Scranton Area Community Foundation to Celebrate Anniversary with Platinum Jubilee Event

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is proud to announce the celebration of its 70th anniversary, marking seven decades of service and impact in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The Foundation has played a critical role in fostering philanthropy, supporting local nonprofit organizations, and improving the quality of life in the region. To commemorate this milestone, the Foundation is hosting a Platinum Jubilee anniversary event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, honoring the community, donors, and stakeholders who have made this legacy possible. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation was established as a community trust in 1954 by the Scranton Family, whose initial $1 million gift was the seed that has grown into a permanent vehicle for donors to accomplish their philanthropic goals while helping to support positive change in our community. Since its founding, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has been committed to creating a better future for the region by partnering with donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address the most pressing needs. Over the past 70 years, the Foundation has awarded millions in grants to support local initiatives in education, health, human services, the arts, and economic development. Its leadership in collaborative philanthropy has positioned the Foundation as a trusted resource, enabling donors to make a lasting impact in the region.

“Celebrating 70 years is a remarkable achievement,” said Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO of the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “It is a testament to the generosity of our donors, the dedication of our community partners, and the resilience of our region. We are excited to commemorate this milestone and look forward to the future as we continue to foster philanthropy and create meaningful, positive change.”

Platinum Jubilee Celebration in December

To honor its legacy and look ahead to the future, the Foundation will host a Platinum Jubilee event on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Scranton Cultural Center. This evening will bring together community members, philanthropists, and nonprofit leaders for a night of celebration and reflection. The event will feature a retrospective on the Foundation’s 70-year journey, and attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the Foundation’s vision for the next chapter of its work in the region.

The Foundation invites the public to join in this celebration and be part of this significant occasion. Registration information will be announced on the Foundation’s website later this month. For more information on attending the event or supporting the Foundation’s mission, please visit safdn.orgor contact Mary Joyce, Communications Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation. “As the Foundation looks ahead, it remains committed to addressing the evolving needs of the community and continuing to serve as a catalyst for positive change,” stated Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair. “With its strong foundation of philanthropy, the Scranton Area Community Foundation will continue to support projects that improve lives, create opportunities, and build a more inclusive and vibrant Northeastern Pennsylvania,” Burkey added.

Several board governors and staff members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation gather for a photo during a recent strategic planning board meeting. The Foundation is planning its 70^th anniversary ‘Platinum Jubilee’ celebration for December 5, 2024.

Standing (l-r): Brad Reid, Scranton Area Community Foundation Philanthropy Manager; Ryan Eckersley, Scranton Area Community Foundation Finance Associate; Patricia Fox, Psy.D, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Bryan J. Franz DMD MS, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Amy Betts, Scranton Area Community Foundation Community Impact Manager; Frank Caputo, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Manager; Barbara O’Hara, Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Kenneth Okrepkie,Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Jana Nelhybel, Scranton Area Community Foundation NEPA Thrives Sustainability Manager; Joseph Bannon, MD,Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Mary Joyce, Scranton Area Community Foundation Communications Manager; Katie Gilmartin, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; David Price, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Jerry Musheno, R.Ph. Esq., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Thomas Minora, MD, F.A.C.P., Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Governor; Rebecca Farrell, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Associate;Cathy Fitzpatrick, Scranton Area Community Foundation Grants and Scholarships Director.

Seated (l-r): Brittany Pagnotti, Scranton Area Community Foundation Donor Relations and Communications Director; Ellen Burkey, Scranton Area Community Foundation Board Chair; Laura Ducceschi, Scranton Area Community Foundation President and CEO; Maggie Martinelli, Scranton Area Community Foundation Chief Operating Officer; Dana Hunter, Scranton Area Community Foundation Operations Manager.

Photo Credit: Julie Potter