The Carbon County Community Foundation recently celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special celebration at Blue Mountain Resort in Palmerton. More than 200 supporters, donors, fundholders, nonprofit leaders and community partners gathered to commemorate a decade of charitable giving and community impact throughout Carbon County.

Founded in 2016, the foundation was established with a simple but powerful mission: to improve the quality of life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever. Since awarding its first grants in 2016, the foundation has distributed more than $2.5 million in grants and scholarships throughout Carbon County and beyond. Today, the foundation manages nearly $3 million in charitable assets through more than 65 funds dedicated to supporting local communities and causes.

The evening combined reflection, recognition and celebration, featuring Community Impact Awards, special presentations highlighting the foundation’s first decade, and music and dancing provided by Stevie Ray Entertainment. The event was emceed by Marlyn Kissner, vice president of membership and community relations for the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau.

Corporate Business Leadership Awards were presented to Jim Thorpe Neighborhood Bank and Mauch Chunk Trust Company. Nonprofit Excellence Awards were presented to Shepherd House, St. Peter’s Community Resource Center and Hardship Heroes. Community Advocate Awards were presented to Jessica Jones and Lynn Shupp. Attorney Joseph Velitsky received the Trusted Advisor Award.

The foundation also recognized its founders, past and present board members, volunteers, sponsors and donors whose generosity and commitment have helped build a lasting charitable resource for Carbon County.

The event was coordinated by a volunteer planning committee chaired by Colette Kresge. Committee members included Amber Finsel, Debra Kay Bennett, Marlyn Kissner, Steve Kresge, Richard and Darlene Nothstein, Tammy Trimbur, and Jim and Melissa Zegley.

Proceeds from the event will support the foundation’s operations and the Fund for Carbon County, the foundation’s flexible community grantmaking fund. The Fund for Carbon County enables the foundation to respond to emerging needs, support local nonprofits and invest in opportunities that strengthen Carbon County now and into the future.

The foundation also extends its appreciation to the many businesses and individuals who contributed sponsorships, services and in-kind support to help make the celebration possible.

“Over the past decade, we have witnessed the incredible power of philanthropy when people come together to invest in their community,” said Sharon Alexander, president and CEO of the Carbon County Community Foundation. “We are grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this milestone and look forward to continuing our work to strengthen Carbon County for generations to come.”

For more information about the Carbon County Community Foundation, visit www.cccfoundpa.org or call 610-730-2526.