Description

DATE: January 28, 2025

TIME: 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.

LOCATION: Lancaster Chamber (115 E King St)

COST: FREE

What to Expect!

The Ten Commandments of Community Benefit Organizations!

An examination of insights, strategies, and techniques that can be employed by Community Benefit Organizations that can not only serve as core organizational values and practices but will also lead to increased organizational effectiveness and community impact.

Meet the Speaker: Dr. John R. Gerdy

He is the founder of Music For Everyone (MusicForEveryone.org), a 501-c-3 Community Benefit Organization dedicated to cultivating the power of music as an educational and community building and well-being tool in Lancaster County. Since 2006, MFE has invested over $6.5 million in school and community arts organizations and initiatives to enhance music programs in the county. Gerdy served as MFE’s Executive Director from 2006 – 2024.

He also served as Associate Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference from 1989-1995 and as a Legislative Assistant at the NCAA from 1986-1989. He earned a Masters in Sports Administration and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from Ohio University. A 1979 graduate of Davidson College, he received All-American honors in basketball. Davidson retired his jersey in 1979 and inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1994. A lifelong musician, he has served as an “artist in residence” teaching the Blues to first through sixth graders, conducted summer camps and performs in public regularly under the stage name of Willie Marble.

He is also author of several books on the role and impact of sports and music in our schools and society and has authored and illustrated a children’s book, The AlphaBone Orchestra. His most recent books The Journey of an Old White Dude in the Age of Black Lives Matter: A Primer and Lights on Lancaster: How One American City Harnesses the Arts to Transform its Communities, were both released in 2023. John is the father of two children and resides in Lancaster, PA.

What is Catalyst: Nonprofit/CBO Roundtable?

From grant writing to volunteer management, governance to leadership development, Catalyst: Nonprofit Roundtable offers the strategies, resources, and insight you need for your community benefit organization (CBO) to succeed. Cohosted by the Lancaster County Community Foundation (LCCF), each session will provide a deeper dive on critical topics influencing your efforts to serve as a catalyst for change in Lancaster County. Collaborate with other nonprofit professionals and share your own experiences to take your organization to the next level!