The CAN DO Community Foundation announced the kickoff of its 2021 fund drive, which will continue its restoration journey at Ferrwood Music Camp with bandshell upgrades as the beneficiary of the proceeds.

Each summer since 1967, youth from our community have honed their music skills at Ferrwood Music Camp. The historic country setting is home to programs that support education; healthy mind, body and spirit; mentorship; art; cultural experiences; music; camaraderie and good old-fashioned summer fun!

The CAN DO Community Foundation is continuing with its work and recently dedicated the kitchen upgrade as the beneficiary of last year’s fund drive. The equipment was obsolete and, with the assistance of a group of volunteers, a new kitchen was designed and the upgrade was completed. The “commissary” provides traditional camp fare along with farm-fresh vegetables and fruits, nutrition-conscious choices of meats, whole grains and snacks. And the campers like them!

Earl C. Berger, CAN DO Community Foundation Vice President and Fund Drive Chairman, announced that the purpose of the 2021 fund drive is to recreate a turn-of-the-century-designed bandshell combined with contemporary acoustics and sound. ADA-compliant restrooms are also envisioned.

Berger commented, “Your contribution to the fund drive will enable the foundation to continue the restoration as well as the upgrading and upkeep of a community gem for tomorrow and future generations.”

For the ninth consecutive year, Berger will serve as chairman of the annual fund drive. He will be assisted by the following committee chairpersons and committee members: Matthew B. Bayzick, Melissa Curto, Eugene M. Dougherty, Jeffrey S. Gicking, Marybeth Hayden, George R. Hludzik, Gary F. Lamont, Joseph Lettiere, Robert J. Moisey, E. Richard Moore, Kevin O’Donnell, Donald M. Pachence, E. Thomas Sandrock, Krista Schneider, John J. Spevak, Chris Stamatopoulos, Nancy R. Stasko and Daniel Sweeney.

Since its inception in 1992, the CAN DO Community Foundation has used its mission of conservation, preservation and reclamation to support important projects that involve distressed landscape and historic and other locally significant buildings that benefit the Greater Hazleton community. The foundation’s support of these projects is made possible in part through generous contributions to the annual fund drive.

“CPR – Breathing New Life into Our Community” is the foundation’s slogan, referring to its mission.   

The foundation’s endowment has grown from numerous sources including the donation of real estate, individual and corporate gifts, memorial donations, foundations and investment income.

The foundation supports worthwhile community projects that make a difference and improve the Greater Hazleton community. Among its many recent projects, the foundation has joined CAN DO, its sister organization, in providing funding for the CAN DO Community Park at the corner of Broad and Laurel streets. Additionally, the foundation has been assisting the Downtown Hazleton Alliance for Progress with several revitalization projects in the downtown, including helping to fund the completion of renovations to the Hayden Family Center For the Arts, the home of the Hazleton Art League, and participating in the re-purposing of the former “bingo building” on Broad Street, which is home to the Hazleton LaunchBox incubator facility.

In addition to its service projects, the Foundation also utilizes donations to fund several scholarships for high school and college students, as well as the young student musicians who attend Ferrwood Music Camp.

The Foundation presents the annual Edgar L. Dessen Community Service Award Junior Leadership scholarships to students from the high schools that serve Greater Hazleton. The service award is named after CAN DO’s founder, Dr. Edgar L. Dessen.

The annual Joseph Yenchko Award “Camperships” are presented to students attending Ferrwood Music Camp. The “Camperships” are given in honor of Yenchko, who was CAN DO’s first employee, and continue to grow through the generosity of individuals, businesses and foundations.

The CAN DO Community Foundation Scholarships at Penn State Hazleton are awarded annually. The fully-endowed scholarships are specifically designated for students from Greater Hazleton.

For further information about the foundation or the annual fund drive, please contact Nancy R. Stasko at (570) 956-1646 or at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..