Community Fund Established to Support Jaffa Shrine Center Recovery
In response to the recent break-in and attempted arson at the Jaffa Shrine Center, a charitable fund has been established through the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation to assist with the cleanup, restoration, and repair of the historic building.
The incident caused extensive damage throughout the facility. In addition to significant damage in the auditorium, concession stands and numerous rooms were broken into and vandalized. While the initial police report estimated the damage at approximately $130,000, the total cost of repairs is expected to be considerably higher as assessments continue.
The fund, known as the Jaffa Shrine Center Preservation Fund, has been established to provide individuals, businesses, and organizations with an opportunity to support the restoration of this important community landmark.
Donations may be made by mailing a check to:
Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation
1616 E. Pleasant Valley Boulevard
Altoona, PA 16602
Please make checks payable to Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation (CPCF) and include “Jaffa Shrine Center Preservation Fund” in the memo line.
Donations may also be mailed or delivered to the Jaffa Shrine Center, and they will be forwarded to the Community Foundation.
Jaffa Potentate Eric Ramsey expressed his appreciation for the community’s support.
“The incident that occurred at Jaffa on July 14 has been deeply disturbing. However, we have been truly encouraged by the tremendous outpouring of support from our members, friends, and the community. Jaffa serves not only as the home of our fraternity but also as an important community resource that has welcomed generations of local organizations and events. We are especially grateful to our police officers, firefighters, and other first responders for their swift response and professionalism. We look forward to reopening the building as soon as it is safe to do so and hope to resume full operations later this summer.”
The Jaffa Shrine Center Preservation Fund is administered by the Central Pennsylvania Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.