Administration

Fundraiser nets over $158,000 for scholarship funds at Penn State Fayette

From left to right: Charles Patrick, Rebecca Ambrosini, Alfred F. Ambrosini and Lori Omatick Credit: Penn StateCreative Commons

LEMONT FURNACE, Pa. — Penn State Fayette, The Eberly Campus hosted the second annual Benefit Fayette fundraiser event on Oct. 14, netting $158,620 in endowed and nonendowed gifts and pledges from private sources to benefit various campus scholarship funds.

The effort was buoyed by three major gift commitments — Pete and the Honorable Linda Cordaro and CRH Catering pledged a gift of $30,000 to establish the CRH Catering and Cordaro Family Open Doors Scholarship; Al and Becky Ambrosini committed $30,000 to create The Alfred F. and Rebecca Ambrosini Open Doors Scholarship; and the Viswanathan family pledged $50,000 toward the establishment of the Dr. Nathan Viswanathan Memorial Scholarship in memoriam of the faculty member.

The major gifts will be matched with a total of $170,000 from Penn State through its Open Doors and First Time Endowed Scholarship Donor Matching programs, bringing the grand total of support from all sources to $328,620.

“Ninety percent of our students qualify for financial aid, and nearly half of our students are the first generation in their families to attend college,” said Lori Omatick, director of development and chair of the planning committee. “One-hundred percent of the net proceeds raised, along with the University’s match, will be directed toward much-needed student aid.”

The evening’s theme was a “Magical Masquerade.” Guests were treated to a lively cocktail hour with roving magician Jacob Guess and musician Joe Materkowski; a silent auction, which featured goods and services prepared by local vendors; and an engaging performance from internationally-renowned illusionist Joseph Réohm. Dinner was provided by Uniontown’s historic Stone House restaurant. The night concluded with a live auction of an autographed Nittany Lion football and Pittsburgh Penguins tickets, among other items, and a performance by the band Abacus Jones.

The event was attended by 160 guests, including representatives from University Park campus, community leaders, elected officials, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and friends. Major sponsors of Benefit Fayette included FirstEnergy Foundation and 84 Lumber Company.

“We’re exceedingly grateful and pleased with the outcome,” said Charles Patrick, chancellor and chief academic officer at Penn State Fayette. “Many students will benefit from the generosity and support of our community. The impact is far-reaching.”

Last Updated November 13, 2017

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