Local Philanthropy honored at Greater Pike’s 7th Annual Dinner

To honor local philanthropy and for announcement of two new initiatives, about 150 supporters of Greater Pike Community Foundation gathered at the Tom Quick Inn recently for the Foundation’s 10-year anniversary,

Bill Kiger was selected to receive the Barbara J. Buchanan Community Service Award for his involvement in various local nonprofits and philanthropic efforts. The Arlene Quirk Team of Keller Williams Realty in Milford received the Richard L. Snyder Excellence in Business Award for their commitment to the local economy and their charitable support to numerous organizations.

As part of the honors, each recipient chose a charity of his/her choice to receive a $1,000 grant from Greater Pike. Kiger chose the Milford Fire Department, and the Quirk team selected the Milford Garden Club.

The annual event included presentation of a new video produced by the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, which highlighted Greater Pike’s support of nonprofits and charities in the region over the past 10 years.

Executive Director Jenni Hamill noted several milestones in celebrating this Decade of Dedication, including surpassing $1 million in giving and opening 33 Funds within the Foundation. The evening also celebrated looking forward by “helping more local philanthropists in our community to create their own charitable legacies and to assisting our hardworking nonprofits achieve long term sustainability for the next 10 years and beyond.”

Hamill presented information about Greater Pike’s current 10-for-10 Initiative – “where we hope to contribute $1,000 to up to 10 organizations choosing to open an organizational fund with us in 2022.”

Hamill also announced that Greater Pike has been awarded $50,000 in ARPA or Recovery funds from Pike County to make the Pike County Emergency Services Initiative Fund permanent and continue to support critical trainings for emergency responders. Since the PCESI Fund was opened with Greater Pike, the county has:

· Saved local EMS agencies more than $35,000 in EMT course fees

· Supported 5 classes at the Pike County Training Center with one ongoing

· Produced 20 new EMTs from the program, 17 of which are serving Pike County

Board Chair Gail Shuttleworth said, “Greater Pike has reached our 10th anniversary with the support of many, including local officials such as our County Commissioners, individuals and families, and community-minded businesses.”