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DONOR STORIES

Through the power of collective giving, The Erie Community Foundation transforms lives.

Lifelong Educators Enrich
the Lives of Students

Recognizing the importance of giving back, Rick and Judy Scaletta chose The Erie Community Foundation to fulfill their philanthropic goals for ease of planning. With over 40 years of service at General McLane High School, the couple saw education as more than just a job—they saw education as an opportunity to shape young minds and make a lasting impact.

They joined the Elisha H. Mack Bequest Society, which is for donors who leave nonprofits in their estate plans through the Foundation. After talking with their attorney, they established a donor designated fund to support and benefit their favorite causes forever including McLane Church, the Erie Philharmonic, and Friends of General McLane Vocal Music with the Rick and Judy Scaletta Musical Theater Scholarships.

As well-known, long-time residents of the Edinboro Community, the Scalettas continue to embody generosity, enriching the lives of others through faith, music, and education.

Avid Philanthropist has
Lasting Impact on Community

Thanks to his foresight and partnership with The Erie Community Foundation, Dr. Barrett C. Walker will have a lasting impact on the Erie community and on causes that were important to him. After a 10-year struggle with Alzheimer’s and at the age of 93, Dr. Walker passed away in January of 2022. In 2023, his estate left the second largest gift in the Foundation’s history of $30 million to establish the Barrett C. Walker Family Fund.

An avid philanthropist, he established the Walker School of Business and financed the Catherine McDonough Walker Reading Room and the Barrett & Catherine Walker Recital Hall at Mercyhurst University, where he served on the Board of Directors for 20 years and remained trustee emeritus.

Dr. Walker supported cancer research and numerous nonprofits. Often, he remained anonymous in his generosity. When he learned of a need, he quietly made a gift. When you hear the church bells of the Church of the Covenant ring, you can thank Dr. Walker. The Erie Community Foundation thanks him for establishing an impactful legacy.

Local Doctors Give Back
to Local Nonprofits

Dr. Sam Voora, an accomplished neonatologist and pediatrician, and Dr. Bharathi Voora, one of the region’s top internal medicine specialists, served the Erie community for more than four decades.

In 2007, the Vooras established the Drs. Sambasivarao & Bharathi Voora Donor Advised Fund at The Erie Community Foundation to support a mix of 23 local and out-of-town nonprofits, such as Saint Vincent Hospital and Guntur Medical College Alumni of North America. The Vooras believe in giving back to the organizations that have helped them achieve success and supporting the causes they value.

As the Vooras reflect on their life, they are grateful to the community where they raised their two children and made many dear friends and are honored to work with The Erie Community to support the excellent work of local nonprofits.

Ready to make your impact? Contact Steve Weiser, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at SWeiser@ErieCommunityFoundation.org or 814.413.7345