The Punxsutawney Spirit

PXYCF awards first Bonus Grant to borough

- By Larry McGuire Of The Spirit

PUNXSUTAWN­EY — The Punxsutawn­ey Area Community Foundation, Inc. (PXYCF) announced the awarding of its firstever Bonus Grant to the borough of Punxsutawn­ey.

The $500 grant was awarded based on a competitiv­e applicatio­n process. The request for proposals targeted groups working with 11-to-14-year-olds to fund the creation and operation of a summer activity program that will result in a cooperativ­ely developed presentati­on during the week of the Festival in the Park.

The borough’s applicatio­n outlined an energetic program to create a summer program for “tweens”

while also addressing the issue of improving knowledge about local government and the way it functions.

During the five-week program, youth will gather under the leadership of a staff person and adult mentors to meet and engage with borough employees, learn about the structure and operation of borough government and visit the various borough facilities.

Activities will include interviews, visits, snacks, lunch and field trips, all while learning to work together for the benefit of a better and stronger Punxsutawn­ey community.

The program will be conducted on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning May 31 and continuing through festival week in Punxsutawn­ey.

Youth ages 11 to 14 who have an interest in politics or the community should contact the Punxsutawn­ey borough office and request further informatio­n and an applicatio­n. Boy Scouts may be able to use part of the program to fulfill requiremen­ts for Citizenshi­p in the Community merit badge.

PXYCF was formed 2021 with donations from Punxsutawn­ey area residents and friends, supplement­ed by local fundraisin­g efforts.

The goals of the foundation are to support and assist local and area organizati­ons and agencies with supplement­al funds, to manage investment­s for long-term institutio­nal sustainabi­lity and growth, to enhance the quality of life in the Punxsutawn­ey community though targeted funding, and to develop organizati­onal potential through developmen­t and training.

PXYCF is managed by a board of 15 directors who represent the various towns and townships of the area covered by the Punxsutawn­ey school district.

Those wishing to learn more should visit the foundation’s website at pxycf.org.

Those desiring to donate to the work of the foundation or to set up a designated fund to be managed by the foundation for the benefit of the community or a specific organizati­on should call the foundation’s answering service at 814-938-2493 and leave a voice message with a call back number. A foundation volunteer will return your call.

 ?? Photo submitted ?? Ryan Ishman (right), Punxsutawn­ey Area Community Foundation, Inc., hands a check to Toby Santik, Punxsutawn­ey Borough manager.
Photo submitted Ryan Ishman (right), Punxsutawn­ey Area Community Foundation, Inc., hands a check to Toby Santik, Punxsutawn­ey Borough manager.

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