The Carbon County Community Foundation will host a series of happy hour events over the next few weeks for individuals and groups interested in learning more about the 20/20 Circle. Community members are invited to attend these free events to meet other 20/20 Circle members, to learn more about the group, and to discuss nonprofit needs in the community.

These free events are scheduled as follows:

• Aug. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at Palmerton Pub in Palmerton.

• Sept. 1 from 5-7 p.m. at the home of 20/20 Circle members Carol Etheridge and Steve Chuckra, Mahoning.

Attendees can stop by anytime during the event, but an RSVP is requested as space is limited in some cases.

There is no obligation to join the 20/20 Circle by attending one of these events. To RSVP, please call or text 610-730-2526 or visit www.cccfoundpa.org/2020rsvp.

The 20/20 Circle, established at the Community Foundation in 2018, is made up of individuals and businesses who work together to pool their philanthropic dollars to increase their impact, year after year. Members make a one-time contribution of $1,000 to the endowed 20/20 Fund. Membership is payable over up to four years - just $20 per month - making it an easy and accessible opportunity for many who might not consider themselves philanthropists. There are currently more than 70 members of the 20/20 Circle.

Members are invited to an annual meeting where they vote to award a grant to an area nonprofit. As membership and the 20/20 Fund grow, the annual grant amount will also increase.

Last year, the 20/20 Circle voted to award a $3,000 grant to St. Peter’s Community Resource Center in Lehighton, to support a part-time staff position to provide referrals and assistance to those in need in the community. This role was the organization’s first paid position and has helped serve many in the community since being established.

In 2020, the group awarded a grant to CTC Manufacturing in Beaver Meadows, which provides job training and opportunities to individuals with disabilities. The grant covered the costs of upgrading CTC Manufacturing’s workspaces from fiberboard to Formica so they could be properly cleaned and sanitized for the health and safety of workers during the pandemic.

“The 20/20 Circle is a great example of how people can have a greater impact with their donations through the Community Foundation,” said Sharon Alexander, President of the Carbon County Community Foundation.