Celebrating 70 years of Scranton Area Community Foundation

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Board governors and staff members of the Scranton Area Community Foundation shown seated from left are: Brittany Pagnotti, Donor Relations and Communications Director; Ellen Burkey, Board Chair; Laura Ducceschi, President and CEO; Maggie Martinelli, Chief Operating Officer, and Dana Hunter, Operations Manager. Standing same order are: Brad Reid, Philanthropy Manager; Ryan Board Governor; Amy Betts, Community Impact Manager; Frank Caputo, Grants and Scholarships Manager; Barbara O’Hara, Esq., Board Governor; Kenneth Okrepkie, Board Governor; Jana Nelhybel, NEPA Thrives Sustainability Manager; Joseph Bannon, MD, Board Governor; Mary Joyce, Communications Manager; Katie Gilmartin, Board Governor; David Price, Scranton Area Board Governor; Jerry Musheno, R.Ph. Esq., Board Governor; Thomas Minora, MD, F.A.C.P., Board Governor; Rebecca Farrell, Grants and Scholarships Associate; and Cathy Fitzpatrick, Grants and Scholarships Director.

The Scranton Area Community Foundation is planning a 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, at Scranton Cultural Center 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.”

To honor its legacy and look ahead to the future, the Platinum Jubilee event 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.

 For more information on attending the event or supporting the Foundation’s mission, visit safdn.org or contact Mary Joyce, Communications Manager at the Scranton Area Community Foundation.

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