Rep. Kelly Commemorates 25th Anniversary of Black Family Foundation on House Floor
Erie-based organization has donated more than $13 million in grants & scholarship opportunities over last decade alone
WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) delivered remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives this morning to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Black Family Foundation, a non-profit organization operating from Erie, Pennsylvania.
Text of Rep. Kelly’s floor tribute as prepared for delivery:
“This morning I would like to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Black Family Foundation of Erie, Pennsylvania.
“The Foundation was established in 1993 by a very distinguished constituent of mine, Mr. Samuel P. ‘Pat’ Black, III, and his late father, an Erie legend, Mr. Samuel P. Black, Jr., who passed away in 2001 just four months shy of his 100th birthday.
“According to its mission statement, the Foundation exists to ‘fund systemic change.’ It proudly focuses on strategic non-profit investments throughout Erie County that leverage ‘the fewest resources for the greatest gains in social progress.’
“Its vision is profound and ambitious: ‘To promote continuous improvements in the quality of life around the globe by investing in projects that offer a high probability of transformational and sustainable change.’
“Over the course of its respected history, the Foundation has funded non-profit programs and organizations in the areas of Health & Welfare; Entrepreneurial Education; Homelessness; Environmental Sustainability; Economic Initiatives; and Technology Initiatives.
“Specifically, the organization has supported such initiatives as the creation of the Elizabeth Lee Black School at the Barber National Institute—an approved private school that offers a state-of-the-art educational program to children ages 3–21 with autism and intellectual and physical disabilities.
“Over the last 15 years, Mr. Black and the Black Family Foundation have also supported hundreds of students through scholarships at Penn State’s Behrend College and at Mercyhurst University.
“In the last decade alone, the Foundation has donated more than $13 million throughout the Erie community and to worthy organizations around the world.
“To Mr. Black and his family, I say: Happy anniversary, and may God bless you for all that you do to help bless others!”
###