Reservations are required by emailing: The Estate Planning Council.

Reservations are due by September 24th. Cost is $35 with checks made payable to The Estate Planning Council and mailed to: PO Box 3761, Erie, PA 16508. For questions, please call 814-868-7551.

“This partnership is a natural because the Estate Planning Council can help their philanthropic clients think about the nonprofit community, and The Erie Community Foundation knows first-hand the many long-term needs of local nonprofits,” said Kevin Moore, vice president of Stewardship of The Erie Community Foundation. “Together, we can make a difference in our community for years to come.”

The keynote speaker at the meeting will be *Jason D. Meredith, J.D., *vice president of Thompson & Associates, where he is the lead planning attorney for all charitable estate planning. After graduating from Texas Tech University in 1995 with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance, he earned his Master of Business Administration from Texas Tech University and his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech School of Law. Jason is board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization in the areas of estate planning and probate law. He is an active member of the State Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar Association, and the Dallas Estate Planning Council.

Meredith began his career at the law firm of Burdett, Morgan, Williamson and Boykin, LLP in Amarillo, Texas. As an associate attorney, he focused his practice in the areas of estate planning and probate law. He advised and counseled clients on the effective transfer of personal wealth both during life and upon death. His practice involved the design, drafting, and implementation of simple to complex estate plans.

While living in Amarillo, he was an adjunct professor at Amarillo College teaching “Wills, Trusts, and Estate Administration” through the paralegal program. He continued his practice for several years in the Dallas area and focused his expertise solely in the areas of estate planning and probate law with a primary focus on planning estates valued over ten million dollars. He joined Thompson & Associates in 2004.

“The Estate Planning Council of Erie has always maintained a genuine commitment towards our philanthropic relationship within the community,” said Jeff Evans, president of the Estate Planning Council. “We believe that a meeting such as this continues with our mission, and we are pleased to participate with the Erie Community on this event.”

“Highmark recognizes the important role that a community college can have on a region and in people’s lives. Throughout our service area, we have seen the positive impact.” said Evan Frazier, senior vice president of Community Affairs for Highmark Inc. “This is why Highmark is pleased to make a $200,000 commitment to the Erie Community Foundation in support of the proposed Erie County Community College,” he said.

“This gift builds upon significant community momentum and responds to a great community need,” said James Martin, community affairs director, Highmark, Inc.

“The Erie Community Foundation is pleased Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is adding their name and monetary support to a growing number of businesses and community members who are convinced our region deserves a community college,” said Mike Batchelor, president of The Erie Community Foundation.

The U.S. Census Bureau has found that Erie County educational attainment rates and per capita incomes dramatically trail Pennsylvania and the rest of the United States.

“In spite of our many resources, the percent of Erie County adults with Bachelors degree or higher was 7.2% below Pennsylvania and 16.7% below the United States in 2000,” added Batchelor. “In 2008, the gap increased to 12.2% below Pennsylvania and 18.6% below the United States,” he said.

The Census also found Erie County per capita income was 16.4% below Pennsylvania and 20.3% below the United States in 2000. This gap widened to 19.9% below Pennsylvania and 21.4% below the United States in 2008. “Education correlates closely with wealth,” continued Batchelor. “We see this as additional evidence that a community college is needed,” he said.

Courses at the proposed community college will likely be held at the Erie County Technical School and Regional Skill Center after their recent vote to approve an in-kind contribution of available building space.

State Senator Jane Earll authored legislation dedicating a portion of table gaming revenues for our community college and the Erie Community Foundation has made a $1 million dollar commitment in support of this project.

The children are from the:
* Multi-Cultural Community Resource Center
* The International Institute
* John F. Kennedy Center
* Martin Luther King Center
* Trinity Center
* St. Martin Center
* Corry Achievement Camp kids

"We tried this last year and it was a tremendous success, said Mike Batchelor, president of The Erie Community Foundation. "Providing these children with a free ticket to the Zoo is part of our mission of enhancing the quality of life for our citizens. This day impacts our youngest community members."

The theme of the meeting is “Erie’s Vital Signs,” which is a project that will become a game changer for the Erie Community.

The keynote speaker will be Monica Patten, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Community Foundations of Canada. Patten has assisted in the development of community philanthropy around the world, including Brazil, Mexico, Central and Eastern Europe, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand and Russia.

Michael Batchelor, President of the Erie Community Foundation will also announce that in 2009 the Foundation:
* Disbursed 1,262 grants totaling over $7.5 million
* Distributed over $400,000 in scholarship grants
* Received gifts totaling over $11.8 million
* Promoted the ErieFREE Taxes program, which brought in over $4.5 million of refunds and Earned Income Tax Credits for more than 2,500 Erie County residents
* Earned a $1 million federal grant to initiate ReTool Erie
* Introduced the concept of School-Based Health Centers

A meeting highlight is the presentation of the Edward C. Doll Community Service Award, and this year, the Foundation will honor William M. Hilbert, Sr. Hilbert, who is the most recent past chairman of The Erie Community Foundation board of trustees, is known for his volunteerism and generosity. A well-known business man, Hilbert is a founding member of two local industries: Reddog Industries, Inc., which offers its customers a complete tooling service and PHB, a privately held corporation since 1984 that focuses on die casting. PHB is recognized across the globe as a fully integrated supplier of quality parts and assemblies with multiple manufacturing capabilities.

A scholarship recipient and the concertmaster of the Young Artists Debut Orchestra (YADO), Tien Nguyen, will play the violin at the beginning of the reception.

“Our annual meeting is a celebration of the many community partnerships that provide a better quality of life for all of us,” said Michael L. Batchelor, president of The Erie Community Foundation. “The Foundation truly belongs to the community and our endowments, now valued at over $184 million, enhances the lives of many of our areas neediest citizens.”

The mission of The Erie Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in our region by evaluating and addressing community issues, by promoting responsible philanthropy and by connecting donors to the critical needs of the community. To learn more, visit www.ErieCommunityFoundation.org.

SPECIAL NOTE: In lieu of flowers at the meeting, The Erie Community Foundation will treat over 500 kids from local nonprofits to a day at the Erie Zoo on Friday, August 13th. Gates open at 10 a.m. Please join us!

“Our goal is to raise $100,000 in order to apply for a USGA grant to match our community funds,” said Greg Cronkhite, co-chairperson. “Additionally, the first $30,000 raised will be matched dollar for dollar.” In 2009, AJGA Junior-Ams raised more than $1 million for grassroots junior golf.

“Well-known players such as Phil Mickelson and Paula Creamer began their careers playing in junior tournaments like the one that we are hosting in Erie,” added Fred Bird, co-chairperson. “The Junior Golf Classic will be a terrific opportunity to see the golfers of tomorrow, while building a fund at The Foundation to benefit our local JC Martin course, where many local kids play every day.” The 18-hole Kahkwa course features 6,534 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. Designed by Donald J. Ross, ASGCA, the Kahkwa golf course opened in 1893.

JC Martin Golf Course, also known as the Glenwood Golf Course, is a 9-hole course located on Shunpike Road in Erie, PA. The 2,284 yard municipal course was first opened in 1945 and is a par 32. Many of Erie’s fine golfers of today proudly say they discovered their love and development of the game on the local course. “I think JC Martin is one of the most underappreciated assets that we have in Erie County for young kids,” said Attorney Don Fessler, Jr. two-time city champion. “The course not only provides a wonderful opportunity for younger players to learn the great game of golf; but also, JC Martin serves as a terrific place for kids to meet other kids and forge new friendships. I can't think of a better place for our kids to learn the game and develop friendships.”

“J.C. Martin has been a part of my family for generations,” said Amy (Shipley) Kloecker. “In the 1960’s, my grandfather, Lester White was the golf professional at the course. He and my grandmother, Marianne White ran J.C. Martin. My father, Joe Shipley, and my husband, Joe Kloecker, learned to play golf at Glenwood. In addition, JC Martin has been a great place for my sons Patrick (24) and Michael (17) to learn the game and hopefully the tradition will continue in the next generation with granddaughter Ava (2 1/2).”

Mary (Hersch) Marz, who grew up playing golf at J.C. Martin, lived just blocks from the course. “My mother would drop us off in the morning and we’d play all day,” said Marz. “Being among the few girls that played golf back then, my sisters and I would team up with the boys, who probably thought we weren’t any good. Boy did we surprise them when our drives went sailing down the fairway on the first hole, most often than not, avoiding the buffalo cages at the Zoo.”

Marz feels that the course is perfect for those learning the game. “With the short holes and small greens, it’s often a challenge even for the more experienced player,” Marz added. “But it wasn’t just the golf that made the course. I formed so many friendships playing “with the boys” and in Junior Girls Golf on Friday mornings. In fact, I met my best friend to this day at Glenwood.” When it came time for a summer job in college, Marz worked behind the counter for Jack Tuffs. “I made more pepperoni balls and combination sandwiches than I care to admit, but I will never forget the life lessons I learned during those three summers. Working with Jack was the best, and I hope one day I will be able to take my kids to J.C. Martin to learn the game,” she added.

Marz’s younger sister, Katie Hersch added, "When we were growing up,J.C. Martin was basically our second home in the summers. We grew our life-long friendships with our fellow golfers while still managing to perfect our short games.”

“I love playing at JC Martin,” said 13 year-old Annie Ciacchini. “Every day, I meet up with my friends and we play until we can’t see the ball anymore. It’s so much fun!” “I play for St. Peter’s Grade School, and JC Martin is our home course,” added 13 year-old Grace Brzozowski. “Jack Tuffs is so nice to us, and he makes the best pepperoni balls!”

The JC Martin Golf Restoration Fund will be housed with over 600 other endowments and funds valued at over $186 million at The Erie Community Foundation. “Our goal is to help donors fulfill their philanthropic goals, and we are pleased to help the committee build their fund,” said Foundation President Mike Batchelor. “We believe this fund will enhance the quality of life for the next generation, our future leaders.”

You can make a gift online right here the Erie Community Foundation website!!

The Multi-Cultural Center's mission is to facilitate the educational, social, political and economic progress of the communities we serve. They break down cultural barriers due to language, appearance, or ethnic traditions. They actively promote and advocate the development, empowerment and advancement of all people while preserving their cultural identity. They work to educate the community to value diversity.

In addition, the Multi-Cultural Community Resource Center (MCRC) and Saint Vincent Health Center recently entered into a community partnership to provide Spanish-speaking patients, who receive medical care, with interpretation services. "We are delighted with this partnership as this is part of our mission," said Joel Tuzynski, the MCRC Executive Director.

To provide this service, Monica Weivoda was hired full-time at Saint Vincent as a contracted employee of MCRC's Accurate Communication Translation and Interpretation Services. She is available weekdays from 8 a.m to 4:30 p.m. in the Health Center. "We are also carrying an after hours pager that guarantees that MCRC would have a Spanish interpreter available during evenings, weekends, and holidays," Tuzynski added.

Ms. Weivoda provides Spanish interpretation onsite, and assists with coordinating language services for all limited English speaking patients. As part of her responsibilities, she reviews inpatient lists, assures that all non-English speaking clients have accessibility to an interpreter or a centralized telephonic system and she translates hospital forms into Spanish.

“With twenty-one countries around the world speaking Spanish, we see an increasing number of arrivals from Central and South America joining our Puerto Rican and Mexican citizens in Erie,” according to Tuzynski. "MCRC is very pleased with this new partnership and we look forward to helping other business in the Erie area interested in improving communication with the English as a second language community.”

Shaping tomorrow grants are proactive and strategic. Shaping tomorrow grants address big picture items and systemic community issues. Shaping tomorrow works on the antecedents to poverty including: healthcare, workforce development and early childhood education. “To do this work, we created Community Advisory Panels with field experts,” said Shiloh Turner, vice president of Programs. “Each panel member knows the issues and knows the resources to solve community problems.”

At today's press conference, hosted by Erie Dawn, The Erie Community Foundation announced the distribution of over $2 Million in grants, which will benefit the community as follows:

Human Services “Helping today grants”

1. ANNA Shelter – Cage Recovery System for Animals -$2,000
2. Community of Caring – Civility Training for Ex-Offenders – $10,000
3. Erie City Mission – Bedding Equipment and Supplies – $15,000
4. ErieDawn – Residential Furnishings and Appliances – $30,000
5. Family Services of NWPA – Electronic Health Record – $18,965
6. Gateway Rehabilitation Center-Erie: Offender re-entry program, $12,000
7. Harborcreek Youth Services–Multi-Agency Evidence based training- $10,000
8. Mercy Center for Women – Building Renovations for Expansion – $6,000

Community Development “Helping today grants”

1. Better Housing of Erie – Public Housing Community Garden – $2,612
2. Erie Downtown Partnership – Downtown Graffiti Removal – $9,500
3. Erie Homes for Children and Adults: Vocational Training Certification – $7,500
4. Habitat for Humanity – Land Survey Project – $12,000
5. Perry Square Alliance – Perry Square Underground Sprinklers – $12,200
6. Safe Horizons – Renovation and Refurbish – $18,347
7. Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network: Little Italy Emergency Repair Fund: $5,000
8. Trinity Square Foundation – Inner City Poetry Park – $15,000
9. Wattsburg Agricultural Society – Erie County Fair Building Repair – $10,000
10. West Springfield United Methodist Church – West County Wheelchair ramps – $5,000
11. Western Pennsylvania Conservancy – East Erie Community Garden – $3,342

Donor Directed & Agency Grants: -- “Helping today grants”

1. Donor Directed Grants—127 grants totaling $364,409
2. Agency Endowments – 41 grants totaling $576,095

Strategic & Collaborative “Shaping tomorrow grants”

1. Hamot Health Foundation – Patient Care Assistance Apprenticeship Program -$90,315
2. Hamot Health Foundation: Hamot-Wayne Community School-Based Health Center: $35,000
3. Community Health Net – Girard School District School-Based Health Center - $35,000
4. Community Health Net :Union City School District School-Based Health Center - $35,000
5. The Nonprofit Partnership – $240,000
6. Erie Free Taxes – $189,000

1. h2. ReTool Erie Grants “Shaping tomorrow grants”

1. HERO, Inc. - Capacity Building - $34,840
2. My Father's House of Erie - Capacity Building -$25,600
3. SafeNet - Capacity Building -$24,950
4. Opportunities Unlimited - Capacity Building - $24,886
5. Erie County CASA – Capacity Building - $24,843
6. Corry Higher Education Council – Capacity Building - $24,780
7. Erie DAWN – Capacity Building - $23,490
8. St. Martin's Center Culinary Lab, Inc. – Capacity Building - $22,445
9. Erie Homes for Children and Adults – Capacity Building - $20,956
10. Erie Tenant Council – Capacity Building - $12,970
11. Technology Council of NWPA – Capacity Building - $11,500

“Only 21% of the charities we rate have received at least two consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that The Erie Community Foundation consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way, and outperforms most other nonprofits in America,” said Ken Berger, president and chief executive officer, Charity Navigator. “In this competitive philanthropic marketplace, we highlight the fine work of efficient nonprofits such as The Erie Community Foundation, and we provide donors with essential information needed to give them greater confidence in the charitable choices they make.” This “exceptional” designation from Charity Navigator differentiates The Erie Community Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public it is worthy of their trust.

“As the nonprofit sector continues to grow at an unprecedented pace, savvy donors are demanding more accountability, transparency and quantifiable results from the nonprofits they choose to support with their hard-earned dollars,” said Mike Batchelor, president of The Erie Community Foundation. “We do our best every day, and we are honored to receive this recognition.”

The mission of The Erie Community Foundation is to improve the quality of life in our region by evaluating and addressing community issues, by promoting responsible philanthropy and by connecting donors to the critical needs of the community.

“Over the years, we have watched our scholarship program grow because donors are able to accomplish three things: meet their philanthropic goals, by establishing a scholarship in memory or honor of a loved one, which helps the next generation of students attain higher education,” said Michael Batchelor, president of The Erie Community Foundation.

As of today, 52 different scholarship funds are housed within The Erie Community Foundation, 20 within the Corry Community Foundation and 2 at the North East Community Foundation as well as 2 with the Union City Community Foundation, for a total of 76 scholarships. All can be viewed by visiting The Erie Community Foundation's website.

Each scholarship is distinct and recipients are selected in accordance with criteria established by the donor. “Some scholarships are tailored for students pursuing engineering, music, education, pre-med or law, and other scholarships are more open,” Batchelor added.

At the scholarship event, The Foundation recognizes and thanks the donors who have an opportunity to meet scholarship recipients and their parents. “The scholarship event is a highlight of our year,” Batchelor added. “Each year, we see proud parents accompany their children to our scholarship event; we hope that someday these students will grow into young adults who want to establish a scholarship for others.”

Four years ago, The Erie Community Foundation recognized a need in the community at the grassroots level. Many smaller groups, such as neighborhood watch groups, could benefit from small amounts of funding for their specific projects. As a result, the Neighborhood Mini-Grant was started. Groups are eligible for mini-grants up to $500, and groups can submit more than one grant application.

The response from the community has been very well received. In fact, 2010 marks the fourth year that The Erie Community Foundation has presented these grants. Any neighborhood group in Erie County is eligible. This is the second year of partnering with Stef Chatman and the first year of partnering with the Erie Neighborhood Watch Council.
Applications for the Neighborhood Mini-Grants were accepted for requests for projects such as: community building, recreation, and neighborhood restoration.

Below is the list of the 2010 grant recipients:

1. $500 Bayfront NATO Inc / Martin Luther King Center
2. $1,000 Sisters of St. Joseph: Beautification & Sign Replacement
3. $500 Wesleyville Borough Neighborhood Watch
4. $1,000 Sisters of Mercy: Basic Carpentry`& painting skills
5. $500 Wood Hood NW: Block Party & Newsletter
6. $500 Lincoln Elementary School: Jump start your school year
7. $1,000 Bayfront East Side Taskforce Movies Under the Stars & Ongoing neighborhood beautification
8. $1,500 Bethesda Trinity Center: Horticulture, Waldameer, End of Summer Celebration
9. $1,000 Bethany Multicultural: “Do It Yourself Legal Clinics” & Parenting Classes
10. $500 Booker T Washington Center /Healthy Youth Development: Igniting the Spark
11. $500 SafeNet: Discover our City Teen Scavenger Hunt
12. $500 Multicultural Community Resource Center: Neighborhood Gardens
13. $500 Snoops #13 Neighborhood Watch Group: Park Beautification
14. $1,000 Land Lighthouse Neighborhood Watch: Wild Wednesdays & Emergency Preparedness
15. $500 Garden Court Neighborhood Watch: Erie Alerts Twitter
16. $500 Buffalo Road Neighborhood Watch: Safety Lighting
17. $500 Corry Fest ’09: Corry Community Development Corp.
18. $500 Neighborhood Watch Council: Street Signs
19. $1,500 South East Hills Neighborhood Watch: Farmers Market, National Night Out & Sustainability for the Future
20. $500 Youth for Christ: Wheelchair ramps
21. $500 Central City Neighborhood Alliance: Beautification
22. $500 Elk Creek Recreation & Leisure Board/Girard Borough: Adult Swim
23. $500 Burton School: Summer Basketball program
24. $500 Glenwood Watch Group
25. $1,500 Union City Pride: Lawn Chairs, Art Show, Neighborhood Beautification