BEFESA Community Fund awards grants
The members and representatives of the BEFESA Community Fund presented checks to grant awardees recently at the Palmerton Area Library.
Chairman James A. Wimmer welcomed the attendees and recognized the current board members. Wimmer then congratulated the groups on their awards along with all the projects and services the groups provide to the area communities.
Wimmer said that the fund has officially changed its name from the Horsehead Community Development Fund to the BEFESA Community Fund.
Since 1990, HCDF has awarded more than $3.6 million to area organizations, committees, and programs to provide sustainability and fund many projects.
Befesa Zinc, the current owner and operating company in Palmerton, is now the sole funding source for the Community Fund.
“It is only fitting that Befesa receives the proper recognition for providing the funds necessary to keep this grant program solvent,” Wimmer said.
Wimmer then thanked Befesa for their support, and is extremely hopeful they will continue this program which was initiated to improve local communities.
Before the check presentations, Wimmer informed everyone that longtime board member Joe Bechtel submitted his resignation as board member and vice chairman after the May meeting. Bechtel has served several terms and has been an active member of the HCDF Board. On behalf of all the current members, Wimmer thanked Bechtel for his service and wished him many more years of good health.
During the spring review of grant requests, a total of $28,300 was awarded to area organizations. Wimmer said the amount is unusually higher than normal because of the increased number of requests and the scope of the projects.
Wimmer thanked everyone for attending and reminded eligible area groups or organizations with 501(c) (3) tax status located in the Palmerton, Northern Lehigh, and Lehighton School Districts and surrounding areas to apply for funding.
The next grant period will be reviewed in September. All requests should be mailed to the fund at P. O. Box 351, Palmerton, PA 18071.