New Scholarship will help Friendship, Genesee Valley students

Penny Jo Hooker-Cavanaugh

Family, friends and coworkers of the late Penny Jo Hooker-Cavanaugh have established the Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship with the Allegany County Area Foundation. Honoring Penny’s memory, the award will go to a Friendship and/or Genesee Valley Central School senior who has overcome adversity and is planning to pursue college or a trade or technical school course of study. ACAF anticipates awarding the first Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship in the spring of 2020.

Raised in Angelica and graduated from the former Angelica Central School, Penny lived a life of service to others, both in her work and in the community. Many came to know her through her involvement the Friendship House Community Center. She also participated in FCS’s Merry Little Christmas and was a founding organizer for the Allegany County Breakfast with Santa activities through Literacy West, NY Inc.  A single mother of four, Penny was familiar with challenge and perseverance, and used her experience and insight to help and support others.

Donations to the Penny’s from Heaven Scholarship can be directed to the Allegany County Area Foundation at 6087 State RD 19N, Belmont NY 14813.

With assets of $9.5M, ACAF manages several dozen scholarship and grant funds. Interested in establishing a fund to support students or your community? If so, contact the foundation’s executive director, Bruce Campbell at 585-296-5616 or director@alleganycountyareafoundation.org.