Each month, we’re proud to share highlights from the charitable funds we manage and the initiatives they support—showcasing the impact made possible by generous donors and community partners like you.
To learn more about all of our Funds in greater detail, please visit our website at www.safdn.org.
Summer Lunches Are Back at The Garden of Cedar!
📍The Garden of Cedar, 715 Cedar Ave, Scranton, PA
The Garden of Cedar is excited to host and support The Indigo Spoon Foundation’s Summer Lunch Program for Kids for the third consecutive year. This vital initiative provides free, nutritious meals to children in South Scranton all summer, in a safe and welcoming community space.
Through August 21, children are invited to enjoy free lunches at the Garden every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation administers the Harry P. McGrath, Esq. Memorial Fund, established in May 2022 by Harry’s family to support the charitable causes and organizations important to him, including the Greater Scranton YMCA’s Summer Loss Prevention Program.
Rock Summit 2025: Playing for a Purpose 🎶
Saturday, August 9th • 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Hillside Park, 1188 Winola Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411
Free Admission | Live Music • Food & Drink Vendors • Raffles
Established in August 2024, Rock Summit is an annual outdoor concert held at Hillside Park in Clarks Summit. Its mission is to bring the community together through the unifying power of music.
The concert was inspired by the late Dave Gromelski — a lifelong musician and passionate advocate for the Scranton area. Rock Summit not only celebrates Dave’s legacy, but also uplifts the organizations and individuals who carry his spirit forward.
Proceeds benefit health-related initiatives in Northeastern Pennsylvania through the Rock Summit Fund, supporting organizations such as The Susan Burke Foundation for Colon Cancer, Gregory Pascale Foundation, Friends of Anand – Voices Against Cancer, and Donations for Dave.
Come enjoy the music, support the cause, and be part of something that rocks for good!
The Rock Summit Fund, administered by the Scranton Area Community Foundation, supports health-related causes in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Established in August 2024, Rock Summit is an annual outdoor concert held at Hillside Park in Clarks Summit, with the main goal of bringing the community together through the unifying power of music.
Coming Together for Cody: Basketball & Giving Back
Join the Cody Barrasse Memorial Foundation on Saturday, August 9th at Scranton Prep’s Xavier Center for a day of basketball, remembrance, and purpose.
The annual CJB Memorial 3-on-3 Tournament honors Cody’s fiery, competitive spirit, bringing together players of all ages for friendly competition. Games begin at 8 AM, with each team guaranteed at least three games, plus a free t-shirt and lunch. Final schedules will be shared the day before the event.
Alongside the tournament, the Continue Cody’s Commitment event raises awareness for organ donation—a cause that reflects the life-changing legacy Cody left behind. Through his selfless gift, Cody continues to make a lasting impact.
A basket raffle will take place throughout the day, with items on display outside the Xavier Center and available online. Winners will be announced after the tournament.
The Cody Jude Barrasse Memorial Fund, established in July 2017 at the Scranton Area Community Foundation, was created to cover the expenses associated with medical treatment for individuals and families who are receiving transplants or donating organs. This Fund also serves to support charitable causes, activities, and organizations in NEPA.
Chasing Dreams: Chase Yarns 5K Run / 2-Mile Walk
The inaugural Chasing Dreams for Chase Yarns 5K Run / 2-Mile Walk will take place on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at Abington Heights Middle School. The event honors the memory of Chase Yarns, a former Abington Heights runner, teammate, and coach known for his kindness, determination, and support of others.
Proceeds will benefit the Chase Yarns Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered through the Scranton Area Community Foundation.
Sponsorship opportunities and in-kind donations—such as gift cards, water bottles, snacks, or prizes—are welcome and will help support participants on Race Day. While these contributions are greatly appreciated, the true heart of this event is the community coming together in Chase’s memory.
The Chase Yarns Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Chase Yarns Memorial Fund, established at the Scranton Area Community Foundation in August 2024, supports charitable causes, activities, and organizations important to the Yarns family that honors Chase’s legacy.
Celebrating Our 2025 Scholarship Recipients
The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly hosted the 2025 Scholarship Reception on Thursday, June 26, to celebrate the impact of philanthropy in our region and the bright futures of the students whose hard work and dedication earned them these awards.
The reception brought together scholarship recipients, donors, board members, and evaluation committee members for an evening of celebration, recognition, and connection.
Attendees honored the achievements of students awarded scholarships from more than two dozen funds, including:
James F. Swift Scholarship
Neal J. Fasula Scholarship
Patrick J. Dempsey & Ronald “Pete” Cann Scholarship / Fidelity D&D Charitable Foundation Scholarship Fund
#GaryInspiredMe Scholarship
American Legion A. Pierson Hurd Academic Scholarship
Ann Wall Scholarship
Ashley and Erin Williams Memorial Scholarship
Blakely Borough Scholarship
Caroline Ace, LPN/Angela Muchal, LPN Scholarship
Constance M. and Joseph A. Brocavich Memorial Scholarship
Dalton Lions Club Scholarship
Danielle Faramelli Scholarship
Edward C. Snyder Memorial Scholarship
Fendrock Family Scholarship
John R. and Maureen J. Pesavento Penn State Scranton Scholarship
Joseph J. Costa Memorial Scholarship
Judy Tomes Duffy Music Education Scholarship
Laura Wesolowski Scholarship Fund
Margaret Briggs Leadership Lackawanna Scholarship
Midori Yamanouchi, PhD Scholarship
Pay It Forward Scholarship
Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company Scholarship Award
Pesavento All Saints Interparochial
Academy Scholarship Fund for Scranton Preparatory School
Teddick Family Fund
Scranton Central High School Class of 1964
To establish a scholarship fund in honor of or in memory of a loved one or to include a scholarship as a legacy gift in your estate plans, please contact the Scranton Area Community Foundation or visit us at safdn.org to learn more.
The Scranton Area Community Foundation proudly administers over 90 scholarship funds. In 2025, SACF awarded over $800,000 in scholarships to support more than 200 students across Northeastern Pennsylvania.
A Simple Way to Submit Fund News
We want to hear from you! Use our Fund News Submission Form to share updates on news, check presentations, grants awarded, events (past or upcoming) and any other exciting achievements.
Your submission may be featured in future Fund News e-newsletters or on our social media. Thank you for helping us to highlight and amplify the great work happening in our community!