bethlehemcommunity fund
aBOUT US & mission statement
Bethlehem’s Community Fund, formerly known as the Bethlehem Festival Fund, quietly helps children, families, individuals, and the elderly living in the Bethlehem Community whose needs fall through the cracks of traditional programs. Typically, they are facing economic difficulties because of job loss, disasters, divorce, illness, or other life changes.
A long-standing tradition of the Fund, assistance is given anonymously with the utmost respect for the pride and privacy of the recipients. The Bethlehem Community Fund is a true example of neighbor helping neighbor.
SAVE THE DATE: FEBRUARY 2020 HAWAIIAN BASH
February 29, 2020
Normanside Country Club
See the event flyer for more details
HOW ARE
THE MONIES SPENT?
Teachers, nurses, guidance counselors, school social workers and area clergy make most of the requests for assistance. Monies work to fill the gap left by traditional social services. Children receive help with school supplies, tutoring expenses, eyeglasses, clothing, camp tuition and other needs. Seniors may find assistance with utility bills, small home repairs, medical costs, a personal emergency response system or pet care. Each December, over 100 Bethlehem families receive Holiday baskets of food, clothing and gifts.
CONTRIBUTIONS
The Fund has an annual budget of about $30,000 per year. Our only expenses are for postage and stationery. For over 70 years, the Fund has relied on money from individual donations; the fund-raising activities of students, church groups, service clubs, businesses, and individuals; in addition to interest earned on bank balances.
The Bethlehem Festival Fund (dba Bethlehem Community Fund) is a 501(c) Tax-Exempt Organization as defined by the I.R.S. and donations to the Fund are Tax Deductible. Full cooperation of the Bethlehem Township and Bethlehem Central School District has always prevailed. Our Annual Meeting is open to the public.
The program consists of community activities throughout the year with particular emphasis on the welfare of children and needy families. These activities are made possible by gifts of money and materials by persons and organizations of the Community, and are carried out by volunteer services.