On Thursday, September 4, the Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly welcomed a full house of community members, leaders, and partners to the historic Century Club for the Bells Across Pennsylvania Unveiling & Celebration.
Together, we celebrated milestones that honor our region’s rich history and reflect our mission of connecting people, places, and resources so our community can thrive.
The evening featured the unveiling of “A City of Hope, A State of Giving,” a one-of-a-kind fiberglass bell created by local artist Cherie Fruehan as part of America250PA’s statewide public art initiative. With generous support from Susan and Dorrance Belin, the Scranton Area Community Foundation sponsored this installation—one of 108 bells to be placed across Pennsylvania in recognition of America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Guests also celebrated the opening of the Foundation’s new Inspiration Garden, a welcoming space designed to honor the community’s spirit of generosity and provide a place for reflection and celebration.
Program highlights included remarks from Leo Malsky, Director of Operations at America250PA, Laura Ducceschi, SACF President & CEO, local leaders, and artist Cherie Fruehan.
The evening also featured the dedication of a National Votes for Women Trail marker honoring Kate Chapman and recognizing The Century Club’s historic role in the women’s suffrage movement. A reception followed, featuring a pop-up art exhibit and meet-and-greet with the artist.
“The Inspiration Garden and the America250PA bell embody the very heart of our mission—connecting people, places, and resources so our region can thrive,” said Ducceschi.
We are deeply grateful to all who joined us to mark this historic occasion and to those whose generosity and partnership continue to strengthen our community.
Through projects like the Bells Across Pennsylvania unveiling and the creation of the Inspiration Garden, the Scranton Area Community Foundation continues to bring people together, honor our shared history, and inspire generosity to shape a stronger future for Northeastern Pennsylvania.