Foundation Impact Report
More than $89,000 in grant funding released for 2023-2024
Continuing its mission is to strengthen the educational, cultural, wellness, and athletic programs of the Mechanicsburg Area School District, the Foundation is distributing more than $89,000 in grant funding for the 2023-24 academic year.
The foundation received grant applications for the 2023-24 school year in January. A committee of volunteers reviewed the applications and funding recommendations were presented to and approved by the Foundation Board of Directors and School Board of Directors in April.
Grants will be used throughout the school year in various programs.
To see a list of all of the programs receiving foundation support, CLICK HERE.
Memorial Park stadium project continues
The Wildcat Foundation continues to work with the Rich Lichtel Memorial Fund (a fund of TFEC) to use an additional $350,000 in grant money for improvements for John H. Frederick Field at Memorial Park.
Recent improvements this summer include:
- A new entry gate for the Rich Lichtel Fieldhouse
- New stainless steal concession stand equipment
- A new fence and gates around the playing field
- Ticket booth improvements
Planned improvements in progress this fall include:
- Signage for the Hall of Fame and in the stadium to honor generous donors
- Netting for the end zone goal posts
- A press box on the visitor's side of the field
Foundation Funds: MASH student video project earns regional award
What started as a class project for teacher Niki Vriens’ Digital Storytelling course last fall ended with a regional Student Production Award for a small group of Mechanicsburg Area Senior High School (MASH) students.
“If These Walls Could Talk: The MASH Senior Legacy Murals,” compiled by MASH students Catherine Levengood (producer), Allie Whitmore (videographer), Katra Abdille (archivist) and Liz Vigliano (producer/editor), recently earned first place in the Long Form category of the 2023 Mid-Atlantic Student Production Awards hosted by TUTV at Temple University’s Performing Arts Center on May 16.
Vriens’ class worked with digital equipment provided through a grant from The Wildcat Foundation.
CLICK HERE to read more about the program.
Watch the video below 👇
Foundation Facts
The Wildcat Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3), k-12 public education foundation for purely charitable purposes. The volunteer board of directors convened its first meeting in early 1999 with the guiding principle, “to enhance the educational, cultural, social, and athletic development of the students of the Mechanicsburg Area School District.”
- Mission: “To strengthen the educational, cultural, wellness, and athletic programs of the Mechanicsburg Area School District (MASD).”
- Vision Statement: Engage the community and provide innovative solutions to realize the full potential of every student.
- Core Values: Diversity. Engagement. Excellence. Innovation. Integrity.
CLICK HERE to meet our foundation board of directors.
Contact information:
- Email: wildcatfoundation@mbgsd.org
- Website: https://www.wildcatfoundation.org/
- Location: 500 South Broad Street, Mechanicsburg, PA, USA
- Phone: 717-691-4505
- Facebook: facebook.com/TheWildcatFoundation/
- Twitter: @WildcatFndt
Pratt assumes executive director role for Wildcat Foundation
The Wildcat Foundation recently welcomed a new executive director to lead the nonprofit organization.
The foundation board formally hired Jeff Pratt as the foundation’s executive director earlier this year, replacing Holly Laufer. Pratt spent three months working with Laufer to transition into the full-time role.
“The Wildcat Foundation is excited to have Jeff join as the new executive director,” said Nathan McWilliams, former president of the foundation’s board of directors and current treasurer. “He will bring a fresh perspective and skill set to the position that will enable us to grow in exciting new areas.
“Jeff has a passion for people and their stories. We look forward to having him tell the Wildcat Foundation story through the students and teachers we serve.”
Contact Jeff: jpratt@mbgs.org
14th Annual Golf Outing
Foundation funds
Donate to the foundation
Your financial gift of support will help the Wildcat Foundation fulfill our mission to strengthen the educational, cultural, wellness, and athletic programs of the Mechanicsburg Area School District.
CLICK HERE to make your tax-deductible gift today that helps secure the future of tomorrow.