REDBANK VALLEY DAY OF GIVING

*Video courtesy of Cecelia Harmon of TechReady Professionals & RedbankValley.org

THE SEVENTH ANNUAL REDBANK VALLEY DAY OF GIVING WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, May 11thTH THE 7th ANNUAL REDBANK VALLEY DAY OF GIVING WILL BE THURSDAY, May 11 TH with a goal of raising at least $40,000 in public donations and $20,000 in matching funds. These organizations need the public’s support to continue their important missions in the Redbank Valley to improve living standards for all.

Funds raised will benefit the 12 participating 501(c)(3) charitable organizations who, through their dedicated volunteers, are working to improve many aspects of life in the Redbank Valley. Proceeds help with their missions, with very little, if any, administrative or fundraising costs. The participating organizations this year are: Brandon’s Dad (DUI Awareness), Just Us for the Animals, Lucky Cats Get’N Fixed, New Bethlehem Fire Company #1, Redbank Renaissance, Redbank Valley Church Association, RV Community Center, RV Education Foundation, RV Historical Society, RV Public Library, RV Trails Association and the Southern Clarion Police Association.

It is hoped that the event will grow in future years to include other area 501(c)3 organizations that were not able to participate this year.

Click the organizations below to view donation information and links.

Brandon’s Dad is a non-profit organization developed by Vernon Hilyer after losing his only son Brandon in a DUI crash at age 21. Over the last 14 years, Vernon has grown the Brandon’s Dad organization, and has worked daily to change and save lives through alcohol education, by sharing the real effects that DUI has on families and friends….forever. Despite Vernon’s recent and untimely death, the mission will continue to honor both Brandon and Vernon, and continue to save lives.  The money donated to the Brandon’s Dad organization is used for Education of Underage Alcohol Use in High School programs, DUI prevention for all ages through many billboards across the county, and many summer festival events. The Brandon’s Dad organization will continue as a speaker at Adult Probation DUI classes in different counties. Expenses the Brandon’s Dad organization has include: billboards (over $5000 per year), event programming expenses, video equipment, reminder silicone bracelets (loved and worn by all) and time away for speaking events that require travel, meals and sometimes lodging.  The organization also has pedal karts and intoxication simulation goggles it uses for education. All of the expenses the Brandon’s Dad organization incurs are covered by donations from people in the communities it reaches, just like you. This program is Life Changing for many. Brandon’s Dad will be speaking in schools all across PA to keep parents’ dreams alive for their children. Many people, even from out of the area, say they have seen the billboards when they contact Brandon’s Dad Facebook.com/DUIawareness. Many message to say how much they appreciate what the organization has done for them. Vernon learned that every family has a connection with someone who has died due to alcohol use or DUI.  Brandon’s Dad has truly made the highways safer for everyone in our area, and official numbers show that, but the organization needs your financial help to continue this life-saving mission. You can also donate directly at www.DUIawareness.com.  We are making a difference.

Just Us for the Animals is a non-profit dedicated to reducing the overpopulation of cats and dogs in the area. This goal is accomplished through several programs. First, JUFTA works with local veterinarians to provide low-cost spays and neuters for dogs and cats. Feral animals are trapped, taken for surgery, then released (Trap, Neuter, Return) in an effort to prevent unwanted litters. These low-cost services are also made available to the public. Second, JUFTA provides foster homes and care for unwanted animals until they are able to be adopted into forever homes. Lastly, JUFTA seeks to educate the public through fundraisers and adoption events about preventing animal abuse and overpopulation. JUFTA is operated by several volunteers who have a great dedication to saving animals’ lives.  For more information, please visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/justusfortheanimals/.

 

Lucky Cats Get ’N Fixed is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) that offers low cost spay/neuter clinics for cats
in the New Bethlehem, Clarion and surrounding areas.  At these clinics we do TNR – trap,
neuter/spay, & return of feral cats to help stop the over population of unwanted animals.  Our vet
bills for doing TNR add up very quickly.  By supporting our fundraisers you are helping us reach out to more people to help control the over-population problem in their area helping to complete our Mission by educating the public on how to control the cat over-population.  How we got our name:  There are so many feral cats now in the surrounding areas needing help.  These cats have been neglected and left alone to starve, to suffer sickness and injury, to be maimed and/or killed by other animals.  They have been cast aside by owners who didn’t want them anymore, displaced from one overpopulated area to another by people who didn’t want to spend the money to take care of them, pay the vet bill to have them spayed or neutered, or didn’t have the money to feed them so they left them to fend for themselves.  Cats can become pregnant at 6 mos. old, so it is babies having babies out there alone, producing 2 litters a year brings on the population explosion through no fault of their own. With caring people and volunteers many cats have been trapped, received medical attention,
gotten food, and some have been re-homed and adopted.  We call these “The Lucky Cats”.  FB:
https://www.facebook.com/luckycatsgetnfixed/. Donations can also be mailed to: Lucky Cats Get ‘N Fixed,
1074 Shrub Rd., New Bethlehem, PA 16242 or through PayPal at:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=WLFTMECZHHNES&no_recurring=0&currency_code=USD.

 

New Bethlehem Fire Company # 1 is a completely volunteer fire company covering approximately 56.5 square miles, including New Bethlehem Borough, Porter Township and parts of Redbank Township, Clarion Co. and South Bethlehem Borough in Armstrong Co. for fire, rescue and emergency response, as well as community service. The department also provides mutual aid to neighboring fire companies. New Bethlehem Fire Company #1 will be taking possession of a new International rural attack unit that will enable us to access many of our smaller streets, alleys and driveways.  We are looking at purchasing several items to outfit our new unit.  This year’s goal is set at $2,500. The funds raised will go to purchase these additional items.  We would like to thank you for your support in our mission to provide these services to our community.  For more information on volunteering or to donate, please visit the website at www.newbethlehemfire.com. 

Redbank Renaissance formed in 2007 with a multifaceted approach to revitalize our area.  This year’s goal is to raise $5000 to support ongoing efforts which include the Garden Keepers who plant, maintain and improve the public gardens and to fund façade, signage and bike rack matching grants to help area businesses and promote tourism. A well maintained business district invites travelers to stop and spend money here in the New Bethlehem/Redbank Valley area.. Other efforts include repainting 1 of our 3 welcome signs; promotion of area history with historic markers; business promotion (signage and website), regional Welcome Brochures (print costs); business assistance; community clean ups, Dog-i-Pot stations (more bags needed), and community calendar.  All efforts depend on public donations.  Volunteers are welcomed.  Information: www.redbankren.org/donation, on Facebook or by calling 814-275-1718.

Redbank Valley Church Association is a para-church organization committed to fostering and supporting religious, charitable and educational pursuits that proclaim, promote, enhance, and further the Kingdom of God through the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the Redbank Valley. Its mission includes a food pantry for the Redbank Valley area, a yearly scholarship fund for local high school students, plus annual community church services such as See You at the Pole, a Community Hymn Sing at Gumtown Park, Clarion County Fair Festival of Music, Community Thanksgiving Service, Lenten Services, Easter Sunrise Service, Christmas Festival of Carols, and Baccalaureate Service for the Redbank Valley School District. RVCA also organizes pastors to write articles for The Leader-Vindicator and provide Sunday afternoon services at Edgewood Heights.

The Share in a Dream Scholarship is an opportunity for any senior attending the Redbank Valley School District who is a participating member of a Redbank Valley church and who satisfies the application criteria. The number of scholarships depends on money donated each year. Because of the community’s generosity many deserving young people have been awarded Share in a Dream Scholarships. Staffed by volunteers, the Food Pantry began in 2001 to ensure that Redbank Valley School District students had basic foods to meet their needs so that they would be more likely to succeed in school. The Food Pantry has broadened to provide supplemental food to all qualifying families in the school district. For years numerous families have benefitted monthly. A goal is to raise funds to sustain the food pantry, and provide meat for meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Donations are needed and much appreciated for the Food Pantry and Scholarships. For info.: 814-367-3331 or www.RvChurchassociation.org, [email protected].

Redbank Valley Community Center’s mission is to provide an environment of encouragement, education, and entertainment to meet the needs of our community. The current focus is on the physical, spiritual, emotional and developmental well-being of community members of all ages. Programs include a weekly senior center, knitters/crocheters group, RV School Children’s Christmas Gift Program that helps families in need, among others. The center offers space for family celebrations, parties, yoga, music classes and other special programs and events. All programs and events depend for their support and continuation on public contributions. Your donations keep our building operating, doors open, and programs and activities happening! Visit www.rvcommunitycenter.org, [email protected] or call 814-457-5033. The Center is located at 430 Broad St.

Redbank Valley Education Foundation supports worthy endeavors for students and teachers in the Redbank Valley School District.  We strive to improve the educational opportunities for the students in the district. Direct donations can be made to the foundation, and endowments can be set up to leave a legacy gift. You may donate to the general fund or to one of these designated funds: General Scholarship Fund, Music Department, Musical instruments Fund, Shop Department/Industrial Tech Fund.

For more information visit:  http://redbankvalley.net/index.php/rvef.html. To make a donation: https://bbcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/list.    (Type Redbank in the search bar to choose a fund).

Redbank Valley Historical Society - New Bethlehem PA

Redbank Valley Historical Society Inc. is dedicated to the preservation of the history of  Redbank Valley. Goals for 2023 are monthly educational programs including Coal Mining in the area, 160th Anniversary of Battle of Gettysburg honoring those of the 105th regiment, High Schools from the Past, 120th Anniversary of the First Baseball World Series and Honoring those who served in the Korean Conflict, Vietnam and Gulf Wars. Our genealogy center will be open to research family history and archived memorabilia about the area. This year’s fundraising/educational events include Taste of the Valley Cookbook and Tasting Event, June Bridal Tea: Dresses of the Decades and Toys of the Past during Peanut Butter Festival Weekend. Monthly meetings are held every 2nd Tuesday at 6:30 pm at the History Center.

In 2022, bell tower clock repairs with electrical replacement and cupola repairs were completed. This was made possible by generous donations from businesses through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. This year we will continue with the restorations with funding we received for 2023. We also received many donated artifacts of the Valley over the last year and will have those on display.

Please consider donating to the preservation of this historic building, restoring the clock tower and the saving of our heritage. For more information on how you can volunteer or on ways to financially support our mission contact [email protected]  We are located at 301 Broad Street, New Bethlehem, mailing address: PO Box 74, New Bethlehem PA 16242.  The History Center will serve as a donation location for all participating charities during its genealogy program on May 8th.

Redbank Valley Public Library provides people with the tools to solve problems, resources to meet needs, and services to help our community. Whether it is sending a fax, obtaining a passport, having copies made, attending a preschool early literacy program, utilizing the computers, having an exam proctored, teens socializing after school, adults coming together for book club, crafts and learning opportunities for all ages, homeschooling families finding no-cost materials to aid schooling, or just enjoying new books by favorite authors, the library has become a place of support, learning, and fun for all ages!

Our 2023 Challenge: If each person in our service area donates $10, our overall operating budget would be covered for the year and our focus geared entirely toward providing for our community. Imagine the world of opportunity that could open for all of us! Your donation helps us respond to community needs and remain a life-giving organization. For more information, please visit www.rvlibrary.org or call 814-275-2870.  The library is located at 720 Broad St. and will serve as a Donation Location for the Day of Giving from 9 AM to 4 PM.

Redbank Valley Trails Association,an all-volunteer organization, owns, maintains and improves the 51-mile non-motorized, 4-season Redbank Valley Trails, from the Allegheny River to Brookville and the 9-mile Sligo Spur. This year’s goal is to raise money to refresh the crushed limestone surface and maintain the trail given the increases in fuel and material costs. We are working to improve signage and parking areas, provide more port-o-johns, add historic markers and continue our constant maintenance and improvement efforts. Donations provide fuel, equipment and material to help volunteers improve and maintain the trails for the community to enjoy and benefit from the recreation, relaxation and fitness opportunities the trail presents.  Tourism dollars from those who visit are helping new and existing local businesses grow. Donations can be made online via the website and can be used as gifts or to name bridges, shelters, picnic tables and other amenities.  Donations of time, equipment and materials are welcomed. Info: www.redbankvalleytrails.org/donation, [email protected], FB, 814-275-1718, 419 Arch St

Building bridges between people and the police.  Providing non – government funding for improved police technology.  The Community supporting community policing.

SCPA is a group of concerned citizens dedicated to “direct from community funding” for support and technologies that may be beyond the ability of our municipal governments to provide.  Our 501(c)(3) status enables us to raise money and access grants that local governments cannot.  Our immediate fundraising goals are to purchase armored vests for our officers’ safety (about $650), body cams ($275 each), portable breath analyzers ($500), first aid kits for each car ($300) and AEDs for each car and station ($1934 each), as well as to establish and maintain a K-9 Unit for the Southern Clarion County Regional Police Department, continue to raise money for improved electronic and digital equipment, and provide a scholarship to a student pursuing higher education in police work or criminal justice. Over the last several years, with help from our donors, we purchased 2 laptop computers for police vehicles, awarded annual $500 scholarships and have been helping to pay for one of the police vehicles. We have several community fundraising events planned for the coming months: Annual “Cops an’ Bobbers” Kids Fishing Derby at Gumtown Park in New Bethlehem (May 13), cornhole tournaments, the 2nd annual Communities Festival and Car Show (formerly Cookie Days) in Rimersburg and our annual Brady’s Cup basketball tournament. We hold a monthly 50/50 raffle and are planning a larger grill, meat and gas card raffle for later in the year.  See any of the SCCRPD officers or visit our website www.SCPoliceAssociation.org or Facebook FB.com/SCPoliceAssociation for event dates/times etc.  Please drop donations off at the Southern Clarion County Regional Police Department, mail to:  Southern Clarion Police Association, 220 Broad St., New Bethlehem, PA 16242, 814-275-1180, [email protected] or drop donations off at a Donation Location.

DONATION LOCATIONS: More information and links to each organization’s website and donation page can be found at www.RedbankValley.org/giving/. Contact any of the organizations or 814-275-1718 for more information. All donations stay local. Together, with your support, we can make a real difference and improve life in the Redbank Valley. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent the law allows and can be mailed or dropped off to the organization or at the Donation Locations on or in the week leading up to May 11th as follows:

  • Redbank Valley Public Library (720 Broad St.) New Bethlehem (9 AM to 4 PM on May 11th)
  • New Bethlehem Town Center (419 Arch St.) New Bethlehem (9 AM to 5 PM on May 11th)
  • directly to the organization or via online donations on each of the organization’s websites. (Please note that online donations through some website donation programs will deduct a processing fee.)

Contact any of the organizations or 814-275-1718 for more information. All donations stay local. Together, with
your support, we can make a real difference and improve life in Redbank Valley.

SHARE OUR FLYER

‘Download & Share’ our Day of Giving Flyer to hang in your business or church by clicking the flyer below. Thank you for your support!