An estimated 700 people packed Peoples Natural Gas park in downtown Johnstown on July 4 for the 2014 4^th of July Community Picnic. The picnic combined annual Community Foundation for the Alleghenies (CFA) and Johnstown Symphony Orchestra (JSO) summertime events into one big community celebration, and served as the platform for the Community Foundation’s FY 2014 Report to the Community.  The fiscal year (FY) ran from July 1, 2013 – June 30, 2014.

During the picnic, guests were treated to a concert by a JSO quartet and enjoyed free 4^th of July fare, including hamburgers, hot dogs, salads and apple pie. They also had the opportunity to learn how the activities of the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies are impacting the region.

As part of his remarks, Mike Kane, president of the Community Foundation, shared several key milestones with picnic guests, including:

• Total CFA assets:  $61.5 million (estimated year-end assets)
• Growth in assets from June, 2013:  $6.2 million (estimated)
• Amount of gifts received in FY 2014:  $9.1 million (estimated)
• Amount of grants awarded in FY 2014:  $3.4 million (estimated)
• Organizations that received a grant in FY 2014:  609
• Current number of funds that support community initiatives:  513

“This has been a remarkable year,” Kane told the crowd. “We were able to award nearly $3.4 million, which was directed by our donors to help more than 600 nonprofit organizations across our region and, in some circumstances, across the state.  This is support for the arts, education, community health, economic development, neighborhood revitalization, and the environment that would not exist without the vision and generosity of people just like you who are inspired and energized by their love for the community.  Their actions leave a tremendous impact and an unforgettable legacy. For that, we are grateful.”

Kane also highlighted several key CFA projects that took root, made significant progress, or were completed during the 2014 fiscal year, including:

• An initiative to catalyze and develop entrepreneurship in the region, which combines the strength of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, local entrepreneurs, Johnstown Area Regional Industries, First National Bank, the City of Johnstown, several school districts, Penn Highlands Community College, the U.S. Small Business Administration, Goodwill Industries of the Conemaugh Valley, and others. It will build and support a results-oriented entrepreneurial network in the Greater Johnstown region.
• Greater Prospect Co-Op, a non-profit community center that is poised to help revitalize this Johnstown neighborhood by serving as a convenience and fresh  and prepared food store, and offering laundromat services
• Allegheny Adventure Network, a mostly volunteer group which, with CFA support, is working to connect area water, trail and bicycling activities for an adventure-sport weekend this fall
• A bequest of just under $2 million from the estate of Walter C. Allen to support Bedford Memorial Medical Center

“Our success really reflects the success and commitment of a community that cares about where they live, work and play,” Kane said. “We are honored to be able to carry out the wishes and vision of our many donors, and we look forward to what the next year will bring.”