Staunton, Va, Dec. 30, 2010 — The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is pleased to accept a charitable gift from the Erie Insurance company, headquartered in Erie, Pennsylvania.  The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge is one of only three Community Foundations in Virginia to receive this collective donation – the others are in Richmond and Roanoke.

In the spirit of the holiday season, Erie Insurance President & CEO Terry Cavanaugh announced a $75,000 collective donation to 24 Community Foundations across 11 states during an employee presentation at the company’s headquarters. “It takes all of us working together to make a difference, and I’m proud to present this donation in honor of our more than 4,300 employees who continue to help make that difference in our communities every day,” said Cavanaugh during the presentation, which was broadcast live to 23 ERIE field offices.

“It is wonderful when businesses, both large and small, and their employees are committed to the communities in which they work and live. The Community Foundation supports projects in a broad array of philanthropic work, and we are honored that Erie Insurance has chosen us to help give back in the community in which they do business,” says Becky Kohler, President/CEO of the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge.

“In fact, it’s a very creative way for a larger company to contribute in a way that’s meaningful on a local level,” says Kohler. “Community Foundations work hard to be a well-informed local resource. Corporate social responsibility efforts, where larger companies aim to make a positive impact in the communities in which they serve, can benefit from our community knowledge and relationships with nonprofits. We are very grateful for gifts like this. Every contribution makes a difference, and they add up.”

If you or your business would like to make a tax deductible contribution for 2010, there is time, but you must act quickly.  You can mail your donation with a post marked date of 12/31/2010 to the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, or you can make a donation until midnight tonight by clicking the “Donate Now” button on the Community Foundation website http://www.communityfoundationcbr.org/index.php/static/become_a_donor/
About the Community Foundation
The Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge enriches quality of life by responding to needs and inspiring philanthropy in our community. The Foundation serves the communities of Staunton and Waynesboro, as well as Augusta, Nelson and Highland counties. The Community Foundation distributes nearly $500,000 annually in awards, grants and scholarships. As one of the largest philanthropic institutions in the Central Blue Ridge, the Foundation is committed to careful stewardship of and thoughtful investment in our region’s future. Unlike other non-profit organizations, the Community Foundation is endowed in perpetuity. The cumulative value of the Foundation’s gifts exceeds $3.7 million. For more information, visit http://www.communityfoundationcbr.org/.

Note to media:  The original release from Erie Insurance is available on PR Newswire, http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/erie-insurance-gives-75000-to-community-foundations-112088274.html