Celebrating 25 Years of Bassett Youth Foundation Service

Forty-five eager and enthusiastic supporters of the Charles H. Bassett Youth Foundation, Inc. gathered at Tioga Trails in Owego, N.Y. Saturday evening, June 1, 2019 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of this small but powerful volunteer organization which has served the Tioga County and other New York, Indiana and Kansas communities by providing public and community service student scholarships, grants and service learning activities since 1994. 

Coming from as far away as Portland, Oregon, Olympia, Washington, Smyrna, Georgia and Brattleboro and Hartland, Vermont, the celebrants ranged in age from 96 to 13 years young. 

Chinese Southern Belles Natalie and Margaret Keng delighted those in attendance with Chinese Southern food preparation and April and George Swaney put on a wonderful buffet meal topped with an anniversary cake provided by Susan Bassett Doolittle, Charles and Betty Bassett’s daughter.

Youthful speakers including ninth grade OFA student Gabe O’Donnell, who spoke about the impact of the Foundation’s activities on their development.

Colleen Dewey-Wright read the keynote letter from Bonnie Becker Hand, Commander of American Legion Post 401 in Owego, which encouraged us all to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s teachings and “lose ourselves in service to others.”

Robert Clarke Bassett lead the throng in singing patriotic and folk songs of unity while his friend, Joe Madison, delivered a moving rendition of “The Parting Glass.” 

It was announced that more than $17,000 had been raised to date to achieve the goal of an additional $25,000 towards scholarships in a two year campaign, 25 FOR 25, which continues until Dec. 31, 2019. This year alone, 27 scholarships will be given out in New York communities, South Bend, Indiana, Wichita, Kansas and Anchorage, Alaska. 

To date more than 175 scholarships, 225 youth grants and more than 100 volunteer service projects have been offered since 1994. You can contribute and learn more about the Foundation’s work at Friends of CHB Youth Foundation on Facebook.