Through Colelli’s Challenge, the community was asked to raise $100,000 by Dec. 31, 2010 to benefit the Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation.   As the year ends, the Barber Foundation reports that Colelli’s Challenge surpassed its goal, raising $120,760 to benefit services at the Barber National Institute.  The effort received contributions from 331 generous donors, including seven planned gifts.

   Colelli’s Challenge was named in honor of Dominick Colelli, a retired barber shop owner whose dream was to leave a million-dollar gift to support the mission of the Barber National Institute.  When Mr. Colelli died in January, 2009, he left an estate gift of more than $800,000.  Colelli’s Challenge was undertaken on Nov. 12, 2009 to help reach Mr. Colelli’s dream, and inspire other generous donors in the community.

    The 472 gifts made to Colelli’s Challenge ranged in size from $2 to $8,000 and reflected a wide range of donors, including many persons who had never given to the Barber Institute before.  “This is evidence of what can happen when a community comes together in support of a great cause,” said Gary Bukowski, vice president for Advancement at the Barber National Institute.  “It also shows that you don’t necessarily have to have great financial means to make a significant impact.  Every gift, no matter the size, counts in reaching a goal and helping others in need.”

   For more information about making a donation, including making a planned gift, contact Gary Bukowski, vice president for advancement, at 814-878-4033 or visit our giving page.

The Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation adheres to the guidelines established within the Donor Bill of Rights.

Dr. Gertrude A. Barber Foundation
100 Barber Place
Erie, PA 16507
Phone: 814-878-4033 or 814-874-5640
Fax: 814-455-1132