2019

2019

Reid Ritchey

Since a young age, Reid Ritchey has felt the importance of being involved with his community. Reid learned about the value of hard work and community support at age ten while helping out on his grandfather’s farm and today serves as the president of Ritchey's Dairy. Reid married the love of his life, Elizabeth, and they had three sons. On top of his family and work life, he was active in the Lions Club, was a member of the Morrisons Cove Memorial Park Pool board for five years and served on Homewood’s board of directors for twelve years. His love of sports has made him a generous supporter of many of the area’s youth baseball, softball, football, basketball, ice hockey, and soccer associations. Reid supports his community through giving. In the agriculture business, he has supported the FFA, PA Dairy Princess, and 4-H, among many others. He also has been a large supporter of the Morrisons Cove Memorial Park, the Blair County Historical Society, the National MS Society, and the American Rescue Workers.

2018

2018

David & Janet Hileman

David and Janet Hileman both share a passion for helping their community. David spent 46 years in the dairy farming industry before going on to provide guidance and share his experience on the boards of many local, state, and national organizations including the Fort Roberdeau Association, the agriculture committee of the ABCD Corporation, and on the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. Janet began her career in accounting, eventually opening her own business doing tax work for farm clients and volunteering as treasurer for local nonprofit organizations, as well as maintaining the financial records for The Hileman’s Hilecrest Farm.

David received the Dairyman of the Year at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin. David Hileman and Janet are passionate about encouraging the 4-H programs and support other youth-focused groups. They were also presented with the Excellence in Small Business and the Agriculture Community Excellence Awards by the Blair Chamber of Commerce.

2017

2017

Rosalind & Phillip Sky

The Skys have supported the Greater Altoona Jewish Federation, and the Agudath Achim Synagogue, serving on their boards and participating on committees for the Altoona Jewish Film Festival, Israel Bonds and the Sisterhood’s Next-to-New fundraiser. The Port Sky Café at Penn State Altoona has also benefited from their generosity, as has the PSU Altoona campus. The Sky’s created the STAR (Special Team Always Remember) ongoing Football Scholarship to recognize the seniors of the 2012 Penn State Football team and have been active with Penn State Enactus, the Sheetz Fellows program.

Roz and Phil actively support more than a dozen causes, including the Blair County Arts Foundation, Central PA Humane Society, JED Foundation, Altoona Area School District’s music program, The Sky Foundation for awareness and early detection of pancreatic cancer, and the To The Sky Foundation, under the CPCF. Roz has been the recipient of the WISE Women of Blair County’s Community Service Award, the Shirley A. Pechter Pinnacle Award and is a CPCF Fellow.

2016

2016

Nancy & Don Devorris

Don and Nancy have devoted their lives to serving our area. Together they have served on over 40 community and philanthropic boards and their service, as well as their generous financial contributions, have had an immeasurable impact on the area. Don and Nancy have spearheaded many major community improvement projects, actively seeking out ways to continue supporting the organizations that make the area more vibrant. Don gave his time and leadership to Home Nursing Agency, Blair County Chamber of Commerce, Penn’s Woods Boy Scout Council, Rotary Club of Altoona, St. Francis University, I-99 Enterprise Committee, Agudath Achim Synagogue and many more, and was named as a Pennsylvania State University Distinguished Alumni. Nancy was one of the founding members of CPCF. She volunteers for and serves on the boards of numerous organizations in Central PA and earned an honorary doctorate as a community philanthropist from Mount Aloysius College in 2010.

2015

2015

Fred N. Imler, Sr.

As a dedicated and longtime member of the Jaffa Shrine, Fred served as its Potentate. During his tenure, he created the Shriners Hospital Crusade, which began in Altoona and is now recognized in six centers across PA. He’s served as State Chairman of the Crusade for over 20 years and, in 2003, was one of only three members to be recognized with the Imperial Potentate Award of Merit for his extraordinary contributions to the Shriners Hospitals. Fred serves on the board of directors for the Philadelphia Shriners Hospital For Kids, the Martinsburg Homewood Retirement Community, the Homewood Foundation Board and is an active member of Grace United Church Of Christ. Fred also sits on the board of the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, and currently serves as its treasurer. In 2012, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce recognized him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

2014

2014

Stephen G. Sheetz

Stephen Sheetz and his wife, Nancy, are well-known in Central Pennsylvania for their philanthropic efforts. In 2011, the Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence at the Penn State Altoona campus opened its doors thanks to a generous donation from Steve and Nancy. In 2004, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce recognized Steve with a Lifetime Achievement Award. The couple supports many charitable organizations within their community, such as Sister Paula and the St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen, Penn State Altoona, Arc of Blair County and the Becky Sheetz Building, Blair County Arts Foundation, Gloria Gates Memorial Foundation, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Project Soar at the Altoona Area School District Foundation, among others.

2013

2013

Barry J. Halbritter

Barry Halbritter and his wife, Marlene, are an active source of support for many programs in the community. As alumni of Juniata College and members of the band during their time there, they have long supported the college, largely the Performing Arts Center that carries their name.

Barry continues to support The Village at Morrisons Cove, Home Nursing Agency, Blair County Arts Foundation, Skills of Central PA, Kiwanis International, Central PA Community Foundation, and Carson Valley Church of the Brethren, to name a few.

2012

2012

Donald L. Detwiler

Donald Detwiler has a long and quiet history of support for numerous local organizations. In 2005, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce recognized him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Don is known for giving of his time, talent, and treasure to many institutions including Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, American Rescue Workers, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Easter Seals, First United Methodist Church of Hollidaysburg, Home Nursing Agency, Juniata College, Penn’s Woods Council Boy Scouts of America, Rotary, United Way, and Your Father’s House to name a few.

2011

2011

Michael W. McLanahan

Michael McLanahan currently serves as the Chairman of the Board at McLanahan Corporation and is extremely active as a member of numerous coal and mining industry organizations. He’s also a member of the Blair County Republican Committee, the Rotary Club of Hollidaysburg where he served as President from 1979-80, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce, the Old Timer's Club of Coal Industry Executives, and King Coal Club, where he was a past president. In 2000, Mike had the vision to start the first corporate endowment fund within the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation. At the time of this gift, it was the largest fund and a turning point in the history of the organization.

Michael was elected to the Hollidaysburg Borough Council in 2007 and served from 2008 to 2012. He served as a Board Member at Mount Aloysius College from 1994 to 2017 and led Boy Scout Pack 55 in Hollidaysburg as Cubmaster from 1964 to 1981. Additionally, he supports Operation Our Town, Penn State Altoona, Hollidaysburg YMCA, Hollidaysburg Area Free Public Library and various other charitable organizations.

2010

2010

Willard E. "Bill" Campbell

The founder of Hoss’s Steak and Sea House, Willard “Bill” Campbell is a lifelong supporter of many charitable organizations and educational facilities in Central Pennsylvania. In 2006, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce recognized him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bill has been a frequent supporter of 4-H, Future Farmers of America (FFA), National Multiple Sclerosis Society, American Cancer Society, Saint Francis University, Juniata College, and Indiana University of Pennsylvania to name a few.

2009

2009

John P. Kazmaier

A graduate of Altoona High School and the Valley Forge Military Junior College, John Kazmaier served in Vietnam before pursuing a long career as a banking executive, followed by time spent working with The Allegheny Heritage Development Corporation. John was a part of the mission to erect the Gospel Hill Flag, as well as spearheading the campaign for the Altoona Mountain Lion statue. For their philanthropic support, his family was inducted into the Platinum Category of the Penn State Altoona’s Ivyside Society, the highest level of recognition.

In 2015, John received a Distinguished Honorary Alumnus Award from Penn State University Park for his significant contributions to the welfare, reputation, and prestige of the university, and the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art honored him with an award for outstanding service to the arts. John’s sense of civic pride led to his involvement in many local organizations, including the Altoona Area School District, American Cancer Society, Blair County Arts Foundation, Central PA Community Foundation, Chamber of Commerce, Greater Altoona Economic Development Corporation, and many others.

2008

2008

Dorothea Nelson

Known locally for her quiet giving, the community has benefited immensely from Dorothea Nelson’s often anonymous generosity. She is committed to the Central PA community and passionate about providing a variety of arts opportunities for its people.

Dorothea is a supporter of numerous arts organizations including the Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Altoona Symphony Orchestra, and Blair County Arts Foundation. Additionally, Dorothea is an advocate for The Arc of Blair County and Home Nursing Agency.

2007

2007

Ann Benzel

Ann Benzel has a diverse history of community service and involvement in the arts. She is well-known for her work on the restoration of the historic Mishler Theatre. Ann has also served as chairwoman of the Governor’s Council on the Arts, the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the Altoona Area Public Library board and Altoona Regional Health System’s Foundation for Life. In 1978, she joined her husband, Bill, at Benzel’s Bretzel Bakery eventually becoming vice-president of marketing in 2001 and president in 2006 when he retired. In 2002, she was named one of Pennsylvania’s Top 50 Women in Business, and in 2017 received the Patron Award during the Governor’s Awards for the Arts in Pennsylvania ceremony. In 2018, Ann was selected as the 17th recipient of the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award for Business Excellence. She was the first woman ever to receive the Award.

2006

2006

Shirley Pechter

Shirley Pechter is a classically trained pianist, a lifelong patron of the arts, and a supporter of the Pechter Family Music Room, found in the Hawthorn Classroom Building at Penn State’s Altoona Campus. She served as a board member and three-time president of the Blair County American Cancer Society, a group she’s worked with since the mid-1960s when her nine-year-old daughter, Melissa, was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor. In recognition of her work with the Society, she received the chapter’s inaugural Pinnacle Award—named in her honor—in 2005.

Shirley also has served on several local boards, including the former Bon Secours Holy Family Hospital, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, and the Altoona Symphony Orchestra. At Temple Beth Israel, she held every executive position at one time. In 1969, she was selected as the first female president in the temple’s 125-year history and only the fifth female president of a reform congregation in the United States. The Altoona YWCA has recognized her with its Tribute to Women Award for community service. Shirley has been inducted into the Platinum Category of the Penn State Altoona’s Ivyside Society and received the Penn State Altoona Honorary Alumni Award.

2005

2005

Gerald P. Wolf

Gerald Wolf co-founded the Blair County Community Endowment, now known as the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, in 1995. Though it took some time to launch the endowment, Gerald and the other co-founders were persistent and passionate. Gerald and his wife, Aline, are also co-founders of Penn-Mont Academy, the first Montessori school to be licensed in Pennsylvania and the third in the nation. Gerald has served as a board member of the Ecumenical Conference, Wolf-Kuhn Foundation, South Alleghenies Museum of Art, Blair County Chamber of Commerce, American Heart Association, Altoona Blair County Development Corp., Altoona Hospital, Keystone Financial, Altoona Redevelopment Authority, Altoona Merchants Association, Downtown Altoona Rehabilitation Effort, and Altoona Catholic High School Athletic Association and Alumni Association. Additionally, he is the founding treasurer of the Railroaders Memorial Museum.

2004

2004

The Hite Family

Robert and Evelyn ‘Evie’ Hite are a shining example of the power of philanthropic legacy in Central PA. After founding their own business, eventually known as The Hite Company, the pair became active in helping their community, with Evie helping in many local organizations including the Altoona Woman's Club, Broad Avenue Presbyterian Church, Friends of the Altoona Public Library, and others.

Their children, Lee and Gail, along with respective partners Jane and Michael, now continue the family legacy as active supporters of Penn State and many other Central Pennsylvania organizations. Lee received the inaugural Penn State Altoona Distinguished Service Award, and his commitment to Altoona and Blair County is apparent in his leadership on the boards of numerous non-profit organizations. Lee also received the Blair County Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award for Business Excellence. Gail and Michael created the Michael J. and Gail H. Irwin Family Trading Room at Penn State’s Sheetz Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence to connect educational experiences with business practices. Gail also serves on numerous community boards.

In 2018, the family presented a gift to support the LaunchBox for Innovation at Penn State Altoona.

2003

2003

Anthony Misciagna

Anthony Misciagna was a graduate of Altoona High School. Anthony first experienced the power of philanthropy when he was afforded the opportunity to attend Cornell University via the McMullen Scholarship and was forever inspired to give back. After serving with the Marines in WWII, Anthony graduated from Cornell with a degree in engineering. He then used his entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic to grow his passion for the stock market into his own successful firm, Misciagna & Company.

Anthony’s philanthropic efforts ran deep. He was an avid supporter of Cornell University, Mount Aloysius College, Shriner’s Hospital for Crippled Children and Burn Institute, Geisinger Foundation Children’s Miracle Network, Altoona Habitat for Humanity, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, and Altoona Area School District. In 2006, his historic gift to Penn State Altoona enabled the expansion of The Center for Performing Arts, allowing the campus to broaden its academic and cultural endeavors.

2002

2002

Donald E. Wissinger

Donald Wissinger was a 1944 graduate of Altoona High School. After his service during World War II, he graduated from Susquehanna University with a B.A. in mathematics, followed by an M.S. degree in education from Penn State University. After working in academia until 1960, he and his wife, Flossie, moved back to Altoona, where he was instrumental in growing the Wissinger family grocery business from one to five supermarkets in Blair County. Through the years, Don was active with many community organizations including the Zion Lutheran Church, Hollidaysburg YMCA, the Allegheny Lutheran Social Ministries, the United Way, and the Blair Concert Chorale Board. He served as president of the Altoona Chamber of Commerce and the Hollidaysburg Rotary where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He was on the Board of the Commonwealth Bank and served for many years on the Board of Trustees of Susquehanna University. Don enjoyed time with his children, horseback riding, and sports.

2001

2001

G. William Ward

G. William “Bill” Ward is the son of William W. and Dorothy Ward. At one point the chairman of the board of Ward Transport and Logistics, Bill retired to focus on his efforts on his community. Bill is a champion of Central Pennsylvania and the state as a whole.

His commitment to the region is evident by his service on numerous boards including the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation, Rotary Club of Altoona, Blair County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Blair County, and many more. Bill is also a strong supporter of Penn State University, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, and numerous others. He and his wife, Carolyn, have four sons and one daughter.

2000

2000

T. Dean Lower

Dean Lower was a 1935 graduate of Williamsburg High School. He graduated from Dickinson College and then Yale Law School in 1947 and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Dean served in WWII in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was an attorney for 53 years.

Dean was instrumental in the development of the Lower Trail and Lower Lookout at Chimney Rocks, which were named in his memory. Dean endowed a chair with the Altoona Symphony Orchestra and supported many charitable organizations. He was the first recipient of the Philanthropy Award given by the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation.

2022

2022

The John & Delores Hillard Family

John and Delores Hillard would be proud that their legacy of giving lives on through the John and Delores Hillard Family Fund that John established in 2005 through the CPCF. Delores died in 2004, and John died in 2013. Since their passing, the Hillard's daughters, Ellen and Alicia, and their grandson, Josh have continued the family's tradition of philanthropy.