The Bruno and Lena DeGol Family Foundation has been selected as the winner of the 2025 Central Pennsylvania Philanthropy Award by the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation.

The DeGol foundation will be honored May 8 at the CPCF annual luncheon at the Blair County Convention Center.

“The DeGol Family wishes to thank the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation for awarding its Philanthropy Award to the Bruno and Lena DeGol Family Foundation. It is indeed a wonderful honor and a testament to our family’s commitment to help others,” said DeGol Organization CEO Bruno DeGol Jr., whose parents started the foundation in 1994.

The DeGol Foundation is a worthy recipient, said Jodi Cessna, CPCF executive director.

“The Bruno and Lena DeGol Family Foundation has been a wonderful supporter of charitable projects in our community providing both large and small donations since 1994,” Cessna said.

While the foundation began in the mid-1990s, the couple’s legacy of giving began long before that, she said.

“I loved hearing of the many projects that were funded just because they were needed,” Cessna said. “In addition to funding, the family members give of their time to serve various organizations throughout the community.”

Living in the small coal mine communities of Glen White and Coupon, Bruno and Lena DeGol learned the value of hard work, sacrifice, determination and love of family. From these humble beginnings, they took these lessons and embarked on what is truly “The American Dream.”

They began their journey in 1950, by starting a local building supply store in Gallitzin. They worked diligently and, along with their children, fostered continual growth. Ultimately, their efforts became The DeGol Organization, a nationally recognized group of businesses that serve the New England, Mid-Atlantic and Upper Midwest regions of the United States.

Throughout their 75 years in business, Bruno and Lena never lost sight of the communities and families that supported their growing enterprises. They were always willing to contribute to community and civic minded groups, local institutions of learning and other charitable organizations.

There efforts in helping others grew steadily and eventually they formed The Bruno and Lena DeGol Family Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) organization.

The size and scope of the foundation’s efforts have steadily grown since its founding. Among the foundation’s most noted contributions have been to Saint Francis University, with several academic and athletic facilities named for their generosity.

In addition, the foundation continues to support the UPMC Hillman Cancer’s efforts in regards to breast cancer, the Northern Blair County Recreation Center, the Mishler Theatre, the Foreman Foundation for Cancer Research, American Rescue Workers, Saint Vincent DePaul, Miracle League, Special Olympics, Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art, Allegheny Health Network, The Legacy Foundation, Operation Our Town, Marian Heights (Garvey Manor), Dreams Go On, emergency service organizations and more.

A highlight each year is the awarding of multi-year scholarships to seniors at five local high schools — Bellwood-Antis, Bishop Carroll, Bishop Guilfoyle, Hollidaysburg and Penn Cambria — and an additional annual scholarship at Claysburg-Kimmel High School, in honor of longtime family friend Donald Witherspoon. The scholarships are based not only on academic success, but also on students’ efforts to give back to the community through charitable activities.

Tickets to the luncheon are available for $35 and RSVPs must be made by May 1. For more information, call 814-944-6102 or email cpcf@centralpagives.org. Tickets will not be available at the door.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.