JOIN US!!
Hold these dates to support us in supporting our community
Bethlehem Community fund
fun day
Sunday, June 7, 2026
2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Bethlehem Town Park
large pavilion
Stay tuned for details
And a portion of proceeds from these events are donated to the BCF
Thursday, November 27, 2025
Neighbors helping
neighbors since 1942.
Since 1942 the Bethlehem Community Fund has quietly helped children, families, individuals, and elderly people living in the Bethlehem Community whose needs fall through the cracks of traditional programs. Typically, they are facing economic difficulties because of job loss, disaster, divorce, illness, or other life changes. We are a volunteer group of neighbors helping neighbors in their times of need.
Current board officers: Paul Gutman, Cathy Griffin, Greg Jackson, Andy Gutman
Other board members: Jennifer Baniak-Hollands, Joyce Becker, Kathy Betzhold, Sandee Doane, Darnell Douglas, Terri Egan, Lisa Finkle, Karen Harmon, Kathleen Johnston, Hakim Jones, Sheila Jones, Pam Robbins, Mark Svare, Maryalice Svare, Monica Vail, Cindy Van Etten, Trinya Warner
DONATE
You can donate (any amount is welcome) online or by mail. You may also designate if your gift is in memory or in honor. All gifts are tax deductible.
Thank you. Together, we are one Bethlehem.
Gifts received through charitable planned giving- wills and estate plans- create a financial foundation that makes possible our community support. Even a modest gift enables us to continue our work.
Below are common ways of making a bequest, along with suggested language to be used.
**Give a percentage of your estate:
"I hereby give and bequeath (identify percentage of estate here) to the Bethlehem Festival Fund, P.O. Box 341, Delmar, NY 12054 with federal tax id number 14-1812445
**Make a specific dollar bequest:
"I hereby give and bequeath (identify the specific dollar amount here) to the Bethlehem Festival Fund, P.O. Box 341, Delmar, NY 12054 with federal tax id number 14-1812445
**Designate Bethlehem Festival Fund (Bethlehem Community Fund) as a Beneficiary on your life insurance policy or as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement plan. Or donate appreciated securities and gifts of stock.
There are many ways to support us- and even the smallest amount can help a neighbor in need.
CONTRIBUTIONS
The Fund has an annual budget of about $40,000 per year. Our only admin expenses are for postage and stationery- all the rest goes to folks in need. For over 70 years, the Fund has relied on money from individual donations; the fund-raising activities of students, church groups, service clubs, businesses, and individuals; in addition to interest earned on bank balances.
The Bethlehem Festival Fund (dba Bethlehem Community Fund) is a 501(c) Tax-Exempt Organization as defined by the I.R.S. and donations to the Fund are Tax Deductible. Full cooperation of the Bethlehem Township and Bethlehem Central School District has always prevailed. Our Annual Meeting is open to the public.
A big thank you to all of our individual donors, especially those who donate every year to make our giving possible.
And thank you to our corporate donors:
100 Women Who Care with matching donation from
810 WGY
Applebee Funeral Home
Bennett Contracting
Bethlehem Democratic Committee
Bethlehem Police Benevolent Assoc
American Legion Auxiliary
Delmar Reformed Church
Elsmere Fire Co Ladies Auxiliary
First Church of Christ Scientist
Quality Design & Remodel
Stewart's Foundation
Vadney's Underground Plumbing
HOW ARE
THE MONIES SPENT?
Teachers, nurses, guidance counselors, school social workers and area clergy make most of the requests for assistance. Monies work to fill the gap left by traditional social services. Children receive help with food backpacks, school supplies, tutoring expenses, eyeglasses, clothing, camp tuition and other needs. Seniors may find assistance with utility bills, small home repairs, medical costs, a personal emergency response system or pet care. Each December, over 100 Bethlehem families receive Holiday baskets of food, clothing and gifts.
NEEd Help?
You can reach out for help through the school counselors, the Town of Bethlehem Senior services, your local churches or directly on this website contact form (below) to make a request for a need for you or anyone you know who needs assistance. We will reply back and get more details from you.