Photo submitted to Times Observer From left, Penn Soil RC&D Executive Director Wes Ramsey, acting as a financial agent on behalf of the Warren Winterfest Planning Committee, accepts a $1,000 donation check from FirstEnergy Foundation, presented by Brian Paganie, Manager of External Affairs (fifth from left). Other members of the Winterfest Planning Committee on hand for the check presentation included Diana Campbell, Nancy Burton, Dave Sherman, Roy Burton, Ed Atwood, and Tyson Martin.

The Penn Soil Resource Conservation and Development (RC&D) Council has announced the receipt of a $1,000 donation from the FirstEnergy Foundation in support of the 2020 Warren County Winterfest event.

Wes Ramsey, Executive Director of Penn Soil RC&D — a regional 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization and member of the Winterfest Planning Committee — accepted the ceremonial check from Brian Paganie, External Affairs Manager for FirstEnergy.

“FirstEnergy Foundation is very pleased to support the 2020 Warren County Winterfest and continue as a sponsor of this great winter event,” said Brian Paganie. “We are also very pleased to partner with Penn Soil RC&D in this collaboration as your initiatives align closely with FirstEnergy’s focus to support local non-profit organizations in our service area that promote local and regional economic development, help improve the vitality of our communities, and support community leadership and volunteer interests. We thank you for your efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live and work in northwest Pennsylvania and we wish you continued success in your operations.”

Each year on the third weekend of January, the Winterfest Event Planning Committee of volunteers stages a three-day family-oriented Winterfest event.

Located in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Warren County is a Commonwealth tourist destination that caters to all outdoor recreationists who enjoy the surrounding 513,000-acre Allegheny National Forest (ANF). There is no admission fee and activities also are conducted without charge. Several thousand people attend this event on an annual basis which is held regardless of the weather.

“On behalf of Penn Soil RC&D and the Winterfest Event Planning Committee, we thank FirstEnergy for this contribution to Winterfest which helps us to keep this annual event free to the public,” said Ramsey. “It takes a lot of people and partners all pulling together to make this great event happen, and we very much appreciate FirstEnergy’s commitment to the Winterfest.”

Acting as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and financial agent for the Winterfest Committee, Penn Soil RC&D has agreed to assist the group with fundraising for the event and receive charitable contributions from interested parties. The 2020 Winterfest is scheduled to take place from January 17 to 19, 2020.

For further information, contact Ramsey at the Penn Soil RC&D office at (814) 726-1441.