Annual gathering features donor stories, grant impact, and recognition of community leaders advancing philanthropy in Erie.
More than 250 donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders gathered Tuesday at the Warner Theatre as The Erie Community Foundation hosted its annual celebration, “Best Day Ever,” a program that highlighted how everyday acts of generosity create lasting impact across the region.
The annual gathering brought together donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders for a program that featured a series of curated videos highlighting donor experiences, grant recipients, and award winners. The presentations offered a look at philanthropy in action—showing how endowed gifts and donor funds continue to support scholarships, nonprofit services, and community needs across the region.
“Today we celebrated those ‘Best Day Ever’ moments,” said Karen Bilowith, president and CEO of The Erie Community Foundation. “Throughout the program, we saw our mission in action—donors giving with purpose, nonprofits turning generosity into impact, and individuals whose lives are changed in meaningful ways. Whether it was a scholarship awarded, a family supported, or a nonprofit strengthened, these are the moments that remind us what is possible when Erie comes together.”
The program also highlighted the importance of collective giving initiatives, including Erie Gives, the Erie Women’s Fund, the LGBT Fund, and the Emerging Erie Fund, which bring donors together around shared priorities to maximize community impact. The Foundation’s annual awards program recognized individuals whose leadership and service reflect a deep commitment to community philanthropy.
The Edward C. Doll Community Service Award, the Foundation’s highest honor for volunteer service, was presented to the Rev. Dr. Donald L. Baxter Jr., a longtime community leader and former chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. The award recognizes individuals whose service reflects the legacy of Edward C. Doll, an early leader of the organization.
Baxter, known locally as Dr. Don, was recognized for decades of involvement in community leadership and nonprofit support.
The Spirit of Philanthropy Awards recognize donors and volunteers who advance the Foundation’s mission through the power of collective giving. Honorees are selected for their generosity of time, talent, and resources, and for their support of the Foundation’s affinity funds.
This year’s recipients included:
- The Erie Women’s Fund Spirit of Philanthropy Award — Linda Corso
- The LGBT Fund Spirit of Philanthropy Award — Sheila Ardery
- The Emerging Erie Fund Spirit of Philanthropy Award — Nick Cianci
Throughout the program, videos shared stories of donor impact, nonprofit partnerships, and community outcomes made possible through philanthropy. The celebration concluded with a reception in the grand lobby of the Warner Theatre.
The 2025 Annual Report can be viewed here: https://eriecommunityfoundation.org/about-us/annual-reports/. To learn more about The Community Foundation, please visit www.ErieCommunityFoundation.org.
