 to provide tuition assistance for families who cannot pay all or part of their Catholic school tuition. Consideration will be given to all students currently enrolled or planning to enroll in a Catholic grade or high school in Luzerne County, who manifest promise of academic success and who are seeking financial support.

The LCCC Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to full-time students who reside in Luzerne County and who have overcome extenuating circumstances to enter college.

Established through a grant from the First Federal Charitable Foundation, the Luzerne County Cooperative Extension Association can implement a nutrition and educational program of food and facts to improve the health of families in the community and facilitate a healthy eating lifestyle. This is a community task force.

Mission: Raise the consciousness of area residents concerning their heritage, thereby enabling them to better understand the area’s uniqueness and its place in today’s world. Three funds make up the designation for The Luzerne County Historical Society. The funds are designated to maintain and expand the collection and facilities of The Luzerne County Historical Society, the only organization dedicated solely to preservation of the cultural heritage of Luzerne County. Facilities include the Bishop Memorial Library, Swetland Homestead, Dennison House and the Society Museum.

Under the leadership of Sue Kluger from 19891 to 2003, Leadership Wilkes-Barre grew from a fledgling group of initial participants into a nationally recognized program, nurturing the leadership potential of a broad spectrum of people from high schoolers and business executives to retirees. This Fund, founded in Sue’s honor on the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director in September of 2003, will ensure that her legacy of leadership, community service and love of her community will continue to benefit generations to come through Leadership Wilkes-Barre.

This Fund supports programs and services that benefit all of the elderly within Luzerne and Wyoming Counties, regardless of personal financial condition.

The Fund was established in 2005 in memory of West Side Vocational Technical School graduate Carrie Martin, who was murdered in 2004. The Fund was set up by Carrie’s mother, Wendy Cadwalader, in recognition of her daughter’s humanitarian spirit and community service. Martin is being remembered as a talented artist, Special Olympics volunteer and Luzerne County Fair queen who loved horses and had dreams of starting a riding school for physically challenged children. The scholarship will be awarded to a student at West Side Vocational Technical School who exemplifies Carrie’s humanitarian spirit.

The Fund for the Arts was created to encourage and develop skills in the visual, graphic and performing arts. The role of the Fund is to find essential ways to support and encourage artists of all ages and abilities – thereby enriching the community and homegrown creative endeavors. The Maslow family provide initial funding, but all who are interested in developing and nurturing the artistic opportunities and talents of Luzerne County residents are encouraged to contribute.

This Fund supports The Max & Lorraine Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children who suffer from asthma. The Foundation was established in 1993 by Mike Tracy in loving memory of his wife, Lorraine Button Tracy, and their 10 year old son, Max Tracy, who both lost their lives to asthma. The goal of the Foundation is to educate children and their families about asthma, and to help families who may be in need of asthma related medical assistance. The Fund helps support projects such as the first ever asthma summer camp in Luzerne County, Camp AsthmaCadabra, held at the YMCA’s Camp Kresge in White Have, Pennsylvania.

This Fund was established in 1996 in memory of John A. McCole, a dedicated community member and Founder’s Board member of The Luzerne Foundation. The Fund provides financial assistance to needy children and families throughout the Wyoming Valley, to attend the Greater Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA’s summer camp.

This Fund was established by Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan during his life to support a multitude of organizations in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Monsignor delegated to The Luzerne Foundation primary discretion over distributions because of the organization’s knowledge of the often changing and most pressing needs in Luzerne County.

This scholarship award Fund was established by varied nonprofit organizations in honor of the Monsignor’s life and charitable legacy. The Monsignor Andrew J. McGowan Cornerstone Scholarship is awarded annually to qualified students graduating from Northeastern Pennsylvania high schools and who plan to attend any of the eight Colleges, Universities and other educational programs the Monsignor supported during his life.

This Fund was established in 1996 by the Board of Directors of Leadership Wilkes-Barre on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the organization to honor Msgr. Andrew J. McGowan, the first Chair of its Board of Directors. Proceeds are directed to scholarships for Leadership Wilkes-Barre participants to assist with their tuition.

This endowment benefits the faith-based work of the Catholic community of Plymouth including Trinity House – a youth and senior ministry.

This Fund was created to raise money and generate community support to renovate, equip and maintain a fitness facility at E.L. Meyers High School, Wilkes-Barre. The fitness facility is available to all students at Meyers and is intended to help them gain confidence and become physically fit. An average of 50 students per day use the facility that opened in January of 2002.

This Fund is a way for family and friends to remember the selflessness and community service of Duryea resident Michael Joyce, the president of Joyce Financial Group, who passed away from cancer on June 28, 2007. The Fund will support the needs of cancer patients and their families for unexpected expenses such as travel, lodging, gas and tolls so that families can remain together during treatment and recovery.

The Millennium Circle is a special group of donors whose gifts of $2,000 play a pivotal role in helping The Luzerne Foundation identify unmet community needs.

The primary purpose of The Miner-Shoemaker Fund is to preserve the Miner-Shoemaker Family legacy of supporting the greater Luzerne County community and addressing various funding requests from area nonprofit organizations. In addition, the Fund will involve future generations of the family by demonstrating the importance of charitable giving and community involvement.

In 2006, a number of former Coughlin High School athletes established a scholarship in honor of Coach Joe Moran in recognition of his very long and successful career coaching football and track while teaching physics and serving as athletic director at Coughlin High School in Wilkes-Barre. A scholarship will be awarded annually to a deserving scholar-athlete who demonstrates leadership and civic responsibility through service to others.

Established by Dennis G. Morris with Steven R. Remick and Sarah Ann Votrobeck in 2008 following Elizabeth’s death at age 26 from ovarian cancer, this Fund will support a variety of community health organizations, with particular interest in cancer care.

This is a designated Fund established to accept and safeguard contributions to support the athletic opportunities and potential for the youth of the Mountaintop area.

This Fund was established to preserve the legacy of the Mugford Family and support a wide variety of causes throughout the region.

The Fund was established to accept contributions for artistic work and murals to beautify Downtown Wilkes-Barre.

This Fund was established by the Flack Family as an endowment to support cultural programs of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic.

NEPA-VMA was established to provide clearinghouse services to underserved and displaced veterans and their families to bridge the gap between public and private sector resources. Bringing together community service organizations, NEPA-VMA is providing the additional wave of support that represents the new direction for comprehensive care for our returning veterans and for those who served in previous wars who are still in need.

This endowment Fund was established for the North Branch Land Trust to help pay for stewardship nad oversight of the property under the protection and preservation of the Land Trust.

This organizational endowment Fund will be used for financial assistance to ongoing programs, services and administration of the Osterhout Free Library, Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County’s oldest free public library. The Osterhout Free Library provides materials and services to all residents, free of charge, for their personal, educational, recreational and professional needs. The Library was established by Isaac Osterhout in 1889 and serves over 200,000 visitors each year.

This Fund honors the life and legacy of Dr. Drue Paden by providing annual scholarship support to at least one qualified student from both Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties who best personify Dr. Paden’s zest for life, his community and the game of golf.

The Palko Family Fund will support various nonprofit organizations and charitable programs throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania as well as other deserving causes beyond the general region.

Panagiotidis families in honor of Tommy, who passed away May 20, 2009 in an auto accident. This scholarship is open to graduates of Wyoming Valley West & West Side CTC students, who have overcome or are enduring a hardship or disability. The main sponsor this year, Kulak Agency.

The primary purpose of The John Pavelchak Charitable Fund is to provide grants and support to various charities, agencies, programs, causes and services that predominantly, but not exclusively, assist needy, sick, disabled and disadvantaged children from Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This Fund was established by the Pawling Family to support important organizations, programs and services in Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania, particularly those that help deserving children who might not have the chance to become self-reliant citizens through, education and/or career training opportunities.

This Fund is in memory of Ann Marie Piasecki, a graduate of Bishop Hoban High School. It was established by the Piaseki Family to support students graduating from the various High Schools in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as well as other schools determined by The Ann Marie Piasecki Scholarship Committee.

This Fund was established to support a wide variety of causes with particular interest to Multiple Sclerosis care and research.

The Rainbow Fund for Northeastern Pennsylvania was founded in 2003. This Fund is advised by the NEPA Rainbow Alliance, a coalition of diverse individuals and organizations who have formed a committee to identify needs and improve the quality of life for the gay and lesbian community in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This organizational endowment Fund was established to support the important programs and services REACH provides to its clients in the Wyoming Valley and Northeastern Pennsylvania, in particular, the education and training of the children and clients of REACH, Inc.

The Remembering Jane Fund was established to honor the memory of Jane Hannigan Yocum who led a life of courage, grace and dignity before succumbing to breast cancer in 2001. The Fund provides support of programs and services for families coping with cancer and other life-threatening diseases…helping people in need.

It is possible to delineate what mankind can do to live “sustainably” within its home called earth. It is my dream to see all of us recognize how our personal decisions and actions affect other people and the rest of earth’s inhabitants. My purpose in creating Fund at the Luzerne Foundation is to allow folks an option whereby individuals can donate to causes that I continue to delineate that reflect non egocentric practices. There are some like the animal welfare causes that are meant to be reactive to an explosion of suffering that is wonton at best.  The land trust was created to help people conserve their precious lands forever. Others like TLHF are proactive and attempt to accomplish education toward sustainable living as I described. 

The River Common is a special place along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre that welcomes everyone. It inspires many and is shared by all. It is a recreational and entertainment venue that reconnects us with nature, brings us together as a community and encourages us to seek a common ground. It is a once in a lifetime creation by this generation and a gift to those to come. This Fund was created to provide a means for donations to support annual programming and an endowment for the future.

This Fund will be utilized to promote and improve the wellness in communities through programs that support education, medicine and the arts, with a primary focus on youth.

This Fund helps students pursue careers in veterinary medicine and/or the sciences. Robinson, a teenager whose public battle with AIDS moved and enlightened Northeastern Pennsylvania, died February 2, 2000. He was 18.

This Fund was established to support important causes within our community, particularly the development of youth programs in Newport Township.

This Fund was established with the intention of improving recreational and wellness opportunities and services to residents of Mountaintop, Pennsylvania.

This Fund was established through the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Roth, with other family, friends, and colleagues, in loving memory of their son, Larry, who died at age 35 following a brave battle with brain cancer. The Fund will be used for scholarships to students attending or planning to attend Wilkes University, with preference given to candidates who share Larry’s spirit and interest in the legal profession, politics and/or community service.

Established by Mary Jo Rushin in honor of her late husband, Paul, this Fund is designed to support various causes and interests in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This Fund was created by the Rutkowski family to honor and perpetuate the memory of their beloved daughter and sister, Laura K. Rutkowski, following her death in 2003. This Fund is designed to be used primarily to assist students as they pursue a Catholic education in the Diocese of Scranton, specifically in the Hazleton, PA area.

This Fund was established in memory of Martha Fray Sampson, a remarkable woman and beloved mother who touched and enriched many lives. Its purpose is to carry on Martha’s spiritual and artistic legacy.

Joseph J. and Janice W. Savitz established this Fund to encourage and assist with a variety of worthy causes especially in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Dr. Benjamin and Donna Schecter established this Fund to memorialize their son, Michael, age 28, who lost his courageous battle with a rare form of testicular cancer. A scholarship will be awarded to a deserving student from Stroudsburg High School who exhibits Michael’s enthusiasm and joy for life.

This Fund was established in 2004 by the Schiowitz family to assist the financially disadvantaged and underprivileged youth of Luzerne County by providing annual junior memberships at the Valley Tennis & Swim Club, now part of Back Mountain Harvest Assembly.

Dr. Mark Schiowitz established this Fund to encourage residential improvements in South Wilkes-Barre neighborhoods. The Fund seeks to stimulate owner occupied housing and the return of some historic properties to single family dwellings.

In January 2001, the Schomas Family opened the Libby Schomas Fund in memory of their 17 month old daughter who had lost her 6 month battle with leukemia earlier that same month. The family’s wish to positively affect other pediatric cancer families while allowing Libby’s legacy to live on was fulfilled with Home of Their Own, Inc., a nonprofit organization that provides isolation housing for post bone marrow transplant families being treated by Penn State Children’s Hospital in Hershey, PA.

The primary purpose of the Fund shall be to enable the Shafer Family to provide charitable support to various nonprofit organizations locally, regionally and nationally.

Established by a community-minded family, this Fund supports a variety of charities and causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Established by friends and family of Paul “Chip” Siegel at the celebration of his 50th birthday, this Fund provides scholarship assistance to qualified students at Misericordia University.

Established by Bill and Shelly Smulowitz, this Fund is dedicated to preserving their family’s legacy and charitable support for a variety of agencies and causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania and nationally.

The John & Barbara Sobeck Charitable Fund was established in 2008 to assist locally based non-profit agencies in continuing to provide specialized support services to residents of the greater Luzerne County area. The fund is the means by which the Sobeck’s can “give back to the community, which has given so much to us.”

The Solid Cactus Cares Fund was established to support various nonprofit organizations and programs presented by Solid Cactus employees and through grant applications sent directly to Solid Cactus. The Fund’s advisory board is comprised of Solid Cactus employees and is directed by the Solid Cactus General Manager or his designee.

This Field of Interest Fund was established by the South Valley Chamber of Commerce (formerly the Nanticoke Chamber of Commerce) to assist it in receiving grants to provide economic development and strengthen the Greater Nanticoke region.

The primary purpose of thie Fund is to actively support and enhance the various athletic programs, services, facilities, administration and coaching personnel of the Wyoming Valley West School District. These funds are separate from the District and are designated solely to enhance the opportunities for the District’s scholar-athletes, including those programs that directly motivate the tams (such as cheerleaders.)

This Fund was established by the SPCA to help members of the community to get proper emergency care for their pets and pay for the resulting emergency medical expenses. The Fund is named in memory of the heroic efforts to save Jade, a beloved Rottweiler.

This endowment Fund was established to provide assistance to members of the community to prevent overpopulation and pay for the spaying and neutering of family pets.

The Judith Geer-Spitale Fund was established by her family and friends in her honor upon her retirement in June 2004 following 42 years of service to Hospice Community Care and other health related organizations in NEPA. The primary purpose of the Fund shall be to support community health and/or community health education within Luzerne County and Northeastern Pennsylvania.

This Fund is intended to support scholarly work on esoteric studies.

In an effort to aid their philanthropy and build a legacy for their family, the Straub Family established this Fund to support causes they believe in throughout the Wyoming Valley.

The Reverend Joseph Streit Fund was established to honor the man who ministered to patients and families at Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, for twenty years. The Fund keeps alive his legacy of unconditional love and comfort to the sick and dying by supporting his favorite charities: Covenant House in New York City, NY; Food for the Poor, Deerfield Beach, FL; St. Joseph’s Center, Scranton, PA; St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, Wilkes-Barre, PA; and Mercy Hospital, Wilkes-Barre, PA.

The Times Leader Book of Dreams project is an annual appeal that allows members of the community to help fulfill the wishes – and serious needs – of their neighbors. The Fund has fulfilled the dreams of over 150 families since its inception in 1988.

The Taylor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center - Health and Wellness Fund of the Luzerne Foundation is committed to serving the health and wellness needs of the residents of the geographic area the nursing facility had served, specifically: Avoca, Dupont, Duryea, Moosic, Old Forge and Taylor.

The Charlotte Williams Thomas Award Fund was established by Charlotte, her family and friends to recognize and honor her 28 years of dedicated service to the Practical Nursing Program of the Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational Technical School in Wilkes-Barre. The Fund is dedicated to preserving and recognizing those human traits of compassion and caring that are essential in the health care profession. This Fund shall award scholarship assistance to a qualified full-time student in the Practical Nursing Program at WBAVTS who plans to practice a career in nursing within Northeastern, PA after graduation.

This Fund was established to continue the Tippett Family legacy and provide charitable support to organizations in the region.

This Fund is intended solely to provide funds for a Tri-Centennial celebration in the Borough of Wyoming in 2076. With an initial balance of $493, this Fund is estimated to approximate $800,000, depending upon interest rates, by 2076.

This Fund was created in honor and memory of Wilbur Troy by his family and friends to provide scholarship assistance to graduating students from G.A.R. and/or Wyoming Valley West High Schools.

Bill and Connie Umphred established this Fund to support specific organizations they hold dear to their hearts both now and in perpetuity, most notably the United Way of Wyoming Valley and the Osterhout Free Library.

Established by a diverse group of friends and residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania to raise charitable dollars to support organizations and causes that service individuals and families in dire need.

Established by friends and family of students of VITAL House, this Fund will help maintain, support and foster the VITAL House services of lifestyle training, independent living, and educational opportunities for young adults with disabilities in the Greater Hazleton Area.

This Fund was established to accept sponsorship and charitable contributions to perpetuate the Volunteers in Medicine, a program providing health care services to uninsured and under-insured people throughout the Wyoming Valley community.

Vulcan diesel-electric locomotive #4385 remains under restoration at the shop of RMDI, Inc. in the former Lehigh Valley yards at Coxton near Duryea, Pennsyvania. To date, we have raised approximately $24,000 from private sources. Total project cost is estimated at $200,000. We are making application for possible State and Federal grants.

Locomotive #4385 was one of thousands produced at Vulcan between 1949 and 1954. Vulcan employed over 2,500 skilled craftsmen in three shops: West Pittston, Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Twp. It was an integrated manufacturing facility producing its own steels, made components in its own factory and machine shop, and locomotives were produced weighing over 200 tons. Dozens of Vulcan locomotives were produced for the United States Armed Forces and served in Europe during both World Wars.

Jack and Kathy Wega and their family and friends established this Fund in memory of their son Kyle, who was killed in a car accident at the age of 28. Kyle was Director of IT at Dallas Area High School District. An annual scholarship will be awarded to a qualified graduate of Dallas Area High School.

This fund was established by Jerry Weinstock, family and friends to carry on the charitable legacy of his wife, Rosemary.

This Fund was established by Bill and Sandi Williams to preserve the legacy of the Jack Williams Tire Family and support a wide variety of causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

The children of “Big Red” Williams established this Fund in honor of the 60th anniversary of his high school graduation and in honor of his 77th birthday. A scholarship will be awarded to progressive-minded students from the Hazleton area.

For many generations, the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital Auxiliary supported its Hospital in the care and treatment of its patients. As the Auxiliary dissolved in 2010, it desired to continue supporting health care services which met the following definition of health adopted by the Auxiliary. "Health is a state of physical wellness. The degree of health a person enjoys ranges from excellent to very poor and may include acute or chronic illness." The WBGH Auxiliary Fund Advisors place emphasis on cancer, hospice, physical and developmental disabilities. Establishing this Fund through The Luzerne Foundation allows the WBGH Auxiliary the perfect opportunity to fulfill its goal and to continue supporting nonprofit health care services in Luzerne County.

This field of interest Fund was established by Tony Brooks and his many friends to promote the preservation and promotion of the history of Greater Wilkes-Barre.

A Fund of The Luzerne Foundation

These funds are related to the Wyoming Valley West School District.

This Fund was established by the Wyoming/West Wyoming Little League to create an endowment to maintain the facilities and secure the future of Little League in the two communities.

Regina “Jean” Redding Yates loved Pittston, Pennsylvania, as did her husband, James, the longtime owner of Yates Electric Motor Service. Married in 1952, the couple made their home in Pittston and spent their years together working hard within the community. The James and Regina Yates Fund will provide a lasting legacy to support the important organizations and causes in the Pittston area to which they devoted much happy time and effort.

The Greater Pittston YMCA was founded in 1880 and today serves nearly three in five people in the Greater Pittston region as a community center for all ages and abilities. This endowment Fund was established to ensure long-term financial viability of the Pittston YMCA and provide program assistance to children and families in financial need, as well as membership and camp tuition assistance.

This Fund was established by Sally's family and friends in loving memory and honor of her many years of committed service to the youth of her community. The endowment benefits the Sarah "Sally" Yudichak Expressive Arts Program for the Children's Service Center of the Wyoming Valley - a therapeutic arts program for children.