25 Stories for 25 Years
Although Patricia A. McDowell has lived in the Lancaster area for nearly a decade, Bloomsburg holds a special place in her heart. Much of her past community service and advocacy took place right here in Columbia County, and her strong commitment to keeping the community an engaging and thriving place for families continues to this day.
"Some things in Bloomsburg have changed since I lived there. But you still want to go back and remember what your children and family did there and the fun they had. Keeping the spirit of community alive and thriving is important," reflects Patricia.
In 2008, Patricia partnered with the Community Giving Foundation to create a meaningful way to give back in perpetuity. She established two funds, the Patricia A. McDowell Donor Advised Fund and the Patricia A. McDowell Field of Interest Fund, to benefit children and youth in Columbia County and other local programs close to her heart.
"Thanks to the generous grant we received from the Patricia A. McDowell Donor Advised Fund, the YMCA is able to engage even more kids and families in our programs. It is incredibly important that we offer financial support to the communities we serve in order to fulfill our mission of making the YMCA available to all. The YMCA would not be able to offer membership and program scholarships or childcare financial assistant programs without donors like Patricia," writes Wayne Stump, Bloomsburg Area YMCA, a 2024 grant recipient.
Seth Joseph, with past grant recipient Camp Victory, reflects on Patricia's support: "As a recipient of grant funding from the Patricia A. McDowell Donor Advised Fund, Camp Victory can better serve the needs of our special campers. We are grateful for the support from generous donors like Patricia, helping us create a fun and memorable experience for children, families, and individuals facing a variety of medical and life challenges."
As Patricia has continued to give and grow her funds, more organizations are benefiting from her throughful generosity. Since their establishment 15 years ago, Patricia's funds have awarded a combined 84 grants and over $350,000 to support Columbia County growth and vitality. Patricia's community giving legacy is certainly one to celebrate.