It all began with pouring a glass of lemonade…
The Pouring Hope Foundation was created by six families: Erin and Casey Craig and their children Lily and Grant; Tori and Matt Smith and their children Ben, Cameron, and Morgan; Leigh and Zac Craig and their children Louis and Adam; Johnna and Chris Donaldson and their children Katie and Anna; Amy and Chris Runkle and their children Lily and Ella; and Allison and Scott Harbart along with their daughter Carson. Though the children range from only 16-months to 11-years old, their large hearts compelled them to make a difference in their community and help others do the same.
The Foundation began with an Alex’s Lemonade Stand fundraiser at the Laurel Auto Group Charity Golf Classic in 2012.
“Matt Smith suggested we continue the lemonade stand under a new fund at the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies and distribute the donations to local children in need,” said Tori Smith of the foundation’s birth. When asked about the impact on the children, she added, “We hope that this new foundation will reiterate what we try to convey to them on a daily basis by allowing them to have a more ‘hands on’ experience and witness how their volunteered time is making a positive difference in their own community.”
Pouring Hope’s mission is to raise money for less fortunate children in the Greater Johnstown area, primarily those struggling with health problems, and to encourage children to make a positive impact on the lives of others. Since its inception, the children have been actively involved with raising the money and distributing the funds.
The Pouring Hope Foundation recently donated $1,000 to the Johnstown Backpack Project in addition to helping pack backpacks for children in need. With initial donations and the 2016 LAG lemonade stand, Pouring Hope has raised over $5,000.
This year, all twelve children contributed to the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies‘ holiday card by providing lively artwork for the cover. Their drawings featured Santa’s reindeer, candy canes, gingerbread men, and twinkling lights.
To donate to the Pouring Hope Foundation, click here.
