The members and representatives of BEFESA Community Fund presented checks to grant recipients Tuesday at the Palmerton Area Library in Palmerton.

The Befesa Community Fund board of directors held a check presentation to seven area organizations who offered applications to fund community projects that benefit the greater Palmerton area and surrounding communities.

Vice chairman Tom Smelas welcomed the attendees and recognized the current board members.

Organizations that received donations were the Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce, Bowmanstown Palmerton Baseball & Softball Association, Lehighton Area Heritage Alliance Inc., Palmerton Community Band, Palmerton Concourse Club, Palmerton Area Recreation Committee and Palmerton Area Historical Society.

Christine DeSousa, Palmerton Area Chamber of Commerce, said the chamber plans to use the funds to help defray the cost of Palmerton’s 250th Celebration fireworks. The event will be held on June 14.

Lynsi Sheckler, Bowmanstown Palmerton Baseball and Softball Association, said the group intends to use the funds toward dirt mix, equipment, and other operating expenses.

Todd Weaver, Lehighton Area Heritage Alliance Inc., said the organization will utilize its funds toward the purchase of a low-decibel, portable generator for presentations and events.

John DeSousa, Palmerton Community Band, said the band will use the funds to assist with expenses associated with summer concerts and the Palmerton Community Festival.

Carol Curcio, Palmerton Concourse Club, said the group will use its funds toward the annual Community Festival Art Show.

Curcio, also representing the Palmerton Area Historical Society, said the organization will utilize its funding to assist with the storage and archiving of local historical information, photos and documents.

Pam Andrews, Palmerton Area Recreation Committee, said the funding will go toward the annual summer recreation program.

Rory Koons, chairman, said nearly $10,000 was given out, and added the next grant period will be held in the fall, and urged organizations to submit their request.

Koons then expressed their appreciation to Befesa.

“We’re still solvent,” Koons said. “And hopefully, we can continue this.”

The Befesa Community Fund, along with the Horsehead Community Development Fund, have collectively provided over $3.5 million dollars to more than 150 organizations since 1990.