Kindness & Connection: The Good at Heart Festival celebrates 25 years of “The Diary of Anne Frank”

February 27, 2025 | by Rachel Landon

For a quarter century, Open Stage has brought “The Diary of Anne Frank” to life for thousands of students and community members. This year’s production carries heightened urgency as the book continues to be removed from school reading lists, including in parts of central Pennsylvania.

“The removal of ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ from schools is deeply troubling,” said Stuart Landon, producing artistic director of Open Stage. “Anne’s words are more than historical record; they are a warning, a reminder, and a call to action. Every student should have the chance to hear her story.”

Open Stage presents the third annual The Good at Heart Festival, running March 22 to 30, which pairs the 25th anniversary production of “The Diary of Anne Frank” with “I’m Proud of You,” a stage adaptation of journalist Tim Madigan’s memoir about his friendship with Fred Rogers.

Fred Rogers and Anne Frank never met, yet their legacies share a strikingly similar message—that compassion and understanding are the foundations of a better world. At a time when difficult histories are being questioned or omitted, the festival aims to ensure these stories remain at the forefront of public consciousness.

For many students, seeing “The Diary of Anne Frank” live is a transformative experience. One educator recalled a student who had disengaged from classroom discussions on Anne’s diary but was riveted by the live performance.

“By the time Anne and Peter kissed, he was completely captivated. When the final moments unfolded, he turned to me in shock and whispered, ‘Do they seriously get caught?’ It was as if, for the first time, he truly understood what was at stake. Seeing the story live changed everything for him.”

This year’s production, directed by Stacy Reck, features Areanna Kroll as Anne Frank supported by a talented ensemble. Tia McMillen, who plays Miep Gies, will lead post-show discussions on the importance of being a helper.

To ensure accessibility, Open Stage is offering free student tickets to three morning matinees on March 25 to 27, made possible by community donors. A public evening performance will take place on March 27 at the Scottish Rite Theater.

Beyond “The Diary of Anne Frank,” the festival explores themes of resilience, memory, and human connection. “I’m Proud of You,” a co-production with Someone To Tell It To, runs March 22 to April 12 at Open Stage. Directed by Kelli Kauterman, the play adapts Tim Madigan’s memoir about his unlikely friendship with Fred Rogers, delving into themes of kindness, emotional honesty, and the power of human connection.

Stuart Landon stars as Tim, with Michael Gingerich as Fred. Michael Rodriguez and Susanne Thomas complete the cast, playing multiple roles that bring Madigan’s journey to life.

Reflecting on his friendship with Fred Rogers, Madigan once wrote, “In his presence, you felt more fully seen than you had ever been before. He had a way of making you believe that your best self was not just possible, but already there, waiting to be recognized.”

Complementing these productions, the festival will screen a selection of documentaries at Midtown Cinema, including “Anne Frank Remembered,” “Otto Frank, Father of Anne,” and “John Lewis: Good Trouble.”

A highlight of the festival will be a live conversation with Tim Madigan at Open Stage on March 29. The award-winning journalist will discuss his personal journey, his friendship with Fred Rogers, and the lessons of empathy and resilience found in his work.

Earlier in the week, Black NewsBeat with Dr. Kimeka Campbell will provide a platform for discussions on activism and storytelling.

Through a mix of live theater, film and conversation, The Good at Heart Festival reaffirms Open Stage’s dedication to powerful storytelling—ensuring these vital narratives are not only remembered but experienced in ways that inspire action and understanding.

The Good at Heart Festival takes place March 22 to 30. For full festival details and ticket reservations, visit www.openstagehbg.com.

UPCOMING EVENTS

At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736

Open Stage’s 3rd Annual
Good at Heart Festival 2025
March 22 to 30
Open Stage/Midtown Cinema/Scottish Rite

“I’m Proud of You”
Open Stage
March 22 to April 12
Based on Tim Madigan’s memoir
“I’m Proud of You: My Friendship with Fred Rogers”

“Anne Frank Remembered”
1995 documentary
Saturday, March 22 at 12 p.m.
Midtown Cinema

“John Lewis: Good Trouble”
2020 documentary
Sunday, March 23 at 7 p.m.
Midtown Cinema

“Otto Frank, Father of Anne”
2010 documentary
Tuesday, March 25 at 7:15 p.m.
Midtown Cinema

“The Diary of Anne Frank”
25th Annual Production
March 25 to 27
Scottish Rite Theater, Harrisburg
Matinees 9:45 a.m. (Tuesday to Thursday)
Evening performance, March 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Black NewsBeat
With Dr. Kimeka Campbell
Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m.
Open Stage
Dynamic conversation on community, activism and storytelling

A Conversation with Tim Madigan
Author of “I’m Proud of You”
Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m.
Open Stage
Discussion explores a friendship with Fred Rogers
and the lessons of kindness and human connection.

If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!

Greenlee Partners, LLC & Scouting America, Keystone Capital District

February 27, 2025 | by Admin

Greenlee Partners, LLC & Scouting America, Keystone Capital District
Business Supporting Community Nonprofits

Greenlee Partners, LLC
greenleepartners.com
230 State St #1, Harrisburg, PA

Why is supporting local nonprofits important to your business?

For 40 years, Greenlee Partners has been a part of the greater Harrisburg area community. Our firm has supported many local nonprofit organizations with both volunteer hours and financial resources, and we will continue to do so well into the future. It is important to our business because it is important to our people. Each one of us has our own unique life experiences and therefore our own perspectives on what our community needs. That’s what makes a community, varying views and efforts working toward the common goal of improving the lives around us.

Nonprofit organizations provide vital services, often addressing key unmet needs of a community. By partnering with nonprofits, we can help address the needs of those around us, which, in turn, makes our corner of the globe that much better of a place to be. This community has afforded us an opportunity to thrive in an area so rich with history, arts, people, leisure options and economic opportunity. It is incumbent upon us to do our part to give back so that future generations have an equal or greater chance to enjoy the same.

Why did you choose this particular nonprofit, and how do you support them?

Good communities depend on good people. Scouting America, Keystone Capital District, provides our youth with a solid foundation from which to become good people. From the beginning, the youth are taught the Scout Oath,

“On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

It is from this simple statement that unforgettable life lessons and unforgettable outings are presented to our youth to prepare them for life, helping to guide them as they grow into good people. As they grow, Scouts become leaders in their community grounded by the foundation of the Scout Law, “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean, and reverent.”

We are fortunate to be able to interact daily with servant leaders from across our commonwealth. Those interactions remind us that our government works best when those positions are filled by good people. Supporting Scouting America, Keystone Capital District, is one small way to ensure that there will be good people ready to answer the call when their community needs them to step up and lead.

Greenlee Partners is proud to financially support the organization annually at their Harrisburg Breakfast and through the volunteer efforts of Clint Cullison, Partner, as the District Vice Chair for Finance, Assistant Cubmaster, and Den Leader.

Scouting America, Keystone Capital District
newbirthoffreedom.org
1 Baden Powell Lane, Mechanicsburg, PA

What is your organization’s mission, and how does corporate or foundation support contribute to your goals?

The mission of Scouting America is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The Scout Oath is: “On my honor I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.” The Scout Law is: “A Scout is: Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent.”

Funding for our programs helps us to deliver the program and reach more youth in the Harrisburg area and Dauphin County. Our programs are designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders, foster community service, and instill the values of preparedness for life, adventure, and education. Contributions are crucial in maintaining high-quality Scouting experiences for every youth we serve.

What is your greatest need for corporate or foundation support in 2025?

Our local council is dedicated to delivering the promise of Scouting to youth across six counties—Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Perry and York—throughout south-central Pennsylvania. We run summer camp programs at Camp Tuckahoe in Dillsburg. In 2018, our flagship program was opened up to not just boys, but also to girls. About 12% of our membership today are girls, and they have just as much fun at camp as the boys always have. We have been struggling with pool changing facilities over these recent years, as they were designed with a boy-only program in mind. We work to maintain four private spaces for campers: one for boys, one for men, one for girls, and one for women. The current facility was not built to accommodate all four of these groups at the same time, and thus our shower and changing facilities at our magnificent pool at Camp Tuckahoe needs to be upgraded.

We are also in the midst of renovating a cherished piece of Camp Tuckahoe’s legacy to give it new life as the council’s new service center, with work progressing on transforming the historic dining hall into a hub for Scouting operations in the New Birth of Freedom Council. Work began on the building’s exterior as soon as the summer camp season ended in mid-August, and significant progress has been made. We are staging the work in different phases, with Phase I focused on the exterior. This included removing and rebuilding the old porch, installing new windows and doors, and installing new siding and a new roof. We now have a weather-tight building envelope. We have now been working on waterproofing the lower level of the building and installing drainage systems to move water away from it. This section of the camp property receives significant runoff from nearby higher ground. Work continues in our work to transform Tuckahoe’s original dining hall into our council’s new headquarters.

Financial support for these two capital improvement projects will make the largest impact on the Scouting program for the youth and families that we serve.

Sponsored

Wagman, Inc. & Central Pennsylvania Food Bank

February 27, 2025 | by Admin

Wagman, Inc. & Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
Business Supporting Community Nonprofits

Wagman, Inc.
wagman.com
3290 North Susquehanna Trail, York

Why is supporting local nonprofits important to your business?
Community is one of Wagman’s six core values, and we believe in giving back through time, talent and financial contributions. Many of our clients are nonprofits, and our values align with their mission-driven work.
For over 120 years, Wagman, a fourth-generation, family-owned construction firm, has supported organizations that serve underprivileged youth, veterans, older adults and those facing food insecurity or personal hardship. We coordinate annual food, clothing, and toy drives, partner with local food banks, and contribute to annual fundraising drives like United Way and Give Local York. Through the Wagman Community Fund, at the York County Community Foundation, Wagman provides larger strategic gifts towards capital campaigns and nonprofits providing vital services in our community.
We also promote a culture of community among employees, offering volunteer opportunities, company time for service, and donation-matching programs. Wagman has been a leading business fundraiser for Give Local York and actively participates in United Way’s Day of Action.
Our leadership is visible in the community, serving on nonprofit and industry boards, ensuring that our commitment extends beyond financial support. As founder George A. Wagman stated, “A man is not a man until he can manage his business, his own affairs, and then help someone less fortunate.” This principle continues to guide us today, driving our commitment to strengthening the communities where we live, work and play.

Why did you choose this particular nonprofit, and how do you support them?
Wagman chose to highlight Central Pennsylvania Food Bank because of its critical role in fighting food insecurity across our region. Access to nutritious food is a fundamental need, and the Food Bank’s mission aligns with our core value of community—ensuring that individuals and families don’t go hungry.
Wagman Construction worked with the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank in 2023 to upgrade its storage space, mechanical equipment, and other related renovations. These upgrades helped the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank increase the efficiency of its food distribution operations.
As with many of the nonprofits Wagman works with, the mission alignment led to a partnership at many levels. Wagman employees volunteered to sort and pack food, and many felt called to join the company in financial support after learning more about the mission. Wagman has a long history of being a community partner. Our commitment goes beyond financial contributions—we believe in leadership by example and actively engaging in initiatives that create lasting impact.
By highlighting Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, we hope to bring awareness to their vital services and inspire others to learn about the many ways they can get involved in supporting their community.

Central Pennsylvania Food Bank
centralpafoodbank.org
3908 Corey Rd, Harrisburg

What is your organization’s mission, and how does corporate or foundation support contribute to your goals?
At the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, we believe that everyone deserves access to healthy, nutritious food. Since 1981, we have been working to fight hunger, improve lives and strengthen communities across Central Pennsylvania.
Our mission is to provide food assistance to individuals and families living at or below 185% of the federal poverty level—equivalent to $57,720 annually for a family of four in 2024. Serving a territory spanning 18,000 square miles across 27 counties, we partner with over 1,100 organizations to ensure that nutritious food reaches our neighbors in need in the zip code where they live.
Financial donations from corporate partners, foundations and individuals are critical to source the food needed to serve our neighbors. In fact, public support accounts for more than half of our budget. For every dollar donated, we can provide four meals worth of healthy groceries to our neighbors experiencing hunger.
Support from donors helps us to sustain and expand programs like:
• BackPack, Kids Café, school pantries and summer feeding programs that nourish children
• MilitaryShare for veterans and active-duty families
• ElderShare for seniors in need
• Mobile Pantry and Fresh Express programs for underserved communities

What is your greatest need for corporate or foundation support in 2025?
Right now, we are in a hunger crisis in Pennsylvania and across the nation. We believe this is in large part due to several years of high-cost food prices following the COVID pandemic. Today, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is providing food assistance to over 250,000 individuals each month across our 27-county service territory. This level of need is the highest in our history—higher than during the height of the pandemic and higher than during the Great Recession 15 years ago.
In 2025, we expect to distribute more than 70.6 million pounds of food throughout our service area. To meet this goal, we will invest $12.5 million in food purchases. We still face significant challenges. Global supply chain disruptions and inflation have reduced food donations from our traditional food donor network. As a result, we must purchase more food than ever before to meet the growing demand for assistance in our community. Simply stated, the need not only continues but is greater than ever.
The Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is grateful for its generous and engaged supporters who are passionate about our mission and the neighbors we serve. To learn more, please visit www.centralpafoodbank.org.

Sponsored

Pennsylvania American Water & Midwest Food Bank

February 27, 2025 | by Admin

Pennsylvania American Water & Midwest Food Bank
Businesses Supporting Community Nonprofits

Pennsylvania American Water
amwater.com/paaw
107 Meadowbrook Rd.
New Cumberland, PA 17070

Why is supporting local nonprofits important to your business?
As Pennsylvania’s largest water and wastewater utility company, we understand that strong, healthy communities are built on access to essential resources. Supporting local nonprofits allows us to further our mission of providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable services while investing in the well-being of the communities we serve. At Pennsylvania American Water, We Keep Life Flowing for our customers and their communities by collaborating with local organizations that support our mission of addressing the diverse needs of the people in our community, whether through food assistance programs, environmental stewardship, education or other critical services.
By supporting partners who serve our neighbors in need, we are helping to strengthen the tide of our community, making us all more resilient, sustainable and equitable. When we invest in our community, we are helping develop our efforts to improve sustainability and public well-being.

Why did you choose this particular nonprofit, and how do you support them?
We support Midwest Food Bank because food insecurity is, unfortunately, a pressing issue that affects individuals and families across our community. Everyone deserves access to nutritious food, and Midwest Food Bank plays a critical role in our region, ensuring people in need do not go hungry. Their mission of rescuing potentially wasted food and sharing it with partner organizations across Pennsylvania helps keep food on our neighbor’s tables.
As a company dedicated to providing clean and reliable water and wastewater services, we understand that access to basic needs such as food and water is essential for a thriving community. Their dedication to reducing food waste and rescuing food from landfills aligns with our focus on sustainability and responsible resource management.
By supporting the Midwest Food Bank, Pennsylvania American Water is investing in the well-being of the communities we serve. We recognize that food insecurity impacts our neighbors’ health, education and economic stability, and we are proud to support organizations like Midwest Food Bank that are making a real difference.
Together, we are also championing Pennsylvania American Water’s H2O Help to Others program, which helps our customers save between $17.66 and $64.99 on their water bill and/or $40.53 to $93.12 on their wastewater bill each month. Midwest Food Bank has been a key partner in helping us increase our reach to underserved communities.

Midwest Food Bank
midwestfoodbank.org/locations/pennsylvania
2700 Commerce Dr
Middletown, PA 17057

What is your organization’s mission, and how does corporate or foundation support contribute to your goals?
Midwest Food Bank was founded in 2003 by a farmer in rural Illinois who understood that our country produced more than enough food, yet so many people were in need of food. In doing so, he identified the main problem to be access and logistics vs. supply. As such, his family turned their barn into a “food bank” in order to make resources available to nonprofits and ministries helping people in their rural community. From those humble beginnings, MFB now has 10 locations across the U.S. and two international locations, distributing over $500 million of food last year. Midwest Food Bank PA opened late 2020, distributing food to 200 local nonprofit partners. While so many struggle with food insecurity, 40% of our U.S. food supply goes to waste each year! At Midwest Food Bank, we rescue that good food (overproduction/harvest, seasonal labeling, bulk commodities which volunteers repackage) and share it with people in need vs. a landfill. As an independent, faith-based food bank, we seek to alleviate hunger and provide disaster relief. One thing that differentiates Midwest Food Bank from many other food banks? We distribute all food to our partners free of charge thanks to the support from businesses and foundations like PAWC. Not only do our partners have needed food, they can extend their resources to meet other needs like youth education programs, workforce development and more. But it often starts with food!

What is your greatest need for corporate or foundation support in 2025?
Needs continue to increase. In 2024, our 200 partners provided food assistance to 332,000 people, a 60% increase from beneficiary statistics reported the year before. While more food is needed to meet needs, the costs of transporting, relocating, and distributing that food are increasing as well. In fact, transportation is the single greatest variable expense impacting the amount of food we are able to resource and distribute. Given our model of food rescue vs. purchases and volunteers vs. paid staff, we can turn every $1 into $30 of food, which is then distributed free of charge. It’s a tremendous ROI in terms of meeting community needs, equipping partners who are doing the front-line work, and reducing waste. We are extremely grateful to PAWC for partnering with us to achieve these goals.

Sponsored

Members 1st Federal Credit Union & Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA (RMHC-CP)

February 27, 2025 | by Admin

Members 1st Federal Credit Union & Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA (RMHC-CP)
Business Supporting Community Nonprofits

Members 1st Federal Credit Union
Members1st.org

Why is supporting local nonprofits important to your business?
Members 1st’s humble beginning dates back to 1950 with nine people pooling their money to help a neighbor purchase a needed appliance. Now, as the credit union celebrates its 75th anniversary year, Members 1st has grown to serve over 600,000 members. Through all of this growth, Members 1st’s commitment to serve their members, associates and communities through support, empowerment and meaningful relationships has remained the same. And a key part of this is supporting the nonprofits in our communities that are helping our neighbors reach their full potential.

Guided by the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” community involvement and nonprofit support is central to Members 1st. The credit union’s commitment to supporting nonprofit organizations goes beyond financial sponsorships. Members 1st’s associates actively participate in and support local initiatives across the credit union’s eleven-county footprint.

Why did you choose this particular nonprofit, and how do you support them?
When you have a sick child, finances shouldn’t be what you worry about. That’s where the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Pennsylvania (RMHC) comes in.
RMHC helps families throughout Members 1st’s geographic footprint through the support and services they offer families receiving services from various hospital systems in the credit union’s region. RMHC’s support encompasses everything from kiosks and carts for snacks and support items to lounges and even housing for families with children receiving crucial care at area hospitals.

Members 1st has supported RMHC in many ways over the years, including volunteer support, event sponsorships (such as the upcoming Ladies Night Out in May) and other event support. In the past, associates have also visited the RMHC in Hershey to prepare meals for families, as well.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA
rmhc-centralpa.org
745 W Governor Rd, Hershey, PA

What is your organization’s mission, and how does corporate or foundation support contribute to your goals?
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central PA (RMHC-CP) provides essential services that remove barriers, strengthen families and promote healing when children need healthcare. We are currently able to provide all of our program services at no charge to the families we serve thanks to the generous support of our community. In particular, our corporate partners, such as Member’s 1st Federal Credit Union, make all the difference.

A great corporate partnership for RMHC-CP is mutually beneficial. Not only do we receive critical financial support that allows us to perform our operational functions without worry, but most often, will also incorporate volunteerism and opportunities for education, which increases public awareness of our mission. In turn, this enhances the company’s social reputation and boosts employee morale.

A recent example of our partnership in action includes our Going Home Bag Program. Member’s 1st donated a matching gift to our Ladies Night Out event. RMHC-CP leveraged this donation to raise funds to create bags filled with items that support our families as they transition home. Member’s 1st was then able to provide volunteers to help pack the bags and get them ready to go out the door.

Our sincere desire is that the relationship is as meaningful to the corporation and its employees as it is for us and the families we serve. One thing is for sure, we wouldn’t be able to meet our mission without these vital partnerships.

What is your greatest need for corporate or foundation support in 2025?
Overall, general financial contributions remain our most significant need. This allows us to purchase what we need for our programs and families when we need it most and not have to worry about storage, expiration dates or operational fluidity.

Financial contributions from our corporate partners in 2025 will support a brand-new playground at the RMH in Hershey, an outdoor, family-centered garden retreat, provide nutritional meals daily for our families and snacks and activities for our in-hospital programs. Additionally, corporations can support any of our four special events: Ladies Night Out, Annual Golf Classic, Lancaster County Auction and Sporting Clays Tournament.

To find out all the ways you can support RMHC of Central PA, check out our Get Involved page at rmhc-centralpa.org or call 717-533-4001 for more information.

Sponsored

Branden-Lee Butler of B Clean Professionals

February 27, 2025 | by Admin

Branden-Lee Butler moved around a lot as a kid, living in over ten homes in his hometown of Harrisburg. He attended a Title I school under the No Child Left Behind initiative, which did not help him succeed later in life as intended but motivated him to teach himself various subjects and three languages. As he got older, he used these experiences and skills to network and connect with people.

Beginning his career with a diverse assortment of jobs, Branden-Lee started work at Hershey Park and Chuck E. Cheese. He later worked for the state of Pennsylvania and the Department of Defense, gaining experience in both blue-collar and corporate environments.

After the birth of his first child, he faced considerable professional setbacks that escalated into financial distress. He lost his job, had his car repossessed, and experienced homelessness. When times were hard, he slept on the couches of family and friends. At one point, he was donating plasma just to make ends meet. It was a tough period that ultimately motivated him to work harder for what he has today. By embracing optimism, resilience, and sharing his story, he hopes to inspire others to cultivate hope and chase their dreams.

B Clean Professionals, Branden-Lee’s cleaning and sanitation business, began as a hobby. Having started the company at the age of 21, he found it satisfying to watch things transform from dirty to clean. His interest continued and he began watching YouTube videos about professional cleaning. Continuing to push himself and nurture his curiosity, he bought cleaning equipment on Craigslist, a purchase that sparked the beginning of his business.

B Clean Professionals won the 2024 business rate for best janitorial services in the Harrisburg area. Using the model that you get what you pay for, B Clean Professionals offers top notch service with effective solutions and products that Branden-Lee now creates himself.

Incorporating a sense of quality into his cleaning business, Branden-Lee formulates high-quality products that last. Employees wears uniforms, have a history of excellent customer service and etiquette, and work as a united force to provide quality service. A firm believer in karma, Branden-Lee believes that if you put out good energy, you will receive it back. To Branden-Lee, his business is not just a business; it’s a movement.

The COVID pandemic affected his business, but ultimately helped it to grow. Having received a call requesting sanitation for COVID, Branden-Lee was hesitant, but ultimately believed in his ability to learn the skills necessary to do the job.

Calling on the same entrepreneurial spirit that started his business, Branden-Lee hopped online and took courses on how to properly sanitize surfaces. After gaining the necessary certifications, B Clean Professionals was able to transition into a commercial cleaning business.

As a single father to three beautiful young kids, there are a multitude of challenges in trying to manage a profession and personal life. Branden-Lee believes that being with his kids and his family is very important and says work-life balance is the secret to having it all.

Each day, he shuts down business completely and turns off his laptop at 5pm sharp. Being the businessman he is, he makes sure to have proper management and staff in place to take calls while he’s with his family. According to Branden-Lee, making money, doing well and providing service to people in need of cleaning is great and has its rewards, but there’s nothing better than spending quality time with your family and putting business to the side.

Like many working parents, one of the ongoing challenges he faces in his efforts for work-life balance is finding reliable childcare. To achieve that balance, he’s doing what he always does, finding a solution. Branden-Lee’s new goal is to open a school to teach youth quality trades and encourage a connection with nature.

Branden-Lee has fond memories of playing outside all day as a kid, with games like tag, manhunt, and red light-green light being the highlights. Through his up-and-coming school, he strives to help youth get back to “how things used to be” with outside play and good quality of work. The school will also incorporate farming and horseback riding. Branden-Lee believes that success starts with how you are raised and that instilling children with life skills and good values is a fantastic start.

The mission of his school is to empower young learners with essential agricultural knowledge, horsemanship skills, and practical infrastructure expertise. Branden-Lee believes in getting back to the basics, fostering a deep connection to the land, animals, and sustainable practices. Through hands-on experiences, his school will aim to cultivate responsible stewards of the environment, equipping them with the ability to grow crops, care for animals, ride horses, and enhance infrastructure. The school’s main commitment is to inspire curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love for learning among the next generation.

To learn more about Branden-Lee’s story, keep an eye out for upcoming book, Schiz and Wits. If you’re interested in taking advantage of the award-winning services of B Clean Professionals, he encourages you to get in contact through his website. Get involved or donate to his up-and-coming school.

Sponsored

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC)

February 27, 2025 | by Admin

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC)
717-236-5040
tfec.org

Strengthening Nonprofits Through Smart Philanthropy
For more than a century, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities (TFEC) has been a trusted partner for nonprofits and philanthropists in South Central Pennsylvania. By providing expert financial management, grantmaking services and administrative support, TFEC helps charitable organizations and donors create lasting community impact. Whether assisting with endowment funds, simplifying operational challenges or expanding philanthropic networks, TFEC empowers nonprofits to focus on what matters most—their mission.
“We partner with nonprofits to develop solutions for community change,” said TFEC’s President and CEO Jennifer Doyle. “Through our investment expertise, we help nonprofits perform their charitable work by awarding grants and building community partnerships.”

Financial Stability and Professional Investment Management
TFEC helps nonprofits build financial security through agency endowment funds and investment services designed for long-term growth. With over 900 individual funds under management, TFEC provides nonprofits access to professional investment strategies that maximize returns while keeping costs low. By pooling resources, their team achieves economies of scale that individual organizations might struggle to attain independently. Additionally, as a National Standards-accredited organization, TFEC upholds the highest level of public accountability and transparency, ensuring that funds are managed ethically and efficiently.
“When nonprofits partner with TFEC, they gain the financial expertise of a dedicated team that understands the importance of long-term sustainability,” Doyle said. “Our investment strategies help organizations build a lasting foundation for the future.”

Simplified Administrative and Compliance Support
For nonprofit leaders, managing donations, seeking grants, fundraising and ensuring compliance with financial regulations can be overwhelming. TFEC provides a streamlined approach to financial management, offering services such as financial reporting, budget preparation and transaction processing.
“By removing administrative barriers, we allow nonprofit leaders to dedicate more time to serving their communities,” Doyle said. “We handle the details so they can focus on impact.”

Technical Support for Grant Applications
TFEC provides nonprofits with expert guidance when applying for its competitive grant opportunities. Through technical assistance from TFEC’s grants team, agency partners receive support in strengthening applications, increasing their chances of securing funding and building long-term capacity.
“We’re committed to helping nonprofits put forward the strongest applications possible,” Doyle said. “Our team provides the guidance and resources they need to maximize their funding potential.”
With its deep commitment to community-driven philanthropy, TFEC is vital in helping nonprofits and donors maximize their impact. To learn more or start a conversation, visit www.tfec.org or contact TFEC at 717-236-5040.

Sponsored

S&T Bank & American Heart Association

February 27, 2025 | by Admin

Devon Sprenkle, AHA Executive Director (Left), Andrea Splain, S&T Bank Senior Business Banker, and Kahley Stewart, AHA Development Director (right)

S&T Bank & American Heart Association
Business Supporting Community Nonprofits

S&T Bank
Stbank.com

Why do you feel it’s important for your business to support our area’s nonprofits?
At S&T Bank, we support a people-forward banking purpose that serves to uplift the communities where we live and work. We are a community-minded bank that believes we all thrive when we collaborate and work together for the betterment of our neighborhoods. We recognize the vast number of different needs in each individual community and work to help these local nonprofits problem-solve and provide long-term solutions for issues and insecurities. I realize that none of us can do it alone and we are always better together. We must continually support each other to achieve progress and improve lives. To this end, S&T encourages all employees to get involved in community giveback by providing 16 paid hours of volunteer time each year and allowing team members to choose what organizations they’d like to work with according to which causes they are truly passionate about. We truly make people our purpose every day.

Why do you support this particular nonprofit and what does your business do to benefit the organization?
When I was approached to be the chairwoman for Go Red for Women, I felt like it was divine intervention at its best. I had been struggling with quitting smoking at that time and I really wanted to take on this role and I refused to do it unless I could live out their mission. I have continued to become more involved with the American Heart Association (AHA) over the past year. Now serving as a board member, I am constantly learning more about the importance of supporting heart health, and I realize the impact of the vital awareness this organization provides to the public. In return, being involved continues to keep me accountable and encourages me to remain committed to my journey toward a healthier life. S&T Bank also promotes a healthy lifestyle for all employees, so this partnership is a perfect fit. We partnered with the AHA to host a Hands Only CPR training event in February, and we had the opportunity to teach 50 people CPR and create more awareness around the signs of a heart attack and how to help. These types of community commitments help us continue living out our people-forward purpose and help us improve the lives of everyone we encounter.

American Heart Association
Heart.org
4250 Crums Mill Rd, Harrisburg

What is your organization’s mission, and how does corporate or foundation support contribute to your goals?
For 100 years, the American Heart Association has been saving and improving lives. Since its founding in 1924, deaths from cardiovascular diseases have been cut in half. This success is rooted in the roughly $5.9 billion we’ve invested in cardiovascular and cerebrovascular research, the most by any not-for-profit source outside the federal government.

While we celebrate our success, we recognize that there are still lives to be saved and solutions are not always getting to the people who need them the most. Now, as we begin our second century, we must look to our millions of volunteers and supporters to help us shape our future and offer health and hope for everyone, everywhere.

The support of local volunteer leaders and corporate sponsors drives our mission forward by ensuring we can meet the unique needs of our community and put our resources to work where they will have the greatest impact. Whether it’s making blood pressure monitors accessible at public libraries, offering nutrition classes at local food banks, putting CPR training resources into the hands of more schools and community organizations or helping schools combat youth vaping and tobacco use, our local sponsors walk alongside of us and, together, we are a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives.

What is your greatest need for corporate or foundation support in 2025?
After more than a century of driving life-saving innovations, the American Heart Association is ready to tackle the next big health challenges by fueling science and innovation, funding lifesaving research, removing barriers to health care access and quality, and boldly standing for the rights of patients and caregivers. We offer a variety of ways for company and corporate leaders to join our efforts that align with and elevate their community impact goals.

Every year, events like the Heart Walk, Go Red for Women and the Heart Ball bring hundreds of people together who are passionate about helping the American Heart Association achieve its mission of creating a world free of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Our region’s most ambitious leaders are also making a commitment to be changemakers for healthier communities by joining our Leaders of Impact and Woman of Impact campaigns. These initiatives offer opportunities for corporate sponsorship, employee engagement and volunteer leadership, all of which are essential to fund our mission and have a lasting, positive influence on the health of our communities and those we love.

We invite companies and individuals with an interest in becoming a part the American Heart Association’s legacy of saving and improving lives to speak with a member of our team who will guide you to the opportunities that best align with your corporate impact goals.

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Stone Gables Estate & Brittany’s Hope

February 27, 2025 | by Admin

Stone Gables Estate & Brittany’s Hope
Business Supporting Community Nonprofits

Stone Gables Estate
stonegablesestate.com
1 Hollinger Ln, Elizabethtown

Why is supporting local nonprofits important to your business?
Supporting Brittany’s Hope is one of the ways that we live out our company purpose of building a profitable, God-honoring business that through our actions and outreach will make a positive difference in the world which passes on from generation to generation. At Stone Gables Estate, we host “Events with a Purpose,” including private events such
as weddings, corporate events, and nonprofit events. We also have events open to the public throughout the year, including an Easter Celebration, 4th of July Fireworks Extravaganza, train rides, horseback trail rides, a walking Christmas Village, 3-mile Christmas Light Drive-thru with over 1 million lights, Christmas Dinner and Shows, and The National Christmas Center. Our mission is to donate 100% of our net proceeds to
Brittany’s Hope. Having your wedding or other special event at Stone Gables Estate helps save the lives of children. As stewards of Stone Gables Estate, we believe that everything we have is a gift from God that we are to use to honor Him through our activities, events and endeavors.

Why did you choose this particular nonprofit, and how do you support
them?
It is a real pleasure to come alongside Brittany’s Hope, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit
organization dedicated to aiding abandoned children around the world. Along
with our mission with nonprofits, we also support their events throughout the year
including their Biking event, Gala and Breakfast with Santa. The work that they
do is amazing and truly changes the lives of everyone involved. For us, when
looking for a nonprofit to support, it is important to look at the heart of the
organization and the heart of their leadership. Being good stewards, they use the
funds directly for their cause, the children. Please visit their website to find out
more information on the amazing work that they do—it is inspiring. Brittany’s
Hope is led by a small team of people who are passionate about making the world
a better place.

Brittany’s Hope
brittanyshope.org
1160 N Market St
Elizabethtown

What is your organization’s mission, and how does corporate or foundation support contribute to your goals?
Brittany’s Hope is a 501c(3) organization committed to recognizing the fundamental rights of all children. We empower families and communities to make real and lasting change in the lives of orphaned and at-risk children by providing adoption grants for families with the heart to adopt children with special needs and humanitarian support to partner children’s homes in Viet Nam, Kenya, through international special needs adoption grants and humanitarian initiatives.

Brittany’s Hope is now celebrating our 25th anniversary and celebrating the 1,600 children with special needs who have been united with their forever families, completely transforming their futures. Likewise, children in our partner children’s homes have moved from lives of poverty, hunger and despair to homes of love and hope. These children are receiving the therapy and education they need to break the cycle of poverty into which they were born.

These transformations are nothing short of miraculous. The miracles are made possible through our generous donors–individuals, corporations and foundations–who believe in our mission and in the potential of the children we serve. We partner with local corporations who sponsor and attend major events and whose employees serve as volunteers and as advocates, promoting the mission of Brittany’s Hope.
100% of all donations directly support the children we serve, as a corporate donor covers all administrative expenses.

What is your greatest need for corporate or foundation support in 2025?
Brittany’s Hope relies heavily on Corporate Sponsors for major events. In 2025, Brittany’s Hope is looking ahead to three major fundraising events: Brittany’s Ball on Saturday, April 12th, Biking for Brittany on Sunday, June 29th, and Christmas at the Star Barn on Saturday, December 6th. We rely heavily on Corporate Sponsorships and volunteer support to make these events successful. In addition to the benefit of supporting the incredible mission of Brittany’s Hope, Corporate Sponsorships provide a unique opportunity for businesses to promote their brands and to provide benefits to their employees.

Brittany’s Ball is a beautiful formal evening event, which includes a silent/online auction, sit down dinner, and live auction.

Beginning and ending at the Star Barn, Biking for Brittany is a metric century/metric half-century bike ride through the beautiful landscapes of Elizabethtown, Mount Joy, Marietta, and Hershey, complete with an after-party and cash prizes for Strava Segment winners.
Christmas at the Star Barn is a delightful community event to completely immerse your family in the magic of Christmas, with games, crafts, a dance party, and of course, Santa himself.

Brittany’s Hope also relies heavily on volunteers for in-house support. Specifically for 2025, we are seeking individuals who are able to lend their expertise in the area of graphic design.
Visit brittanyshope.org or call 717-367-9614 for Sponsorship, Participation, Volunteer, and additional information. YOUR participation has the power to completely transform the lives of the children we serve.

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A Future Without Fear: Respect Together Mission at 50 Years

February 27, 2025 | by Yolanda Edrington, CEO Respect Together

As we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary on April 30, 2025, at The Hershey Country Club, I find myself reflecting on both the progress we’ve made and the urgent work that still lies ahead. Ending sexual violence isn’t just a moral imperative—it’s a collective responsibility that touches every industry, every community, and every family.

That’s why corporate and foundation partnerships are now more important than ever. When businesses and philanthropic leaders stand with us, we’re able to expand prevention programs, survivor support services, and workplace safety initiatives that make a real difference.

Everyone and every organization has an opportunity – and a responsibility – to be part of the solution, whether by fostering cultures of respect within their own organizations and investing in the communities they serve.

We’ve seen firsthand the impact that strong partnerships can have. When a company prioritizes harassment prevention training, it creates safer environments. When a foundation funds trauma-informed survivor resources, it changes lives. When organizations commit to amplifying conversations about consent and accountability, they help shift culture in ways that legislation alone never could.

At Respect Together, we believe in the power of partnerships to drive lasting change. As we honor our legacy, we invite businesses, leaders, and changemakers to join us in shaping the future—because a world free from sexual violence is possible, but only if we build it together.

Investing in Change: The Urgent Need for Corporate Support in 2025

At Respect Together, we dream of a world where survivors never have to question whether they’ll be believed, supported, or empowered. But to turn that dream into reality, we need bold action.

In 2025, our greatest need is funding that fuels both immediate impact and long-term transformation.

What could this impact look like?

✔ Expanding survivor advocacy networks—providing legal resources, counseling, and career support.

✔ Scaling prevention programs—reaching more schools, workplaces, and communities with consent education.

✔ Driving policy advocacy—ensuring survivor voices shape the laws that protect them.

To truly change culture, we need more than just awareness—we need action, investment, and unwavering commitment from leaders across industries. This is why our 50th anniversary isn’t just a celebration; it’s a call to action.

We are setting ambitious goals: to raise $500,000 which would assist with funding survivor services like our legal assistance program and financial support for victims of sexual assault during disasters.to . We are inviting corporate leaders, foundations, and mission-aligned partners to be part of this milestone moment—not just as funders, but as champions of change.

This is more than philanthropy. This is about building a future where every person, in every community, can live without fear.

And I can’t think of a better way to honor 50 years of Respect Together than by committing now and together…to the next 50.

Respect Together and its local, state, and national partners are united to end sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. Collectively, working together to create a culture in the United States – and beyond – that values and upholds all people being treated with respect and free from all forms of sexual violence and oppression.

To donate to Respect Together

To purchase tickets to the 50th Anniversary Celebration of Respect Together

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