Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund Established to Honor Friend, Teammate

submitted by Sharon Alexander
Shane Smith was a Lehighton graduate and standout athlete who tragically passed away in
2008. Now, some of his former teammates and friends have come together to establish a donor-advised
fund in his name at the Carbon County Community Foundation to honor his legacy and support their alma
mater. They’ll gather from far and wide this week for a pseudo-reunion dinner to reminisce and officially
launch the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund.
“Shane’s heart, smile, and soul created a championship environment in our locker room, but also in our
community,” said Vinnie Andrews on behalf of the 2001 District XI Champion Lehighton Indians football
team. Smith was the featured tailback for the Indians during the title run and had several highlight-reel runs
throughout the season that saw Lehighton host two postseason games to sold-out crowds at the old stadium.
Grants from this new fund will primarily support the varsity football program at Lehighton in Shane’s
memory.
“The creation of the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund is important because we want to share his positive
attitude and legacy not just with current and future football teams at LHS but also to continue reminding
ourselves and the community at large about the power of positivity in life. We all miss him, but he left those
that he touched with an undeniable understanding of hard work, teamwork, and support for others.”
Andrews, Smith’s cousin, is the current head coach at Bangor High School.
Additional grants from the fund may be directed to other charities and causes that align with Shane’s
interests and hobbies.
“We are grateful that Shane’s circle of friends has entrusted the Community Foundation with this fund in his
memory,” said Sharon Alexander, CCCF President. “While his teammates may now live far and wide, they
can rest assured that we will remain in Carbon County making sure this fund benefits current and future
Lehighton athletes, keeping Shane’s legacy alive for generations to come.”
Donations to the Shane M. Smith Memorial Fund are tax-deductible and can be made via the Carbon County
Community Foundation website or by mail. In addition to traditional cash donations, the Community
Foundation can accept gifts of stock or other real property and charitable gift annuities or trusts. For more
information, contact the Community Foundation at 610-730-2526 or info@cccfoundpa.org.
About the Carbon County Community Foundation
The Carbon County Community Foundation was formed in 2015 with the mission to improve the quality of
life for all Carbon County residents, now and forever. We do this by offering individuals, families, and
businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today, combining that with
expertise in philanthropic planning, nonprofit sector issues, and community priorities. Since 2016, the
charitable funds at the Foundation have cumulatively awarded more than $1 million in grants and
scholarships to nonprofit and community organizations, teachers, schools, and students in Carbon County.
We are honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to build resources
and strengthen our community, forever. Learn more about the Carbon County Community Foundation at
cccfoundpa.org or by calling 1-855-545-1311.