Both the Mahar Family Foundation Fund and the Rose Pappas Foundation Fund make grants that support causes near to the heart of their respective fund advisors, Mrs. Francis (Roberta) Mahar Jr. and Betty Pappas, including help for the community’s needy around the holidays each year.
This year, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation-managed funds together made possible $2,400 in grants in December.
The Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels received a grant from both funds, $100 from the Mahar fund and $200 from the Pappas fund, to support its annual community Christmas dinner.
The Rose Pappas Foundation Fund also made possible a $200 grant for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 2020 community Thanksgiving dinner and $200 for the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.
Additionally, Olean First Baptist Church received $100 for its annual community Easter Dinner from the Mahar Family Foundation Fund.
“The holidays can be a difficult time for people,” said CRCF Executive Director Karen Niemic Buchheit. “Whether they are facing the loss of a loved one or financial hardship, a hot meal with others from the community can really lift people’s spirits during a trying time.”
The Mahar Family Foundation also provided a number of other grants for area nonprofits, including:
· Portville Food Pantry - $100
· SPCA serving Allegany County - $100
· SPCA in Cattaraugus County - $200
· Interfaith Caregivers - $200
· St. John’s Roman Catholic Church St. Vincent de Paul Society - $300
· Wing Flights of Hope, Inc. - $300
· Mercy Flight Inc. - $400
In total, the fund supported $1,800 in grants in 2019.
“Roberta and I discuss the organizations she wants to receive grants each year,” said Buchheit. “She has a real passion for supporting organizations that help people in need – who may be facing tough times financially or medical emergencies – and it means all the more to do it from this fund named for her beloved family.”
Roberta Mahar and her late husband, Francis Mahar Jr., established the fund in memory of Francis, Margaret and Daniel Mahar.
Likewise, Betty Pappas established the Rose Pappas Foundation Fund in memory of her sister to carry on Rose’s life-long mission of helping the elderly and needy in the community.
“Betty wants to help as many as she can with the grants from Rose’s fund. Not only is she assisting many during the holidays, but she’s doing so meaningfully in her sister’s memory,” Buchheit noted.
Donations can be made to both of these funds at CRCF, 301 North Union St., Suite 203, or online at cattfoundation.org.
For 25 years, the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation has been the area’s supportive, responsive and trusted community foundation. Established in 1994, CRCF is growing good by connecting donors to the causes they care about most in the region. Grants from the foundation support many areas, including education, scholarships, health care, the arts, community development, human service, and youth development. To learn more, call (716) 301-CRCF (2723), email [email protected], or visit online at www.cattfoundation.org. CRCF is also on Facebook (facebook.com/cattfoundation) and Twitter (@CattFoundation).
