The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers Celebrates Community and Philanthropy
Eagles Mere, PA — On August 1st, the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT) hosted its “Sullivan County Seeds of the Future” event at the Eagles Mere Air, Auto, and Motorcycle Museums. The event celebrated Sullivan County, the foundation, and the community members who have contributed to its growth and success.
The evening featured self-guided tours of the museum’s exhibits, a catered reception by The Sweet Shop, and live music by Rob Raff, whose father, Robert Raff, was an early volunteer with the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers. The event was introduced by CFTT board member Suzie Petersen, Robert’s daughter. Suzie shared how her father’s pioneering efforts deeply inspired her commitment to the foundation. Suzie’s involvement is a tribute to Robert Raff’s enduring legacy and his significant impact on the foundation and the community.
Ray DePaola, board chair, provided a compelling overview of the foundation’s history, highlighting significant milestones that have shaped its growth. These milestones bring us to today, where the foundation proudly holds over $14 million in assets. In 2023 alone, CFTT granted over $357,000 in grants and scholarships, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to supporting the community.
President Charity Field followed with insights on CFTT’s current initiatives and its vision for the future. She emphasized the lasting impact that any gift—big or small—can have, noting that through the power of endowment, contributions continue to grow and give back, benefiting thousands of people over time—forever. Charity also discussed the urgent need to grow the Sullivan County Impact Fund. This fund is a crucial resource for nonprofits addressing the most pressing needs in the community. By significantly expanding this fund, CFTT will be better positioned to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging challenges, including disaster relief efforts, essential community services, and support for organizations facing financial strain.
Guest speaker Bethany Lambert from Sullivan County Victim Services emphasized how crucial grants from the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers are in supporting their vital work. For over 30 years, Sullivan County Victim Services has provided free and confidential support to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes. These grants are essential for maintaining and expanding their high-quality services, including emergency assistance, counseling, and legal advocacy, ensuring victims receive timely and comprehensive care to aid their recovery and rebuilding.
Tom Shoemaker, past board chair and current advisory board member, spoke on behalf of his family’s Thomas W. “Doc” Shoemaker and Stefana H. “Stevie” Shoemaker Scholarship. Scholarships are an important aspect of the foundation’s work, providing essential financial support to students pursuing higher education. They open doors to opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach, reduce the burden of student debt, and encourage academic and personal achievement. By investing in education, scholarships help create a more educated and skilled workforce, contribute to community development, and foster a culture of giving back.
Zakkary Mingos, the 2024 recipient of that scholarship, shared his plans to attend Bloomsburg University to pursue a degree in Biology. His story is a testament to the transformative power of scholarships in shaping the future of young individuals and, by extension, their communities.
Advisory board member and former board chair Frank Comfort closed the evening by reflecting on the foundation’s impact in Sullivan County and encouraging ongoing community involvement, whether through volunteering, supporting local causes, or simply spreading the word about the foundation’s mission.
The evening also saw the unveiling of the 2023 annual report, which shares stories of hope and promise, financial highlights, a list of funds held with the foundation, grants and scholarships awarded, and charitable gifts made in 2023. These contributions play an invaluable role in sustaining hope and opportunity within the community.
As a special highlight, attendees received raffle tickets, with three lucky winners selecting nonprofits that serve Sullivan County residents to receive a $500 grant. This year’s recipients are Friends of the Sullivan County Library and Sullivan County Victim Services.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors whose support made this event possible: OneDigital, Hall’s Home and Lumber, Eagles Mere Auto Museum, Eagles Mere Air Museum, The Sweet Shop, C&N Bank, Frank Comfort, Anastasia McMahon-Farrell, Jim Moyer, and Robert Raff.
About the Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers (CFTT)
The Community Foundation for the Twin Tiers is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in Bradford, Potter, Sullivan, Tioga (PA), and Tioga (NY) Counties. Through the power of philanthropy, CFTT connects people who care with causes that matter. The foundation helps donors create permanent endowment funds that provide a lasting legacy of support for local communities, nonprofits, and students. In Sullivan County, CFTT plays a vital role in supporting critical services, promoting education, and driving initiatives that strengthen the fabric of the community.
For more information, visit www.twintierscf.org or contact Charity at (570) 888-4759.