237 Court Magazine, Issue 2, 2024

The mission of Berks County Community Foundation is to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County.

PRESIDENT’S LETTER

They say good things come to those who wait. Little did we know that it would take nine years to publish the second issue of 237 Court magazine – after the first issue debuted in 2015. We thought that the occasion of our 30th anniversary was a great reason to bring it back.

Berks County Community Foundation was a scrappy startup when it was founded 30 years ago. In its first full fiscal year, the Community Foundation awarded four grants.

Berks County and the Community Foundation have come a long way since then.

The Community Foundation now manages about $140 million in assets and nearly 400 funds that award grants and scholarships. Thousands of grants and scholarships have been awarded, totaling over $79 million, since our founding in June of 1994.

We have compiled some highlights of the past 30 years that you will find in the timeline featured on the center spread of this magazine. Looking back, it is difficult to pick one grant, one event, or one initiative that makes me most proud.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:

Erica Caceres Communication Manager

MANAGING EDITOR:

Molly McCullough Robbins, VP for Philanthropic Services

WRITERS:

Erica Caceres

Angelene Jimenez

2024 Marketing Communication Co-Op Intern

Molly McCullough Robbins

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Jennifer Foster

JFoster Photography

DESIGN:

Deb Soule

The Drawing Board

I can say that the Community Foundation team works hard to bring organizations and individuals together to collaborate and spark positive change, to provide more opportunities for nonprofits to thrive, and to inspire our residents to give to the causes about which they care the most.

A lot has changed in 30 years. But, for the Community Foundation, our mission to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County will never change.

Kevin K. Murphy President Berks County Community Foundation

title of being Reading’s first certified green building!

From left to right: Program Team - Emily Smedley, Monica Reyes, Cindy Milian, Kim Sheffer, Dan Gombar

AREAS OF FOCUS

Though donor-driven, much of our grantmaking falls within the following areas of expertise. We have dedicated expert program officers who manage and distribute these funds.

Arts, Culture, and Humanities:

Our funds and programs celebrate humanities and connect local residents to the many artistic and cultural activities that take place in our community.

Environment and Energy: Our funds support projects and programs that recognize the value of climate resiliency which includes promoting energy efficiency, caring for farmland and open space, and reducing our impact on the planet.

Health and Human Services:

We work to ensure our community members have access to the health information and quality of life services they need to function at their best.

Lifelong Learning:

We’re here to help build a community of life-long learners through a variety of professional development programs and scholarships.

Neighborhoods and Economic Development: We manage funds to enhance the places people care about in Berks County.

MEET OUR PROGRAM OFFICERS

EDITOR’S NOTE

After a hiatus of 9 years, I was thrilled to reignite the spark of our official magazine. In this issue, we are celebrating our 30th anniversary and the art of storytelling. You’ll find some interesting locations, take an interactive quiz, travel down memory lane, and meet some cool organizations!

Our goal is to feature our community in captivating photography as well as the diversity of Berks County residents. We invite you to join us on this journey of rediscovery and we hope that each page of the magazine is a source of delight, inspiration, and connection. Cheers to the next 30 years!

Erica Caceres

Erica Caceres Editor in Chief

From left to right: Emily Smedley, Environment and Energy Program Officer; Cindy Milian, Health and Human Services Program Officer; and Kim Sheffer, Lifelong Learning Program Officer.

GIVING WITHOUT LIMITS

By Molly McCullough Robbins

In 2009, the Community Foundation received its largest bequest to date from the estate of Myrtle Quier, the former publisher of the Reading Eagle newspaper. This $10 million dollar gift established the Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund to provide grants for local causes forever. In keeping with Mrs. Quier’s wishes, the fund makes distributions to improve the quality of life for Berks County residents, with emphasis on the arts, education, women's issues, children's issues, and animal welfare. At the time, Kevin Murphy, president of Berks County Community Foundation, reflected on the gift. “She gave

us broad discretion to decide where the money should go,” Murphy said. “This gift will help a lot of folks.”

And help a lot of folks it has.

Monica Reyes, Vice President for Programs and Initiatives, notes, "Unrestricted funds like the Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund provide flexibility and adaptability. They have amplified the foundation’s impact, enabling us to address evolving community needs through

our investment in strategic community initiatives.” From grants to support events and revitalization in the city of

Unrestricted funds provide Berks County Community Foundation with the freedom to allocate resources where they are most needed.

Reading - to broad support for arts & culture organizations - to funding for educational institutions all over Berks County – to funding for

THREE WAYS YOU CAN GIVE:

environmental, public safety, and religious organizations, the Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund has made a tremendous impact, totaling over $5 million in grants - so far.

Unrestricted funds provide Berks County Community Foundation with the freedom to allocate resources where they are most needed. Think of it as giving an artist a blank canvas— unrestricted funds empower the foundation to spark meaningful change without constraints. While it may be rare to receive a gift of the size of the Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund, unrestricted donations of any size can have a significant impact on the community.

#1 Support an existing fund - The Community Foundation manages nearly 400 charitable funds that support a broad range of issues from education and healthcare to energy and the environment. Search our fund directory to find a fund that aligns with your values and interests - you can make a difference by contributing what you are able. Even the smallest donation can spark change for a cause that can have a huge impact on the community.

#2 Create your own fund - You can structure a fund of your own by working with us or with your attorney, accountant, financial advisor, or trust officer to make sure it works with your estate plan or current financial goals.

#3 Leave a bequest in your will - A bequest is the most common form of planned giving. You may structure the bequest as a percentage or a specific amount of your estate, or a residuary amount. By including the Community Foundation in your estate plan, you can leave a legacy that supports the causes you care about most.

Continuing the Conversation: HOW CAN WE KEEP THE COMMUNITY HEALTHY?

By Erica Caceres

RECOMMENDATION #1

Create a Berks County Health Director position to lead public health collective action and coordination and serve as a trusted communicator about public health information.

In March 2023, the Berks County Commissioners released a study about public health in our community. The report had four recommendations on how Berks County can support a healthier community. Leading the conversation are T.J. Huckleberry and Dr. Michael Baxter. I sat down with the two and had questions for them about the report’s recommendations. Get ready for insightful answers from experts in their field.

Q: The commissioners released a report that provided four recommendations on how to create a healthier Berks County. What were your initial reactions to the report?

T.J.: This is the first tangible approach our county leadership has made towards addressing public health and wellness. It’s a great first step!

Dr. Baxter: The authors, Health Management Associates (HMA) of Philadelphia, did outstanding work reviewing the health problems and needs of Berks County. Their review and comparison of major health issues confronting Berks and five neighboring counties as well as comparing Berks with Pennsylvania and U.S. data was particularly enlightening.

Q: Why do you think it is important to educate the community on the report and its recommendations?

T.J.: These four pillars provide a blueprint for how we as a community can address and take control of our public health issues.

Q: If you had a magic wand, what are the top three wishes you would fulfill for Berks County to make it healthier?

Dr. Baxter: If I had to only choose three, I would like to see:

• Improved access to care for everyone with or without health insurance by increasing the numbers of primary care and mental health providers in Berks (in the HMA study, Berks was at the bottom of the number of such health providers per population).

RECOMMENDATION

#2

Establish a Public Health Advisory Panel and appoint members who can advise on public health assessment, assurance, and policy activities.

• Healthier living for all (especially those with chronic diseases) by developing resources in the community for healthier diets and more easily accessed exercise and provider access.

• Proven efforts to address drug abuse and violence (especially guns) which have a devastating impact, especially on many young people.

T.J.: In addition to what Dr. Baxter mentioned, I’d also like to see increased avenues for mental health awareness and services.

Q: What initiatives can be implemented to improve healthcare access for individuals in Berks County?

Dr. Baxter: Access for all health services is a top priority.

Increase the number of primary care and mental health providers as previously noted, and implement approaches (involving our health care institutions, schools, and others) to make such access available and affordable. Explore school-based clinics as a high priority for the physical and mental health challenges, especially facing children and youth.

RECOMMENDATION #3

Support the establishment of a “Healthy Berks” coalition to serve as a coordinating body for public health efforts in the county.

Q: In what ways can we address healthcare disparities among different communities within Berks County?

Dr. Baxter: One way we can address the disparity is to use the data available through this study and the Hospital Community Health Needs Assessments to address identified problems throughout the county. This would be a priority for a County Health Director and a County Health Data analyst.

Q: How can we promote preventive healthcare measures to ensure better health outcomes for all Berks County residents?

Dr. Baxter: Health disparities which include the Social Determinants of Health must be a priority for any successful efforts to improve the health/public health of all the people of Berks County. Resources need to be coordinated between health care institutions, educational and religious groups, and the media to shine light on issues, the people most in need and the resources to meet those needs.

Q: What collaborative efforts can be made to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in Berks County?

Dr. Baxter: A top priority would be to see our major health care institutions truly work together to improve the health of our people, but I have been waiting over 30 years for that to happen. I would hope a County Health Director, if not the full impact of a County Health Department, could help achieve that. In addition, we have many excellent organizations including the United Way and the Berks Community Health Center that could join forces to address many of our health and social determinants issues.

Q: One of the county health report’s recommendations is to create a Berks County Health Director position. We were introduced to the functions and responsibilities of local health directors during the COVID-19 pandemic. When they aren’t addressing emergency public health issues, what are some of their day-to-day responsibilities?

Dr. Baxter: A County Health Director would collect and organize data (with the assistance of the Data Coordinator), set priorities based on needs, coordinate efforts, and energize support (including political advocacy) to get things done that make a true impact.

Q: How could the recommendations in the county’s report supplement the work of local hospitals and the community health center? How do they differ?

Dr. Baxter: Our local not for profit hospitals are required by law to conduct their Community Health Needs Assessments every 3 years. They take this process seriously and perform a very valuable service. However, they are not government bodies with the resources to change policy, invest in public funding or change the dynamics of our community. While they are responsible for improving health, much of their effort is focused on the emergency and acute care needs readily addressed by a hospital. They can assist in these public health efforts but that is generally not their primary function.

Q: About half of Pennsylvanians are served by a local or municipal health department. Why is it important for the county to have taken on the issue of public health in Berks County, when they commissioned this study?

T.J.: A public health structure in Berks County would place a magnifying glass towards the preventative health concerns facing our friends and neighbors while creating

RECOMMENDATION #4

Create a Berks County Health Data Analyst position to improve Berks County-specific public health data completeness and accuracy.

an advocate for state funding and support from Harrisburg and Washington to address these issues. Public health not only prevents and educates against the spread of diseases but promotes healthy living among our community.

Dr. Baxter: Although there are only 7 County and 4 Municipal Health Departments in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, these departments cover a large proportion of the residents of Pennsylvania and, I argue,represent, in general, the economic hubs in PA. There is a direct link between health and economic success—healthy people in general are more economically successful and their communities are also more successful and vice versa. It is a responsibility of government then not only to promote the economic well-being of their communities but also the health of the residents of those communities. Government, with the support of the many resources that exist in their communities, is best poised to address the disparities and promote the policies that will build stronger healthier lives for all.

T.J. Huckleberry is the Executive Director of Berks County Medical Society. Berks County Medical Society serves members and the residents of Berks County, PA, with physician, hospital, and health-related information.

Dr. D. Michael Baxter practiced medicine for over 30 years in Berks County. He was the chair of the department of family and community medicine at Reading Hospital and a director of the Reading Hospital family medicine residency program.

Gaining insight into why it is important to have a County Health Department is the first step. Our goal is to educate the community on the benefits of a public health department. Fortunately, because of the Community General Hospital Healthcare Fund of Berks County Community Foundation, we were able to support a community conversation that our friends at Berks County Medical Society hosted. The conversation was held in September 2023 and gave residents a chance to ask questions about the four recommendations that resulted from the study. The study was released by Berks County Commissioners and conducted by Health Management Associates in March 2023. You can access the report by scanning the QR code.

Cindy Milian Health and Human Services Program

Officer

In Your Backyard: Landmarks of Berks County

By Angelene Jimenez

When people care about the place they live, they care a lot. Our funds were created by generous people to ensure the neighborhoods they love continue to thrive. Did you know the following landmarks in Berks County are thriving in part due to the support of several of funds we manage?

The Pagoda

A beloved Reading landmark, the Pagoda boasts stunning views of the city. Thanks to the Foundation for the Reading Pagoda Restoration Fund, this iconic structure is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary

With a soaring mission to tackle global raptor conservation through scientific research and education, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary provides a haven for birds of prey. This vital work was supported in 2024 by the Jim Brett Global Conversation Education Fund.

Reading Public Museum

A treasure trove of art, history, and science, the Reading Public Museum offers something for everyone. The Levi W. Mengel Memorial Fund contributes to the Museum’s ability to acquire new exhibits, care for its collections, and provide educational experiences for all ages.

Reading Area Firefighters Museum

The Reading Area Firefighters Museum honors the brave men and women who protect our community. The Reading Area Firefighters Museum Fund provides essential support for this institution, ensuring the preservation of firefighting history and educating future generations about fire safety.

Trudy’s Garden

Nestled within the Reading Public Museum, Trudy’s Garden offers a peaceful escape and a vibrant display of flowers. The Trudy’s Garden Fund ensures the ongoing maintenance and beauty of this cherished community space.

1994

Founding of Berks County Community Foundation

Berks County Community Foundation was founded on June 7th, with Al Hemmerich serving as first Board Chair.

1997

First grants awarded Community Foundation awards 15 grants as part of the first grants cycle.

Community General Hospital Fund

The Community General Hospital Fund was established, creating the Community General Hospital Scholarship which has awarded 577 scholarships totaling more than $1 million since its inception.

1996

Peirce Report

This nationally recognized report on the state of cities outlined key issues facing Berks County and raised the visibility of the Community Foundation.

1995

Ben Franklin Trust

A portion of the estate of Benjamin Franklin was given to Berks County Community Foundation as its first bequest.

First Endowment gift

Wyomissing Foundation gives $1 million to establish our first endowment.

30 Milestones for 30 years

2000

Metropolitan Edison Sustainable Energy Fund

Metropolitan Edison Sustainable Energy Fund was established, providing significant funding for environment and energy projects.

Capital Campaign for SPAC

The Community Foundation raised $3 million in the capital campaign for Santander Performing Arts Center to restore the historic Rajah Theater on 6th Street in Reading, now called the Santander Performing Arts Theater.

2007

County Health Study

First grants to support the merits and feasibility of creating a county health department in Berks County health study in the community.

2010 Library Task Force

Berks Library Task Force was created in response to the fallout of the 2008 national economic crisis, to ensure library services continued for the community.

2001 Russia Trip

Kevin Murphy’s trip to Russia to meet with The Togliatti Community Foundation.

1998

Youth Advisory Committee

The Youth Advisory Committee was established to bring groups of teens together to learn about and practice philanthropy.

Farmland Preservation

Farmland Preservation grant provided a consultant who worked with groups to develop one goal: to preserve 200,000 acres of farmland.

2009

New Headquarters and Conference Center building

LEED certified headquarters building opened in downtown Reading.

Quier Fund

established

Hawley and Myrtle Quier bequest – the foundation’s largest gift to date - provided significant discretionary funds.

of Berks County Community Foundation

2013

Council on Foundations

Kevin Murphy was named Chair of Council on Foundations, a national organization supporting philanthropic organizations.

2015

Downtown Concerts

Downtown Concert Series began with $150,000 in funding from the Hawley and Myrtle Quier Fund of Berks County Community Foundation.

2016

Council on Foundations Leadership in Residence paper

Community Foundation Business Model Disruption in the 21st Century - this document reviewed how changes in the local financial services field may force some nonprofit organizations to alter their business models. Kevin Murphy researched and wrote the article as the Council on Foundation’s first Foundation Leader in Residence.

2012

Berks Community Health Center opens Berks Community Health Center opened with significant support from Community General Hospital Healthcare Fund of the Berks County Community Foundation.

Jump Start Incubator

Jump Start Incubator was established within our headquarters to support small businesses with professional office space.

Power of the Purse

Power of the Purse, Berks County Community Foundation’s first women’s giving circle, was established.

2014

2015-2016

Budget Crisis Program Program provided loans to nonprofits to get them through the budget crisis.

Colebrookdale Railroad

Initial grant funding to support the Colebrookdale Railroad Operations Sustainability Program.

Teen Pregnancy Initiative

Community Health Needs Assessment, including a focus on developing strategies to address adolescent pregnancy, resulted in a 40% reduction of teen pregnancy.

Rural Arts program

Rural Arts program to provide arts and culture programming in regions of the county that report lower participation in such activities, funding $250,000 over 5 years in partnership with Berks Arts Council, arts and culture groups.

Would you like to learn more about the history of the Berks County Community Foundation?

Scan below to view our Organizational Memoir, which provides details and highlights of the first 30 years in our history.

2021

Matching Grant for Diversity Mural

$2,500 matching grant after the diversity mural in Boyertown was defaced.

2022

2020

COVID response

COVID response –providing operating support to nonprofits

Ukraine Response Fund for Ednannia was established in response to the war in Ukraine.

2022-2024

Local Media

Spotlight PA convening of local media outlets.

2023

RM Palmer Crisis Response

West Reading Disaster Fund was established in partnership with United Way to provide grants in response to the explosion at RM Palmer chocolate factory.

KEEPING TRUE TO THEIR

When First United Church of Christ closed its doors in 2017, the church transferred their endowment to Berks County Community Foundation to create the First United Church of Christ Mission Fund. This fund supports organizations and causes that were important to the mission of the First United Church of Christ.

Churches and other houses of worship serve our community in many ways, far beyond ministry. They are hubs for civic engagement and social services. These buildings have been vital cultural vehicles that

MISSION

By Molly McCullough Robbins

have helped knit the fabric of our community for generations. Like many others across our country, some houses of worship in our community have made the difficult decision to close or are at risk of closure.

The mission-driven work of the church does not have to end once its doors close, however. One purpose of the First United Church of Christ Mission Fund is to help alleviate hunger in Berks County. One of the recent

recipients of funding is Café Esperanza. The mission of Café Esperanza is to alleviate hunger by providing nourishing food to all, regardless of ability to pay.

The idea behind the café began in 2012. The building on Greenwich Street in Reading is owned by Hope Lutheran Church and was then used as a community space for events, meetings, and a location for Family Promise Day Center. At the time, the church, located

across the street, recognized the issue of food insecurity in the neighborhood. After all, half of the congregation of the church at that time was unemployed. After initial fundraising efforts, 10,000 meals were served out of the church that year.

The plan for Café Esperanza, a pay-what-you-can establishment, was born out of that need. They offer meals in a welcoming environment and strive to strengthen community bonds over delicious food. After the café opened, the founder, Reverand Mary Wolfe, welcomed neighborhood children into the café for a hot chocolate while they waited for the school bus to take them to Central Middle School. Initially hesitant, the children eventually accepted the invitation and began to stop in the café for a warm drink or healthy bite before school. Today, ten to fifteen middle school students come to the café each day to eat a nourishing breakfast provided free of charge before they get on the bus.

In 2023, Café Esperanza was awarded $8,250 from the First United Church of Christ Mission Fund of Berks County Community Foundation for what is now dubbed the Breakfast Club program. The Breakfast Club

offers neighborhood children a safe space to gather and enjoy quality food. The café is expanding their offerings to include enrichment programs such as chess club and antibullying programming, free of charge. Reverand Mary Wolfe, founder and president of the Café Esperanza board of directors, reflected on the grant: “This grant has helped us realize a goal for Café Esperanza, which is to offer healthy nutritious fare to people who often don’t have access to such things, while at the same time providing them with a safe and comfortable place in which relationships can be formed and deepened. We are so grateful for the focus of this grant on the needs of underserved areas of this city, including our Northwest Reading neighborhood which is often overlooked.”

The First United Church of Christ Mission Fund lists among its priorities “to meet a pressing need for youth or help children from Berks County participate in activities that their families would not otherwise be able to afford.”

Many grants have been made from the fund to organizations who are meeting those needs, and The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation is no exception.

The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation requested funding for a project

The Breakfast Club offers neighborhood children a safe space to gather and enjoy quality food. The café is expanding their offerings to include enrichment programs such as chess club and anti-bullying programming, free of charge.

How can you help Café Esperanza?

To help keep costs down and provide free meals for those who need them, the café has established a token program. You can make outright monetary donations or purchase tokens to leave for patrons who visit the café to redeem in exchange for their meal.

www.cafeesperanzardg.org 105 West Greenwich Street Reading, PA 19601

in 2023 that met the mission of the fund beautifully. The mission of The S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation is “to inspire lifelong learners by providing hands-on STEM lessons to students regardless of their socio-economic status.”

The Classroom Visitation Program facilitated by S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation brings award-winning, stimulating lessons to students in the comfort of their own classroom who otherwise would not be afforded the opportunity to participate. They coordinate with schools in our county, and instructors bring science fun to these students. From Matter Monsters to Everybody’s Water, they provide hundreds of STEM lessons to students in Berks County schools. Alec Reinert, Executive Director of S.P.A.R.K.S., said this about the program: “The First U.C.C. funding through the Berks County Community Foundation allowed the S.P.A.R.K.S. Foundation to serve over 500 students across Reading School District with our hands-on

and inquiry-based STEM lessons. Without this funding and programming, many of the youth served would not have had the opportunity or exposure to help drive interest in STEM as well as increase basic STEM knowledge and literacy. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learners through STEM regardless of their socioeconomic status, and it is because of amazing partners like Berks County Community Foundation that we can serve thousands of local youth in our local communities each year.”

Since the First United Church of Christ’s Mission Fund’s inception, grants have been awarded to 29 local organizations totaling over $270,000. This year, the investment proceeds from this fund will provide up to $52,500 in grant funding. These grants provide meaningful support to organizations in our community who are doing work that aligns with the goals of First United Church of Christ when the fund was established.

Want to learn more about Berks County Community Foundation’s work with local churches and other houses of worship? Scan to learn more.

PLANNING YOUR GIVING

By Molly McCullough Robbins

For 30 years, Berks County Community Foundation has helped individuals, families, organizations, and businesses achieve their philanthropic objectives through the charitable funds they create. We are dedicated to promoting philanthropy and improving the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. Our work is made possible by generous people who created funds to give back to the community. As our community evolves, the importance of philanthropy and collective support continues to grow. We understand the importance of leaving a legacy for our community not only for the the near term, but also for future generations.

TYPES OF FUNDS YOU CAN CREATE

#1 Undesignated Funds

Some donors establish Undesignated Funds, where grants are made to address critical issues in the community, as determined by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. These grantmaking programs and initiatives evolve and develop over time to meet the emerging needs of the people who live and work in the county. Our expert program officers oversee these initiatives.

#2 Field of Interest Funds

Field of Interest Funds allow donors to support areas of interest, such as education, animal welfare, energy and the environment, neighborhoods and economic development, or the arts. Sometimes the Community Foundation will establish an advisory committee of expert volunteers to guide the distribution of grants.

“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.”

—William James

#3 Designated Funds

Grants from Designated Funds are made regularly to nonprofit agencies that you designate when you set up the fund. Some donors endow a Designated Fund in their will by leaving a charitable bequest to provide annual support to an agency. Sometimes agencies create their own funds to provide everlasting support.

#4 Donor Advised Funds

With a Donor Advised Fund, you recommend grants over time to organizations and causes that interest you. Some donors pick family members to serve on an advisory committee that makes the grant recommendations. Many donors set up Donor Advised Funds instead of private foundations. In most cases, Donor Advised Funds offer significant tax and administrative advantages over private foundations.

#5 Scholarship & Award Funds

Scholarships and Awards are granted based on specific selection criteria that donors determine when they establish the fund. In many cases, there may be a way to support educational causes in other ways, too, such as through a field-of-interest fund.

Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, are here to answer questions and help you achieve your charitable goals.

To discuss your options for giving to the Community Foundation, please email give@bccf.org or call 610.685.2223. Take our quiz on page 22.

Molly McCullough Robbins, Vice President for Philanthropic Services, and Franki Aitken, Chief

A FAMILY LEGACY

By Molly McCullough Robbins

“This is the foundation of who we are.”

- Allison Kline McCanney

The Kline family has a long history as community leaders, starting with Sidney D. Kline, Sr.

Sid Sr. led the way for future generations of Klines to support Berks County through community service and philanthropy.

His son, Sidney D. Kline, Jr. played a critical role in the establishment and success of Berks County Community Foundation. The younger Sid was a board member of the Wyomissing Foundation when that group decided to establish the Community Foundation. He then served on the steering committee that established

the first board in 1994 and, of course, as a founding director.

In 1995, Sid and his wife, Barbie, received the Thun Award. This prestigious award is presented to Berks County residents whose commitment of time, leadership, and philanthropy exhibit the enduring sense of community reflected by the high ideals of the Thun family.

Recognizing the opportunity to instill their philanthropic values in their daughters, Sid and Barbie transferred their family foundation to the Community Foundation in 1996. Barbie reflected on that

time: “We wanted to establish the whole concept of giving with the next generation.” Their three daughters – Allison McCanney, Leslie Davidson, and Lisa Gallen – were named members of the fund’s advisory committee. Each year, the advisory committee determines the organizations and causes they want to support. “It allowed them to think about their own giving before they had much of their own disposable income”, Barbie remembered.

From 1999 to 2001, Sid served as chair of the Berks County Community Foundation board.

“It’s not at all an overstatement to say that if it wasn’t for Sid Kline’s involvement and encouragement, there might very well never have been a Berks County Community Foundation”, Kevin Murphy recalls.

Allison, Leslie and Lisa, like their parents, have supported a wide range of community organizations through active volunteerism and philanthropy. The first grants made from the Kline Family Fund in 1999 reflected organizations important to the Kline daughters, and they have expanded their giving over the years while staying true to their original interests. Each daughter decides on the organizations she would like to support with her portion of the fund for any given year – local organizations like the United Way of Berks County, Olivet Boys & Girls Club, Trinity Lutheran Church, and Caron Treatment Centers, for example. Leslie says that the family’s fund is now a way for her to supplement her own charitable giving.

Education is a common theme in their philanthropy. The Kline daughters give to Dickinson College, where Sid, Barbie, Allison, Lisa, and Leslie’s son Michael attended – as well as Lehigh University, Leslie and her husband Bill’s alma mater. Barbie served as a trustee of

Albright College at one time, so her daughters have given to Albright in her honor.

When Allison’s husband, Dave McCanney, passed away in 2012, Allison knew that setting up a fund in his memory “was the right thing to do”. To continue Dave’s legacy, his friends from Wyomissing Area Soccer Club established a fund in his memory in 2018. Lisa and her husband, John, established their own Donor Advised Fund with the Community Foundation in 2017. “It was time”, Lisa said.

The Kline family didn’t stop there. All eight of Sid and Barbie’s grandchildren - Megan, Michael, Chrissy, William, Laura, Lindsay, Sam and Nat - have followed in their footsteps and have made philanthropy a part of their lives. All eight served on the Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee. When cousins Laura and Chrissy turned 13, in lieu of a birthday party, they requested donations to Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in honor of their cousin, Sam. When Chrissy and her dad, Bill, participated in the Boston Marathon this year supporting the Hoyt Foundation, all the grandchildren contributed. Lisa’s son, Nat, has made his career in philanthropy. The list goes on.

We work with a lot of families who are committed to Berks County’s wellbeing. It’s not at all uncommon for a

second generation to become very involved in the community. After all, they’ve grown up with role models. The Kline daughters are unusual, but perhaps not unprecedented, in providing a third generation of community leadership.

What is unusual about this family is that a fourth generation of Klines is taking up the family tradition. Sid Kline Jr. passed away in 2014, but his legacy will live on.

What is unusual about this family is that a fourth generation of Klines is taking up the family tradition.

MEET THE BOARD

Our volunteer Board of Directors represents a cross-section of community leadership. The Board directs the investment of funds, the distribution of grants, and the setting of strategic goals.

Susan N. Denaro, Esq. Board Chair Attorney, Plank Frankowski

Kevin K. Murphy President Berks County Community Foundation

Frances A. Aitken, CPA Treasurer** Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer Berks County Community Foundation

Douglas F. Smith Assistant Treasurer Vice President, Mid Penn Bank

Gabriela Raful, Esq. Assistant Treasurer Senior Partner, Galfand Berger, LLP

Jay R. Wagner, Esq. Secretary** Shareholder, Stevens & Lee

Lyn Camella-Rich Former Wealth Management Advisor; Merrill Lynch

Vicki Ebner, Esq. Senior Counsel, East Penn Manufacturing

Michael J. Rowley, ABV, CVA, CPA, CFF Senior Director, Herbein + Company, Inc.

Ramona D. Turpin Workforce Development Instructor, Literacy Council of Reading-Berks Inc.

Dr. Thomas Flynn Former President of Alvernia University

Richard L. Stoudt, Jr. Executive Vice President, High Construction Company

Alfred J. Weber President, Tweed-Weber-Danks Inc.

Hon. Carissa Johnson, MBA Magisterial District Judge, District Court 23-1-02

To learn more about each board member, scan the QR code.

MEET THE STAFF

A team of passionate, driven people committed to promoting philanthropy and improving the lives of Berks County residents. We’re here to help. Reach out to any of our team members with questions or to learn more.

Frances Aitken

Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer frankia@bccf.org

Vivi Anthony Executive Assistant vivia@bccf.org

Erica Caceres Communication Manager ericac@bccf.org

Sally Cox Finance and Operations Administrator sallyc@bccf.org

Dan Gombar

Grants Management Administrator danielg@bccf.org

Zoraida Gonzalez Receptionist zoraidag@bccf.org

Julie Hartman Senior Accountant julieh@bccf.org

To learn more about each team member, scan the QR code.

Angelene Jimenez Marketing Communication Co-Op Intern Spring 2024 intern@bccf.org

Cindy Milian Health and Human Services Program Officer cindym@bccf.org

Karen A. Miller Senior Fellow karenm@bccf.org

Kevin K. Murphy President kevinm@bccf.org

Monica Reyes Vice President for Programs and Initiatives monicar@bccf.org

Molly McCullough Robbins Vice President for Philanthropic Services mollyr@bccf.org

Kim Sheffer Lifelong Learning Program Officer kims@bccf.org

Emily Smedley Environment and Energy Program Officer emilys@bccf.org

William R. Sheeler Senior Fellow bills@bccf.org

TAKE OUR QUIZ!

Discover which type of fund best matches your goals

We help people determine the type of fund that best suits their charitable goals. Nearly all our funds are customized to help our donors achieve their philanthropic vision. Take this simple 5 question quiz to see what kind of fund you can create.

Have you ever thought about creating a fund?

a. I have and am I ready to help Berks County’s critical needs

b. Yes, but I would like some help

c. I am ready and know which organizations I want to fund

What are you passionate about supporting?

a. A variety of community needs as determined by the foundation

b. A particular interest where experts can help guide where funding goes

c. A specific organization (or multiple organizations) I care about

How long should your fund last?

a. Long after I am gone

b. Gradually reduce over a specific period

c. All principal to be distributed at any time

What causes are important to you?

a. I trust the community foundation to pick the cause

b. I want other people to help decide the causes

c. I know exactly what organizations I want to give to

What do you hope to achieve with your fund?

a. To improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County

b. To support a specific focus area such as art, environment, or human services

c. To promote philanthropy in Berks County

Mostly a’s

Sounds like you’re ready to create an Undesignated Fund. These funds are established where grants are made to address critical issues in the community, as determined by the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors. These grantmaking programs and initiatives evolve over time to meet the needs of residents of Berks County. Your fund will be managed by one of our expert program officers who oversees these initiatives.

Mostly b’s

Congratulations, you have a Field of Interest Fund ready to go! These types of funds support areas of interest, such as education, animal welfare, or the arts. You have a passion of supporting a field of interest in the community and we will establish an advisory committee of expert volunteers to guide the direction of your fund.

Creating a fund is simple. The impact is immeasurable. Scan the QR code to learn more.

Nearly all our funds are customized to help our donors achieve their philanthropic vision.

To start your fund today, please email give@bccf.org.

Mostly c’s

You’re on the path to creating a Designated Fund. Grants made from these funds are regularly sent to nonprofit agencies that you designate when you set up the fund. Sometimes donors will endow a Designated Fund in their will by leaving a charitable bequest to provide annual support to an agency!

237 Court Street

Reading, PA 19601

237 COURT STREET

READING, PA 19601

The Power of the Purse Committee is a women’s giving circle dedicated to improving the quality of life for women and children in Berks County.

Since 2012, the Power of the Purse Fund of Berks County Community Foundation has distributed over $500,000 in grants.