A celebration of collaboration
A collective of local nonprofits and businesses has officially been serving Butler County for three decades.
The Butler Collaborative for Families is a network of resources and nonprofits dedicated to meeting community needs, said Emily Snow, co-vice chairwoman of its executive board.
“It’s amazing something like this is still around after 30 years,” she said. “There are plenty of organizations like this one that didn’t last. It’s rare to be open this long.”
Snow organized an anniversary party for the collaborative, the “A Celebration of Collaboration,” which took place Thursday morning, July 10, at Monarch Place in Butler.
The event included a lunch catered by the Monroe Hotel, speeches from longtime members and award presentations for more than 60 attendees.
The annual “Spirit of Collaboration Award” was renamed to the Elan Welter Lewis Award after the collaborative’s founder, while standout volunteers who work with the collaborative were recognized for their efforts.
Lewis, who spoke at Thursday’s celebration, thanked people who fund the collaborative as well as its members for their continued support.
“The concept and mission has always been so pure that the money just comes,” Lewis said of the collaborative.
Members also heard from “mini grant” recipients, who highlighted a key part of the collaborative’s work. Recent grants awarded by the collaborative have funded a food pantry for Butler Area Public Library and projects for the Children’s Advocacy Center of Butler County.
The Butler County Commissioners also proclaimed July 10 “Celebration of Collaboration Day,” in recognition of the Butler collaborative’s 30 years of operation.
The Butler Collaborative for Families meets at 10 a.m. on the second Thursday of each month, except for August, at the Monarch Place, 100 Brugh Avenue in Butler. Meetings are open for anyone to attend.
For more information, visit the collaborative’s website at ButlerFamilies.com.
