The Proud To Be an American Fund

Our forefathers turned their visions into reality by creating an America in which we are free to express our opinions, live and raise families according to our own beliefs, and prosper by our own hard work. The Fourth of July is a time to reflect on our many blessings while celebrating the birthday of our nation. “The Proud To Be An American Fund” of the Centre County Community Foundation was established on September 11, 2002, to endow patriotic observances, so we never forget to say, "I am proud to be an American," and to give thanks to a country where persons of all colors, creeds and national origins may prosper and grow.

The Proud To Be An American Fund is a CCCF field-of-interest fund designed to promote and support American patriotic celebrations, especially the Fourth of July holiday. Distributions from the fund will help nonprofit organizations serving Centre County that display, encourage, or promote patriotism for the July 4th holiday.

The fund, created with a generous gift from Paul Silvis and Paul Mazza, is a “step-up” fund designed to grow over time with additional donations from the community. The fund must reach a minimum of $25,000 by September 11, 2007, for it to continue as a designated fund. Annual tax-deductible contributions from many individuals will be necessary to reach our goal. And please remember the Proud To Be an American Fund in your will. In order to offer meaningful help to non-profit organizations celebrating our nation's birthday, the endowment fund must grow to more than one million dollars to generate sufficient annual revenue from the investments of principal.

Contributions to The Proud To Be An American Fund can be made payable to The Centre County Community Foundation. The CCCF can be reached at 814-237-6229, by visiting our website at www.centrecountycf.org, or at P.O. Box 824, State College, PA 16804-0824.