David A. Howe Public Library Awarded Grant
of $800
Belmont, NY – March 15, 2010 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce a grant to the David A. Howe Public Library for $800.
The Foundation’s grant of $800 will help to enrich the quality of life in Allegany County by offering an academic lecture series that is both educational & relevant. From September 27 until November 20, 2010, the library will pay tribute to the magnificent and natural region known as Appalachia. Over an eight-week period, the library will present Appalachia Rediscovered, a series of movie showings, art exhibits, academic lectures and music concerts. Programs will address social, political, economical, environmental and cultural issues that have formed and continue to transform this thirteen-state region.
The library will use the Foundation funding to procure college and university professors to speak on a wide-range of social issues that have impacted and continue to influence Appalachian culture.
The Allegany County Area Foundation welcomes tax-deductible gifts in any amount, including memorials to friends and loved ones. County residents are encouraged to remember the Foundation in their wills by making a specific bequest. In the 2008/09 fiscal year the Foundation awarded over $260,000 in grants, including over 100 scholarships to county students and grants to local not-for-profit agencies that benefit all residents of Allegany County.
Photo: front left is Robert P. Christian, ACAF Executive Director, Mrs. Eileen Stott Tecza, Auditorium Director, Mr. Brian Hildreth, Library Director and Lori Dzielski, ACAF Board member presenting check.
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Chris Potter of Scio was recently presented with his Marion W. Green Investment award.
The Marion W. Green Commitment to Community Scholarship was established by the late Marion W. Green of Scio to encourage young people to be better citizens and contributing members of their community. The awards are given to graduates of Scio Central School.
Chris Potter
The Foundation makes a grant for the "Leadership Allegany" program...
Leadership Allegany – a joint initiative of Houghton College and the Greater Allegany County Area Chamber of Commerce –
creates a dynamic learning environment for top level and up-and-coming professionals who have a vested interest in Allegany County. A small cohort of 10-15 participants engage in an annual 10-month program. Monthly sessions showcase various industries including health care, education, manufacturing, government, and more. Participants enjoy an in-depth insider’s view as they hear from top leaders in each field, take site tours, and receive training in leadership, project planning and board membership.
This program has been launched through the generosity of our Founding Partners including Houghton College, the Greater Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, The Allegany County Area Foundation, The United Way of Allegany County, ACCORD Corporation’s Business and Community Development Program and their Project Head Start Program, and Habiterra Architecture.
For more information contact Pamela Witter, Director of Development at Houghton College, at 585-567-95
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Chairman Curtis Crandall presents Foundation Executive Director Robert P. Christian with check.
Allegany County Legislators present check for $500 to the Foundation in support of the work the Foundation does to support the people of the County
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Former President Leslie J. Haggstrom (right) congratulates former Vice President Carolyn J. Miller (left) and welcomes her as the new Presient and Michael E. Ronan as the new Vice President at a recent Board of Directors meeting.
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Foundation affected by Market Crisis
For Immediate Release – March 2009
Global Financial Crisis Hits Home for the Allegany County Area Foundation
In the midst of the economic crisis which has affected many throughout the county, the Allegany County Area Foundation (ACAF) is working hard to continue making a difference in the lives of college-bound students and the citizens of Allegany County. While celebrating its 25-year anniversary, the Foundation has recently awarded
$8,500 in grants to organizations in the county and over $260,000 to more than 160 students enrolled in a variety of degree programs. The Foundation’s ability to continue funding at these levels is now in jeopardy.
The severe decline in the financial markets has reduced the value of the holdings of virtually all grant-making institutions, including colleges and universities, community foundations, and charitable trusts. The ACAF’s investments are no exception. Much of the Foundation’s growth in gifts and invested funds has occurred in the last ten years, making these funds vulnerable to the sudden market down-turn. The market’s decline, coupled with New York State law, has created a dilemma for the Foundation. According to the laws of New York, an organization is not permitted to make grants from the principal of an original gift if the investment value drops below the historical value of the gift, unless authorized by the donor. Most of the endowments to the ACAF are the result of bequests, so the donors are not able to authorize the use of the gift itself to fund grants and scholarships. The Foundation is only permitted to spend dividend earnings and interest, but these are also decreasing as a result of the market downturn.
The ACAF’s board has worked hard to continue full funding of scholarships for the current academic year, but grants for the coming year (2009/10) are being scaled back in order to comply with New York State law. Even so, the Foundation plans to make approximately ten new scholarship awards and to distribute an estimated $138,000 to existing scholarship recipients as they continue to work toward their degrees. In addition, ACAF Executive Director, Bob Christian, has encouraged State Senator Katharine Young to support legislation which will make it possible for affected organizations to spend prudently from principal in order to continue supporting their intended missions. Many states have already passed such legislation. Mr. Christian says that the Foundation will also intensify efforts to increase unrestricted giving which will be used to continue serving the people of Allegany County.
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Foundation Awards Grant to Music on the Lawn Program in Wellsville
Allegany County Area Foundation Board of Directors has awarded a grant in the amount of $450 for the Music on the Lawn Wellsville program.
Belmont, NY – March 10, 2009 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce the presentation of a $450 grant for the Music on the Lawn Program in Wellsville. The grant will help fund the purchase of materials for the Adirondack Chair Project, a one-time fund-raising effort to help insure the continuance of this musical event. These annual free summer concert series (June through August) is held on the David A. Howe Library lawn and benefits many residents from the county.
Photo: (from left), Kathryn A. Ross, project coordinator and Robert P. Christian, Executive Director of the Foundation.
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Foundation Welcomes Newest Board Member
January, 2009
The Foundation is pleased to announce that Ellen Shultz of Almond has become our latest member of the Board of Directors.
Ellen grew up in Bemus Point and graduated from Alfred University with a degree in English. After teaching several years at Jamestown High School she pursued her Masters' Degree in Education from Syracuse University.
Ellen and her husband Charles moved to Alfred, where they raised two children while Ellen taught both English and Theatre at Alfred-Almond School. Retiring from Alfred-Almond, Ellen is presently the co-founder and director of the Alfred Community Theatre.
Ellen brings her expertise in Education and will serve on the Foundation's Scholarship and the Education Recognition Committees.
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News Flash!
2nd Annual Joe Presutti Golf Classic
Allegany County Area Foundation Announces 2nd Annual Joe Presutti Courthouse Classic Golf Tournament raises $2,004 for Joe Presutti Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Belmont, NY – September 16, 2008 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce the results of the 2nd Annual Joe Presutti Courthouse Classic Golf Tournament, held at the Wellsville Country Club on September 6, 2008.
Allegany County Area Foundation is pleased to announce the Joseph C. & Elaine Niver Dwyer Cup was won by the team of Kevin Ross, Steve Williams, George McLaughlin & Don McCutcheon. Other winning teams included (adjusted gross) Nick Kelley, Austin Kelley, Ryan Ostrander, Dave Ostrander; (2nd) Scott Grantier, Don MacFarquhar, Brent Rohrabacher, and Ernie Rositzke; (women’s) Brooke Bradt, Mary Kay Presutti, Sherri Presutti & Terri Ross. Proceeds from the annual tournament, in honor of Joe Presutti, will be used to provide a scholarship to Allegany County residents. Joe, a strong advocate of education, believed in encouraging youth to pursue their dreams.
The Foundation wishes to thank all those who sponsored holes, made donations and volunteered their time to make this day a success;
Hole Sponsors-
Richardson & Stout Insurance
L. Chandler Whitford
Nicholsons Pharmacy
Rinker Oil Corp.
Robert Hutter, Attorney
Joe & Elaine Niver Dwyer
Serra & Foggarty, Attorneys
Keith Slep, Attorney
Alfred Housing
Warren & Connie Emerson
Willard Simons, DDC
Linda Healy & Kris Stoll
Carolyn J. Miller
Friendship Pharmacy
David & Leslie Haggstrom
Moonwinks Restaurant
J.W. Embser Sons Funeral Home, Inc.
Otis Eastern Service, Inc.
Other Generous Donors:
Assemblyman Joe Giglio
Aces Country Cupboard
Allegany Grill
Beef Haus
Belmont Hardware
Better Days
Billy G’s Pizza
Brad & Karen Reynolds
Cutco
Avon
Carpets Unlimited
Cooperstown Dream Park
Criss Market
Cuba Cheese Shoppe
Fleischmans Grocery & Gas
Jacob Presutti & friend
L’Italia
Mak’s Meats
Mark Preston/Yamaha
Mud Puddle Pottery
Robert P. Christian
Texas Hot
Three Bums Pizza
A special thanks to the golfers and Wellsville Country Club Pro
Greg Kayes
and to the many volunteers who tirelessly contributed to the event
A HUGE THANK YOU!
If you would like to add to the Joe Presutti Scholarship Fund, contact the Allegany County Area Foundation today. The Foundation welcomes tax-deductible gifts in any amount, including memorials to friends and loved ones.
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Photo: Left to Right: Greg Kayes, Club Pro, Steve Williams, Kevin Ross, Robert P. Christian, Executive Director of Allegany County Area Foundation, Don McCutcheon, absent, George McLaughlin; Joseph C. & Elaine Niver Dwyer Cup Winners
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Foundation accepts Marion W. Green Commitment to Community Scholarship Fund
Executive Director Robert P. Christian accepts check from Stefanie Griffin, Scholarship & Grants Administrator and Bonita W. Wallace, Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer of Rochester Area Community Foundation.
Belmont, NY – April 2, 2008 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce the Rochester Area Community Foundation board has approved the transfer of the Marion W. Green Commitment to the Community Scholarship Fund from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to the Allegany County Area Foundation.
The Marion W. Green Commitment to Community Scholarship Fund was established at the Rochester Area Community Foundation in 1994. The purpose of the fund is…“to encourage students in the Scio Central School District to continue their education. This award recognizes those who are committed to using their education to improve their communities.” An important part of the award has included an investment account and financial planning advice for the recipients. More recently, an actual scholarship award for educational costs has been added. This fund was transferred from the Rochester Area Community Foundation to better benefit the residents of Allegany County, the county where Marion Green taught elementary school.
Marion W. Green scholarships are awarded to Scio Central School graduates who are enrolled or accepted in either a program that will achieve a degree or certification within two years. Scholarship recipients must show maturity, a commitment to sharing skills and resources, including community service, and a desire to help others learn. Financial need is considered in making these grants of up to $5000 per year, renewable for one year (two years maximum). Upon degree completion, an additional award of $5000 to establish a permanent investment account, with a required participation in professional financial planning services, will be made.
If you would like to make a difference in your community by giving to a scholarship fund or establishing one, contact the Allegany County Area Foundation today. The Foundation maintains thirteen scholarship funds as well as endowment funds for leading not-for-profit agencies in Allegany County. The Foundation welcomes tax-deductible gifts in any amount, including memorials to friends and loved ones. County residents are encouraged to remember the Foundation in their wills by making a specific bequest. In the past year the Foundation has awarded over $230,000, including over 100 scholarships to county students and grants to local not-for-profit agencies that benefit all residents of Allegany County.
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Foundation welcomes three new Directors.
The Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of Lori Dzielski as a new board member. Lori is from Portville where she resides with her husband Kevin. Together they have two grown daughters and two wonderful grandsons. Lori is a Retail Services Officer at the Community Bank, NA office on Bolivar Rd. in Wellsville. Lori has worked for Community Bank for 18 years and also serves as a board member of the Allegany/Cattaraugus Legal Services, Inc. Lori will be serving on the Finance/Investment committee where her expertise will be a benefit to the foundation.
The Foundation is also pleased to welcome Michael W. Kunz, a lifelong resident of Allegany County now residing in Cuba. Mike retired in 2007 after a 34 year career in education, including teaching at Friendship Central School for 15 years and was Elementary Principal in Cuba for 19 years. He truly enjoyed contributing to the education of area youth and brings his expertise in education to the Foundation by serving on the Educator of the Year Committee.
Mike is very involved with the Cuba United Methodist Church where he teaches and serves as the Sunday School Superintendent as well as the Publicity Team.
Currently, Mike serves as President of the Cuba Lions Club and is involved with the Cuba Chamber of Commerce Garlic Festival Planning Committee.
Finally, the Foundation welcomes Michael E. Ronan of Rushford as its latest member. Mike is a professor of automotive technology at Alfred State College. He and his wife, Lynn, are the parents of four children, with the youngest currently a junior at Cuba-Rushford High School. He served on the Cuba-Rushford school board for eight years, and also serves on the Rushford town planning board. Mike is a member of various professional organizations, and is an active volunteer within the community.
Welcome Lori, Mike & Mike!
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Your community foundation is now accepting online donations via Paypal.
To make a donation just go to the "Donations" link and you'll find everything you need.
Leave a Legacy
in
Allegany County
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Press Release:
Allegany County Area Foundation Announces Grant of $4,000 to the Cuba Historical Society
Jack Nease of Cuba Historical Society
accepting Check
Belmont, NY – January 15, 2008 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce a grant to the Cuba Historical Society for $4,000. This grant is made possible due to an anonymous gift to the Foundation designated for the Cuba Historical Society.
The “biggest little museum in Allegany County”, so claims Jack Nease of the Historical Society, will use the grant for their general operating expenses. These include operating a museum and information center and offering help to the extended community in genealogy research and other historical matters. This grant will enable the Historical Society to further its contribution to the community and to promote education and historical research here in Allegany County. The Foundation is pleased to support this organization.
"One's mistake turns out positive
for others"
Rita Roeske, Sherry Harmon, Norma Burdick, Louise Weatherby, ACAF Exec. Director Bob Christian & Fred Dailey, presenting check
Sometimes mistakes can turn into opportunities. That is just what happened to the residents at Wellsville Manor Care Center.
Recently it was discovered that the residents council had $318.30 more than they originally thought, and rather than spend it on themselves the residents wanted to give something back to Allegany County.
Robert Christian Executive Director of the Foundation was invited to share with the council how donated monies were used to benefit the residents of Allegany County. They then decided to give $300 to the Foundation to be divided equally between the Foundations SPCA Serving Allegany County endowment fund and the Allegany Fund which benefits children and others in the county.
This positive mistake not only benefited the people of Allegany County, but in turn benefited the residents of Wellsville Manor Care Center. Bob Christian will be returning to the Care Center in January to share his experiences while living in Africa. The residents of Wellsville Manor Care Center truly believe "you reap what you sow".
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Allegany County Area Foundation Makes Grant to the Youth Compeer Program
Belmont, NY – November 12, 2007 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce a grant to the Youth Compeer Program for $500.
The Foundation’s grant of $500 will provide the resources to provide a field trip to the Rochester Seneca Zoo for the children in the program who have shown progress while being affiliated with the Compeer Program. The Youth Compeer program uses mentors to assist children and youth in developing appropriate social skills, exposure to recreational outings that they might not otherwise have, and to give their families respite.
The Youth Compeer Program is operated under the auspices of the Allegany County Mental Health Association and is the only social-recreational program in Allegany County that benefits emotionally disabled children.
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Allegany County Area Foundation
announces grant of $557.57
to the SPCA Serving Allegany County
Belmont, NY – October 25, 2007 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce the presentation of a check to the SPCA Serving Allegany County for $557.57.
Allegany County Area Foundation is pleased to present a check of $557.57 that represents the annual earnings distribution from the SPCA Serving Allegany County Endowment Fund, held by the Foundation on behalf of the SPCA. The SPCA is able to count on a yearly earnings check to provide for their expenses. The SPCA Endowment Fund, established by concerned and caring citizens of Allegany County, is an example of the many varied endowment funds held by the Foundation. Other funds benefiting county residents include the Cuba Memorial Hospital, Scio Memorial Library, Andover Free Library and the Village of Andover Landscaping.
The SPCA fund and others are accepting additional contributions to increase the impact these organizations can have in our community. New endowment funds may be established to help other not-for-profit agencies. The Foundation is pleased to support beneficial programs throughout the county.
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Allegany County Area Foundation Announces 1st Annual Joe Presutti Courthouse Classic Golf Tournament raises $2,886 for scholarships.
Belmont, NY – September 15, 2007 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce the results of the 1st Annual Joe Presutti Courthouse Classic Golf Tournament held at the Wellsville Country Club on September 8, 2007.
Allegany County Area Foundation is pleased to announce the Joseph C. & Elaine Niver Dwyer Cup was won by the team of Kevin Ross, Bill Ross, Matt Moretti & Don McCutcheon.
Photo: Left to Right: Greg Kayes, Club Pro, Don McCutcheon, Bill Ross, Robert P. Christian, Executive Director of Allegany County Area Foundation, Matt Moretti & Kevin Ross, Joseph C. & Elaine Niver Dwyer Cup Winners
In a field of 44 golfers, other winning teams included (adjusted gross) Steve Presutti, Mike Obuhanich, Dick Watkins, Jim Watson; (mixed) Peter Presutti Sr., Rosie Presutti, Pete Presutti, Jr., and Brandon Barrett; (women’s) Alice Stevens, Kitty Cretekos, Marty Fuller & Liz Harris. Proceeds from the annual tournament, in honor of Joe Presutti, will be used to provide scholarships to Allegany County residents. Joe, a strong advocate of education, believed in encouraging youth to pursue their dreams.
The Foundation wishes to thank all those who sponsored holes, made donations and volunteered their time to make this day a success;
Hole Sponsors- Richardson & Pullen, Attorneys
Judge & Gail Feeman
Dwyer, Black & Lyle, Attorneys
Chan & Karen Whitford
Richardson & Stout
Tammy & Rob Christman
Serra & Foggarty, Attorneys
Bill & Susan Fay
Linda Healy & Kris Stoll
Warren & Connie Emerson
Pulos & Rosell, Attorneys
Laine & Rod Pike
Carolyn Miller
Mary K. Presutti
Robert Hutter
Donors & Volunteers- County Clerks Office & DMV
Senator Cathy Young
Terri Ross
Jacob Presutti
Linda Healy & Kevin Dewey
Dick Watkins
Carissa Healy & Eric Knapp
Brad & Karen Reynolds
Ronnie Paffie
Rich & Sue Rawleigh
Sherri,Alan,Alexander
& Karleigh Presutti
Pat & Steve Presutti
Mike, Barb & Zoie Presutti
Mark, Linda, Corey & Brianna Presutti
Waneta Presutti
Pat Fogarty
Jim & Mary Jo McNinch
Coopertown Dreams Park
NBA Players:
Gilbert Arenas
Hakim Warrick
Wellsville Country Club Pro
Greg Kayes
and all the golfers
If you would like to add to the Joe Presutti Scholarship Fund, contact the Allegany County Area Foundation today. The Foundation welcomes tax-deductible gifts in any amount, including memorials to friends and loved ones. County residents are encouraged to remember the Foundation in their wills by making a specific bequest. In the 2007/08 fiscal year the Foundation will award over $220,000 in grants, including over 100 scholarships to county students and grants to local not-for-profit agencies that benefit all residents of Allegany County.
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Allegany County Area Foundation Announces Grant to the Home Care & Hospice of Western, NY of $500
Belmont, NY – August 31, 2007 – Allegany County Area Foundation, a not-for-profit organization which seeks to encourage educational, social, cultural and civic projects benefiting the residents of Allegany County, New York, is pleased to announce a grant to the Home Care & Hospice for $500.
Allegany County Area Foundation is pleased to announce a grant of $500 for the development and implementation of an electronic medical record system for all of the clinical staff: nurses, social workers, spiritual care providers and scheduler in Allegany County. The project will allow nurses, social workers and other clinicians to have instant access to their patients’ records. This is of particular importance after normal business hours. In hospice’s multi-disciplinary approach, social workers, spiritual care and bereavement coordinators play a vital role in developing a plan of care that meets all of a terminally ill patient’s needs. The Foundation is pleased to support this program.
If you would like to make a difference in your community by Leaving a Legacy, contact the Allegany County Area Foundation today. The Foundation welcomes tax-deductible gifts in any amount, including memorials to friends and loved ones. County residents are encouraged to remember the Foundation in their wills by making a specific bequest. In the 2007/08 fiscal year the Foundation will award over $220,000 in grants, including over 100 scholarships to county students and grants to local not-for-profit agencies that benefit all residents of Allegany County.
Photo: Left to Right: Robert P. Christian, Executive Director of Allegany County Area Foundation, Kelly A. Dickerson, Communications, Information & Marketing Director of Home Care & Hospice and Judy Hill, RN Care Coordinator of Home Care & Hospice
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