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

Chairman Rory Koons welcomed the attendees and recognized the current board members. A total of $13,500 was distributed.

Organizations that received donations were the Palmerton Community Band, Palmerton Area Historical Society, Palmerton Area Recreation Committee, Airing of the Quilts Palmerton, Palmerton Concourse Club, and Palmerton Memorial Park Association.

The group has officially changed its name from the Horsehead Community Development Fund to the BEFESA Community Fund.

Since the inception of the “Community Fund” in 1990, over $3.4 million has been awarded to fund projects, events, infrastructure improvements, recreation programs, emergency services, festival and concerts, parks and playgrounds, and many other nonprofit organizations.

Befesa Zinc, the current owner and operating company in Palmerton, is now the sole funding source for the Community Fund.

Koons said that without the generous funding of Befesa and its predecessors, many of the improvements and amenities enjoyed by borough residents would not be realized.

He then thanked the organizations who have submitted requests for funding of projects, and asked their respective representatives to come forward to accept their award and tell them a little about their project and organization.

Koons noted that the next grant period will be reviewed Oct. 15. All requests should be mailed to the Befesa Community Fund at P.O. Box 351, Palmerton, PA 18071.