BROOKFIELD — The Strimbu Memorial Fund Board of Directors voted to disperse over $143,500 in grant allocations to local economic development and charitable organizations.

The decision was made its recent 32nd annual gift giving meeting.

Grants were awarded to the following organizations: American Red Cross, Greater Akron and the Mahoning Valley (Military Families), Building of Hope (Individual’s needs in the community), COVID-19 Grant to Trumbull County, Freedom Warrior Charitable Fund Hope Center for Arts & Technology (Phlebotomy Program), Inspiring Minds (Youth Programming), Joshua’s Haven, Leadership Scholarships, Meals on Wheels Shenango Valley, Meals on Wheels Trumbull County, Mercer County Coalition for Drug Awareness Program, Mercer County Mentoring (Youth Programming at Risk), PA / OH Gives (Community Foundation Matching Funds Campaign), Penn-Northwest Development Corp., RAW Boxing & Fitness Community Center (Youth After School Program), St. Vincent de Paul Society, Trumbull County (Box Truck Purchase), The Salvation Army — Sharon-(Holiday Fund Raising / Feeding Program), Single Mother with Cancer, and United Way of Mercer County (Early Learning Program).

“The Strimbu Memorial Fund awarded these grants to assist in these organizations’ development efforts and take care of the basic needs of food, shelter and clothing,” Bill Strimbu said. “Their work is extremely important and beneficial to our surrounding communities.”

Also at its annual gift-giving meeting, Bernie Carpenter, Harrison Strimbu, Robert Kokor, Jim Grasso, Ron Rice and Bill Strimbu were re-elected to terms ending in 2023.

Since its creation in 1990, the Strimbu Memorial Fund has provided over $3.8 million in donations to local economic development, individuals, scholarships and charitable organizations.

“We continue to perpetuate the legacy of Nick Strimbu Jr. of philanthropic giving to assist with the needs of our community,” President of the Board Jim Grasso said. “Now in our 32nd year, we still aspire to give a hand up, not a hand out.”

The 24th annual Wild Game Dinner is being planned for Feb. 14, along with the 31st annual Strimbu Memorial BBQ set for May 5. Funds raised by the two events will enable the SMF to continue its philanthropic support of area charitable initiatives.

More information about the Strimbu Memorial Fund is available at the Memorial Fund’s website, strimbumemorialfund.com.

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