John Scholl.

The Early Years
John Scholl was born on August 24,1947, at St. Joe’s Hospital on 13th Street in Reading, the youngest of two boys. His brother, William, who passed away in December of 2023, was four years his senior. John’s father, William, graduated from Temple University and worked as a pharmacist for his entire career. John’s mother, Emily, was a homemaker and part-time bookkeeper for Bertolette Candies, owned by Walter Lechleitner. They moved around a bit – to Pottstown for a few years before settling in Shillington – and John graduated from Governor Mifflin in 1965.

High School – A Talented Athlete Emerges
Sports have been a huge part of John’s life since elementary school, and he excelled on youth teams. He played baseball until a teacher cut him from the team for being the class clown. John switched gears and tried out for the track team. “I did the broad jump, pole vault and high jump. By the time I was a senior in high school, I was number 2 in high jump, so I had a nice track career.

College years
As a freshman at Albright College, John started playing basketball and became a star player. “Basketball was my main sport – I was on the track team the first two years and played baseball the last two years, but I played basketball all four years.” Basketball was a part of John’s life until he was in his 60s, playing in pick-up games and adult leagues throughout his adult life.

A Budding Businessman
“Ever since I was in high school, I always wanted to be in business for myself. I didn’t care if it was a gas station or a candy store – I just wanted to work for myself:’ That ambition drove the decisions that led to a successful career in the home-building industry. “For two summers during college, I worked for John A. Beard in his office – they knew me from playing basketball. My mother did that company’s books. There were a lot of Albright grads working there at the time. After I got my accounting degree from Albright in 1969, John offered me a full-time job.”

While working full-time for John A Beard, one of the partners, Dick Weidman, took a liking to John and taught him a lot about the business. John was honest from the start about his desire to move out on his own soon, and Dick gave him some great advice. “Dick said, ‘I just want to tell you one thing. There are no bad businesses, only bad businessmen.’ That stuck with me. He said you could have a clothing store that goes out of business, and the next guy buys it and makes it the best clothing store in the area. My success was up to me.”

While working 60 or 70 hours per week at the accounting firm and doing bookkeeping on the side for various clients, John took a job as an accountant and salesperson for Berks Construction Company which had a home-building business called Ridge Homes. John quickly learned the ins and outs of the business, and when the owners decided to sell, John decided to buy the business and work closely with a co-worker, Stanley Ball. The two eventually went into custom home building, a career that spanned decades.

Building Business
Property by property, bit by bit, John built his business while establishing his track record in the community. Early investments were made thanks to help from chance encounters with people who knew John from his time playing basketball at Albright. One night over drinks at Clover Park AA Men’s Club, John ran into an Albright alumnus who knew of John because of his success on the court and offered to help John with the financing to close his first big real estate deal – buying some lots in a new development. “We got to talking. I had this deal half-closed, but I needed money. He financed me and got me started. It was successful for both of us – we both made money:’ That success meant that John could now secure bank loans, and his business grew.

Working long hours, and playing sports at night and on the weekends, John started to get burned out. John got out of the custom home-building business when he was about 40 years old. “I had a lot of properties and enough money for me.”

John Scholl started to think about philanthropy. He established The Scholl Foundation with the help of Tom Williams, a local CPA. John eventually found the government regulations and fees for a private foundation expensive and complicated. Soon after Berks County Community Foundation was established, John worked with Franki Aitken, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to set up a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation.

“I came in and talked to Franki and said that I’d like to set something up.” He appreciates how easy the process has been for him. “You take care of everything, and all I to do is give the money and say where I want it to go. Every year I always give the maximum that I can give according to the federal government. Then, I call Frankl and say, ‘Send this amount of money to Albright or Reading Hospital’ or to whatever I am interested in doing, and it is so easy.”

The Next Generation
Steven Scholl, John’s nephew, has fond memories of his uncle from his childhood. “I remember at a young age always being drawn to him and looking forward to seeing him. He’d ask me trivia questions about sports or the rules of baseball or football or basketball. He’s always been a teacher to me.” Later, Steven would learn from John by watching him at the homebuilders’ show that used to be held at the Berkshire Mall. “I would watch how he interacted with people. I remember always being amazed at how many people he knew. When I was 16, 17, and 18 years old, I lived with him so I could attend Governor Mifflin High School to play sports, since my parents lived in the Schuylkill Valley School District. I didn’t realize until later what a huge sacrifice that was for him. Here was a guy in his 40s, free to come and go and do whatever he pleased, but he decided to take me in and have a big role in raising me:’ Little did Steven know that this time would help him in business, later in his life.

John Scholl and Steven Scholl.

In 2013, John had open heart surgery and needed help with his business. Steven offered to help and has been involved ever since, taking over the daily property management operations and growing the business. uHe’s very talented – he can build a house from the ground up. He’s good at financing and paperwork and all that kind of stuff, which is difficult. I still do the bookkeeping, but one day he’ll have to take care of that. He’s the perfect match for me.

Looking back, those early experiences are priceless for Steven. “I have had so many times when I called on some of these people I was introduced to by John, and they went out of their way to help me. It was then I realized how much respect they gave him. While he was tough, he treated people fairly. This may be the number one lesson he taught me. ‘Take care of people and they’ll take care of you; he said. This stuck with me, and I’ve tried to live my life that way… always try to do the right thing.”

John later experienced two cardiac arrests – one in 2018 and another in 2023. He is still involved in the business, although his time in real estate is winding down. He relies on Steve to handle most of the business. Steve is grateful for John’s trust and the opportunities he has given him. “I tell everybody, without him, I would be nowhere. Not just the financial part, but the mentoring part, too. If there is one big takeaway from this, it is that he has been my mentor probably a Jot more than he’ll ever know. There is no possible way I could repay him for everything he has done for me. I’d have to live 100 lifetimes. I never want to disappoint him, and I go to great lengths to ensure that doesn’t happen. I often tell people that my father raised me to be tough, to have grit, and to never give up, and John taught me how to use that toughness and grit in the world. Losing him one day will create an enormous void in my life, and I dread when that happens. In the meantime, all I can do is to continue living my life by the example he set and taught me.

John is proud of his funds at the Community Foundation and wishes he could do more. “My funds are eventually going to help a Jot of people – that’s why I like to give back.” Steven will step in as the advisor to the donor advised fund upon John’s passing, per John’s wishes. When asked how he feels about that, Steven reflected, “We share the same values, the same ideas on how things should be. To me, it’s just a matter of continuing his legacy. I’m just steering the wheel, that’s it.”

For more information about establishing funds at the Community Foundation, please contact Molly McCullough Robbins, mollyr@bccf.org, Vice President for Philanthropic Services.

To download our full 2024 Annual Report, please click here.

In Fiscal Year 2024, Berks County Community Foundation distributed $5.4 million in grants and scholarships to support the community. The year was filled with innovative projects, impactful programs and a strong commitment to our mission.  

Berks County Community Foundation helps donors fulfill their charitable desires. The Foundation was established in 1994 as a non-profit, public charity to provide a locally managed resource for establishing endowments. We have program officers on staff who are experts in their focus areas – energy & environment, lifelong learning, health & human services, the arts, and neighborhood & economic development. They steward these charitable funds to ensure that the grants and scholarships awarded from them are making an impact and fulfilling our donors’ wishes.  

“The work we do isn’t only about working with donors to establish funds. Nor is it just about awarding grants and scholarships. The team at the Community Foundation convenes local leaders, research national and local trends, and chooses initiatives on which to focus so community conversations get moving and big ideas are discussed”, Kevin Murphy, president says.  

The Annual Report highlights our mission of promoting philanthropy and improving the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. The team works hard to bring organizations and individuals together for collaboration to spark change in the community. This year’s Annual Report provides detailed stories and data behind these achievements, underscoring the powerful impact of donor support in the community.  

To read the full report, take a look below.  

Imagine a place where young girls with disabilities come together, not just to talk but to build confidence, friendships, and life skills. That’s exactly what Girl Talk 101 has been doing since its founding in 2022 at the John Paul II Center for Special Learning. Designed for girls ages 10-21, this program offers more than just conversation—it offers a community. Here, they learn to stand up for themselves, practice safety, and support one another, using skills that will last a lifetime.

Melissah Jablonski, the program’s leader explains, “What makes this group unique is the deep sense of connection the girls share. Watching the girls care for each other is a gift and that care is transforming not just their lives, but the lives of their families and friends.”

One highlight of the program this year was a horse therapy trip that made a big difference for Jailys, a new member. Jailys was nervous about joining the group. However, the other girls welcomed her, and she quickly felt accepted. This moment showed how Girl Talk 101 helps every girl feel valued, no matter their abilities. The program gives girls a sense of belonging that they might not find elsewhere.

John Paul II Center for Special Learning is a school that has been helping children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 1982. The center’s mission is to support students as they grow and succeed in different areas of their lives. Through programs like Girl Talk 101, the center focuses on teaching life skills that help students become more confident and independent. This supportive environment helps participants reach their full potential.

In 2023, Girl Talk 101 received a grant from Power of the Purse of Berks County Community Foundation, which allowed the program to expand. The girls were able to learn more about managing their emotions and standing up for themselves. They also had the opportunity to make new friends and try new activities, like the horse therapy trip. This support made it possible for the program to include some of the most vulnerable girls, ensuring that everyone felt valued and included.

Local women leaders established the Power of the Purse Fund through the Berks County Community Foundation to support programs that help break the cycle of poverty by removing barriers for individuals looking to enter or re-enter the workforce or pursue the education they need. Thanks to this fund, Girl Talk 101 has been able to grow and help more girls each year. Programs like this are essential for giving girls the tools they need to become strong, confident individuals. With continued support, Girl Talk 101 will keep making a difference in the lives of girls with disabilities, helping them reach their full potential.

To Learn more about Power of The Purse Fund of Berks County Community Foundation: click here.

For grant opportunities currently accepting applications, click here

As part of our ongoing efforts to streamline our payment systems, we are excited to announce that Berks County Community Foundation will begin distributing all grant payments via ACH (Automated Clearing House) effective January 1, 2025. This transition marks a significant step toward enhancing the efficiency and security of our financial processes. 

As you may already know, an ACH payment is an electronic payment credited directly to your bank account on the payment date. This method is not only reliable but also safe and convenient. By implementing ACH payments, both the Foundation and our payment recipients will benefit from improved controls, reduced chances of check fraud, better cash management, and decreased bank charges. 

Recent challenges such as inconsistent mail delivery, rising instances of mail theft, and lost checks have prompted us to make this necessary transition. We believe that moving to ACH payments will mitigate these issues and ensure that your funding arrives securely and on time. 

To receive future grant payments, all individual grantees and organizations will need to complete an ACH authorization form. You can fill out the form by clicking here. This form must be filled out by an authorized signer from your organization and submitted along with a copy of a voided check. Payments will continue to be made on the 1st and 15th of each month. You will receive an email notification detailing the remittance of payments once they are processed. 

If your organization has already completed an ACH form with us, there’s no need to fill it out again unless you have updated account information to provide. 

We hope you find this new process smooth and beneficial. Should you have any questions or need assistance regarding this transition, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at my email, sallyc@bccf.org or call 610-685-2223. 

Reading, PA – October 9, 2024 – Berks County Community Foundation is pleased to announce the conclusion of its 3rd quarter grant cycle, which has successfully distributed vital funding to local nonprofits and initiatives dedicated to improving our community. 

In this quarter, the foundation awarded grants to a diverse range of projects focusing in areas of environment and energy, education, health and human services, arts and culture, and neighborhoods and economic development; supporting the impactful work of local organizations that improve the lives of Berks County residents.  

These numbers are a testament to the Foundation’s commitment to its mission to promote philanthropy and improve the quality of life for the residents of Berks County. 

“Grants awarded are made possible by generous donors who give back to the community they love,” stated Molly McCullough Robbins, Vice President for Philanthropic Services. 

Moving forward, community members are invited to join the Community Foundation in sparking change. Here are two ways to get involved: 

  1. Give to an Existing Fund: Your contributions can help sustain the important work of established funds addressing specific needs within Berks County. 
  1. Create Your Own Fund: Whether you want to honor a loved one or support a particular cause or organization, the Foundation can help you to create a fund that reflects your passions and philanthropic goals. 

For more information on how to give or create a fund, please visit www.bccf.org, email Molly McCullough Robbins at mollyr@bccf.org, or call (610) 685-2223. 

About Berks County Community Foundation 

Berks County Community Foundation is a nonprofit corporation serving as a civic leader for our region by developing, managing, and distributing charitable funds to improve the quality of life in Berks County, PA. More information is available at www.bccf.org

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“I decided that my career was built by the people of Berks County.  My memories were so fond of Reading High in the 1960s that I wanted to help someone else from Reading High.” – July 16, 2024 

The Chris A. Luppold Accounting Scholarship Fund of Berks County Community Foundation was established in 2000. Since inception, 21 students from Reading High School have received this scholarship.  

Luppold Family 

The Luppold family’s roots here in the United States began in 1862 when a group came over from Germany and made their way through Ellis Island right as the Civil War was happening. The Luppolds stayed in the Reading, Bern Township, and Bethel areas from that point on. 

Chris Luppold was born in 1950 at Reading Hospital. His grandfather started Luppold Heating under a company called France and Luppold in 1911. His father, Carl F. Luppold, was born and raised here and graduated from Reading High School in 1942.  After one year in college, he signed up for the war as part of the Army Air Forces.   

Luppold’s parents met in a chance encounter in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Chris’s mom, Charlene, and her two friends were driving her father’s car and picked up two hitchhikers – Chris’s dad and his Air Force buddy, who were trying to get to Alabama for pilot training.   

Chris’s dad came from a small family; he had one sister, and she didn’t have children of her own. Chris’s dad took over his father’s company, Charles F. Luppold Sheet Metal Contractors, one of as many as five companies owned by the family over time, including Luppold Heating. Chris has a sister, Sandra, two years his junior, who lives in Arizona. 

Chris’s Early Years 

Chris started in the family business at age 12, working for his grandfather. As he was growing up, he recalls his dad’s advice: “He said, ‘Chris, become a doctor, lawyer, or CPA.’  I had no idea what a CPA was. My uncle was a doctor in St. Louis. So, I knew what a doctor was. I knew what a lawyer was. I didn’t have any accounting classes in high school.” 

College Years 

After graduating from Reading High in 1968, Chris’s dad suggested that he stay close to home to go to college. “I started at Albright College in August of 1968 and went to school full-time, studying pre-med. That lasted two years. I had a low GPA. I failed history and was struggling with everything, even though I was studying all the time.” 

Against everyone’s advice, Chris dropped out after two years at Albright and got a job at Arrow in their products division. While an expeditor, he learned from some great mentors there, including Dan Herr. A plaque hung over Dan’s office that read “Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance”. Chris recalls, “I’ll never forget it.  I realized then that I needed a college degree to get anywhere. I didn’t know what degree, but I knew it had to be business.” 

Since dropping out of Albright, he decided to go to college and wanted to get out of Pennsylvania. “I found a little school called Richard Bland College which was part of the College of William and Mary. It’s a two-year college in South Petersburg, Virginia.” He was accepted and went there. 

Chris had some catching up to do. He had a lot of science credits from his pre-med days at Albright, but he needed business courses to complete his degree. He took Accounting 101 and 102 along with Economics and English – all requirements for a business administration degree. After a year at Richard Bland, he could matriculate to his choice of three schools: William and Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), or the University of Richmond. “I was doing very well in accounting, even though I’d never had an accounting class in my life. My Principles of Accounting teacher took me aside around the time of finals and said, ‘Do me a favor, change to an accounting degree. You’ll be surprised at what you’re able to do.’ She saw something in me.” 

Chris decided to attend VCU and changed his major two weeks before classes began. His wife got a new job in Richmond, and they moved on to this new chapter.  Chris excelled in his accounting courses, taking every elective offered. He finished in a year and a half. During that time, he helped start an Accounting Club and tutored underclassmen in accounting. “Every year, the Virginia Society of CPAs and the faculty of VCU selected a #1 student in that class, and I was the #1 student in the class of 1974. I was surprised when I got that letter. That’s why I got into accounting – I loved it.” 

Chris got job offers from some of the “Big 8”, the eight largest international accounting and consulting firms at the time, but he and his young wife decided to move back to the Reading area where he was hired by John A. Beard and Company. After working there for a year and a half, he got the itch to get his master’s degree. He used some of the small trust that his grandfather had left him to attend Lehigh University full-time.  

Juggling Work and School 

Chris promised his dad that he would give him three years of his life to work for him. “I worked part-time in the summers for my dad while at Lehigh. I’d go up to Lehigh for three days, and then come home to work for my dad.” Chris finished his MBA and contacted his neighbor, a gym teacher at Albright, to see if they were hiring part-time. Chris had tutored freshmen accounting students during his time at VCU and was inspired to teach. He found it a great experience and eventually took a part-time evening teaching position in 1976. In 1978, he decided to leave contracting and take a full-time teaching position at Albright College until 1980.  

At the end of 1980, Chris decided to open his own tax practice. I solicited everyone I could – Chamber meetings, lawyers’ offices, Rotary, and lots of networking. I became friends with an attorney who gave me a lot of work. I bought a tax practice in 1981, mostly individuals and partnerships. I left Albright in 1980 and took a job at Alvernia from 1981-85 to teach advanced accounting one night a week – I still had an inkling to teach.” Chris had a strong sense of entrepreneurship. “That’s how my career got started – from scratch.”  

Chris merged his accounting practice with Herbert Gehrke in 1982. They had a small practice on Park Road in Wyomissing called Gehrke Luppold and Company, with four employees. In 1992, Luppold and Gehrke went their separate ways, and Chris approached Kurtz McNaney & Company to join their practice. “The greatest years of my life were from 1992 to 2001. Kurtz McNaney had a great family practice with 22 people, including 5 partners, and I was one of them. Jim Kurtz ran the business and was always honest, open, and trustworthy.” 

Chris is proud of the relationships he developed over his career and credits his diligence in maintaining those relationships to his success. “You build bonds, you build friendships, and you don’t burn bridges. You listen to your clients, and you get back to them within 24 hours.”   

Community Service and Giving Back 
Giving back has always been important to Chris. He has been a Rotarian since 1976 and is a past president and treasurer of the Northeast Reading Club, which closed in 2008. He joined the Spring Township Centennial Rotary Club, where he has also served as president, treasurer, and foundation chair. He is the treasurer of the Yocum Arts Institute for Arts Education and the endowment fund chair at his church.   

In late 1990, Chris helped his father set up a scholarship fund at Muhlenberg College, his father’s alma mater. 

After the family businesses were sold between 1998 and 2001, Chris approached Franki Aitken at Berks County Community Foundation to discuss establishing his own scholarship fund. “I decided that my career was built by the people of Berks County.  I grew up in Reading, and my memories are so fond of Reading High School in the 1960s that I want to help someone else from Reading High.” 

According to Chris, the fund started small, allowing for a scholarship award of $400 per year for four years. Eventually, he’d like to see it grow into bigger awards. “I’d like to get it to $500 per year, or even $500 per semester.” He recognizes that his fund isn’t the biggest, but it will help students going to college for an accounting degree or a business administration degree with an accounting concentration. He lives by Rotary’s mission, service above self. “I believe in giving something back to the community.” 

A Fresh Start 

In 1994, Chris met his best friend, Phyllis, who would later become his wife. He and Phyllis spent many years vacationing in Arizona, where they owned a home until 2023.  Chris works part-time for William Koch & Associates and can travel more now that his career has slowed down. They have explored Avalon and the Outer Banks and have enjoyed many Viking cruises. 

Scholarship Impact 

Chris is touched when he hears from his scholarship recipients. “I enjoy giving back.  For me, I feel rewarded and appreciated. And those thank you notes from students – to know there have been 21 recipients – I don’t know these people, I don’t need to be their friend – but with the cost of college, if this can help with a computer or books or something else, I’m happy to help.” 

Over our 30-year history, we have had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of people who wanted to make a difference in their community – to give back in support of a cause about which they cared deeply or in honor or memory of someone they loved or admired. Thousands of grants representing millions of dollars have been distributed in Berks County thanks to the foresight of those donors who trusted Berks County Community Foundation with their charitable gifts. 

Every year or two, we update the Funds for Grants and Scholarships brochure, which lists the funds currently available for grantmaking and scholarship awards. Feel free to browse the brochure to learn more about how donors have supported individuals and organizations in our community – everything including animals, arts & culture, education, environment & energy, health & human services, neighborhoods & economic development, public safety, scholarships, and youth sports.  You may find an opportunity for funding or inspiration for establishing your own fund.   

Change starts with a spark.  Your spark.  We’re here to help – please reach out with any questions or ideas.   

When I started at the Community Foundation 27 years ago, I spent 60% of my time marketing the Foundation to professional advisors – attorneys, accountants, trust officers, and financial advisors. 

The Foundation was only three years old, so no one knew much about what a community foundation was or the fact that there were already 32 community foundations in Pennsylvania and 800 nationwide. 

Many of the advisors thanked me for the introduction to the Community Foundation but made it clear that their professional practice did not include estate planning, and they would probably never be able to refer someone. Even so, over the past 27 years, many of those advisors who thought they would never have a client who would be able to work with the Foundation have since helped their clients establish funds with us.  

I was not raised here, but one of the things I love about Berks County is the philanthropic nature of the community. I have witnessed firsthand people rallying to support a nonprofit organization that was struggling financially or a family or individual in need of help. The people I see helping are not high wealth individuals. They are regular folks who want to make people’s lives easier. You don’t see that in every community. 

What I have found even more special is the inconspicuous nature of giving in this community. We established the Franklin Society over 15 years ago, – a legacy society to recognize those who have considered the Community Foundation in their estate plan. When we work with individuals on setting up a testamentary fund (one that will be funded upon their passing), we always ask if they would like to join the Franklin Society.  

Since the Community Foundation was founded 30 years ago, 55 funds have been established as an estate bequest. We have worked with 90 other individuals who have named the Foundation in their estate plans. 

Of those donors, we still only have twenty members of the Franklin Society. Berks Countians don’t give for recognition; they give to make sure something happens to benefit their community.  

Even through economic downturns like 2008, the community did not stop giving. Those that could give gave more because they knew others were struggling.  

It is that kind of philanthropic spirit that makes Berks County a special place. 

Have you ever considered giving to Berks County Community Foundation? If you have thought about giving to the Community Foundation, you may not even know where to begin. With nearly 400 funds managed by the Community Foundation, there are many options for you to decide how to give. We can help guide you in determining how and where to make an impact.   

Maybe you think that giving to the Community Foundation is only for donors with deep pockets who can establish a fund. Perhaps you don’t know anyone else who has ever given to the Community Foundation. What you might not know is that many people – from Berks County to international donors – have decided to donate to Berks County Community Foundation over our 30-year history, from just a few dollars to multimillion-dollar gifts.  

Many of our donors contribute to funds created by others in the community to support nonprofit organizations or fields of interest. Others contribute to funds established in honor or memory of someone important to them. Donations are also made to support crises or other pressing needs in the community.  Even the smallest donation can spark change for a cause that can create a lasting impact in the community. In 2023, over 1,400 people gave charitable gifts to 120 funds. 

If you aren’t sure where to begin, our Fund Directory is a great place to start. You can search through the alphabetical list of funds that donors have established, or you can enter a word or two in the search box to help narrow down your options. You can also narrow down the list by searching by region, field of interest, or type of fund.   

If you are interested in setting up your own fund to support an organization or area of interest that means a lot to you, try our Create Your Own Fund Quiz. This is a short questionnaire to help determine the best method of giving for you.  

Whether you want to donate to an existing fund to support a cause you care about or start a fund of your own, we’re here to help turn your spark of generosity into action.  Please email mollyr@bccf.org or call 610-685-2223 to start the conversation.  We are here to help. 

For nearly 30 years, Berks County Community Foundation has helped individuals, families, organizations, and businesses achieve their charitable objectives. We know that change radiates outward, and we help people create a brighter future and a legacy of real transformation for all of us. This often includes creating a fund to honor the memory of a loved one or support a cause about which the individual or family cares deeply. In either case, a member of our staff works with the people involved to determine the best way to meet their charitable objectives.

How does it work?  First, think about what you are passionate about supporting.  We can help you achieve your charitable goals, no matter the cause or motivation. Let us help you discover the type of charitable fund that best matches your goals.

Different funds fulfill different dreams.

Which of these types of funds works best for your dream? 

Ready to put your charitable vision into action?  We are here to help. Click here to use our short questionnaire to set your journey of generosity in motion. Questions? Email give@bccf.org. We look forward to helping you fulfill your charitable goals.