A fund has been established through the Carbon County Community Foundation in memory of a Lehighton athlete.

Shane Smith was a Lehighton graduate and standout athlete who tragically passed away in 2008. Now, some of his former teammates and friends have come together to establish a donor-advised fund in his name at the Carbon County Community Foundation to honor his legacy and support their alma mater.

They’ll gather this week for a pseudo-reunion dinner to reminisce and officially launch the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund.

“Shane’s heart, smile, and soul created a championship environment in our locker room, but also in our community,” said Vinnie Andrews on behalf of the 2001 District XI Champion Lehighton Indians football team. Smith was the featured tailback for the Indians during the title run and had several highlight-reel runs throughout the season that saw Lehighton host two postseason games to sold-out crowds at the old stadium.

Grants from this new fund will primarily support the varsity football program at Lehighton in Smith’s memory. “The creation of the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund is important because we want to share his positive attitude and legacy not just with current and future football teams at LHS, but also to continue reminding ourselves and the community at large about the power of positivity in life. We all miss him, but he left those that he touched with an undeniable understanding of hard work, teamwork and support for others.”

Andrews, Smith’s cousin, is the current head coach at Bangor High School.

Additional grants from the fund may be directed to other charities and causes that align with Smith’s interests and hobbies.

“We are grateful that Shane’s circle of friends has entrusted the Community Foundation with this fund in his memory,” said Sharon Alexander, CCCF President. “While his teammates may now live far and wide, they can rest assured that we will remain in Carbon County making sure this fund benefits current and future Lehighton athletes, keeping Shane’s legacy alive for generations to come.”

Donations to the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund are tax-deductible and can be made via the Carbon County Community Foundation website or by mail. In addition to traditional cash donations, the Community Foundation can accept gifts of stock or other real property and charitable gift annuities or trusts. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 610-730-2526 or info@cccfoundpa.org.

The Carbon County Community Foundation was formed in 2015 with the mission to improve the quality of life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today, combining that with expertise in philanthropic planning, nonprofit sector issues, and community priorities. Since 2016, the charitable funds at the Foundation have cumulatively awarded more than $1 million in grants and scholarships to nonprofit and community organizations, teachers, schools, and students in Carbon County.

We are honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to build resources and strengthen our community, forever. Learn more about the Carbon County Community Foundation at cccfoundpa.org or by calling 1-855-545-1311.