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PAWS and Possibilities: How the Mattil Family Fund Helps People and Animals  

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Ed Mattil was a man who saw beauty in the world’s minutiae—the subtle hues of a watercolor landscape, the delicate curve of a pencil stroke. As an art teacher in the State College Area School District and later at Penn State, he inspired generations to see the extraordinary in the ordinary. One of Ed’s most heartfelt legacies is the Fund he established to honor the memory of three women who held a special place in his life: Polly Davis Mattil, Betty Melich Mattil, and Alice Schwartz Mattil. 

The Mattil Family Fund, was created to be intentional and layered, supporting an array of causes close to his heart: fostering children’s imaginations through Schlow Centre Regional Library’s children’s department, bolstering a wide range of community programs through Centre Foundation’s competitive grants, and championing animal welfare. This year, the Fund’s focus on animals breathed life into two vital projects.  

Centre County PAWS received a grant to support its Virginia Walker Community Pet Pantry, a lifeline for economically disadvantaged pet owners. For those who encounter challenging situations where many often feel they must choose between feeding themselves or their pets, the Pantry offers dignity, hope, and kibble by the bag. 

“We see the difference every bag of pet food makes,” says Centre County PAWS Executive Director, Lisa Bahr, her voice tinged with equal parts pride and urgency. “For some, it’s the difference between keeping their beloved pet or facing the heartbreak of surrendering them.” 

The Pantry, which has grown exponentially since its inception in 2020, serves residents from across Centre County, with a heavy presence in the Bellefonte, PA area. Its shelves are stocked through the kindness of donors and the dedication of staff but demand often outpaces supply. PAWS faces a constant struggle to keep their pantry shelves stocked with enough pet food to meet the ever-growing demand. With each passing day, the need for assistance increases as more pet owners turn to PAWS to help feed their beloved animals. Despite their best efforts, there are times when the shelves run bare, leaving PAWS unable to meet every request. 

The recent grant provided much-needed relief, but the food it funded was quickly picked up by clients, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Without continued support, many pet owners risk leaving empty-handed. By supporting PAWS or our animal welfare funds, you can help ensure that every pet owner receives the assistance they need. Your contribution will help keep the shelves stocked and strengthen the connection between humans and their four-legged companions—a bond that is particularly beneficial for seniors, enhancing their mental and physical well-being.

Hope’s Dream Rescue and Sanctuary Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) Program

Meanwhile, Hope’s Dream Rescue and Sanctuary, an animal rescue group, utilized a grant from the The Mattil Family Fund to expand its Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) program. By replacing aging humane traps and adding new ones to their arsenal, the organization is stepping up efforts to manage the county’s feral cat population. The math is straightforward but staggering: every cat trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, ear-tipped, and released prevents countless future births.  

To illustrate the impact of a single trap-neuter-return (TNR) effort, one unspayed female cat can produce up to 12 kittens per year. If her offspring reproduce, that number can snowball to as many as 50-70 cats in just two years. A small colony of five unspayed females could lead to over 10,000 cats in five years without intervention. 

“Our traps are the backbone of this operation,” said Lesa King, President and Founder of Hope’s Dream Rescue and Sanctuary. “Each one represents dozens of cats that won’t suffer on the streets or perpetuate the cycle of overpopulation. This grant helps us help them—and the community at large. Plus, these traps last for years, making them a long-term solution.” 

The ripple effects of TNR are profound: fewer stray kittens in shelters, fewer complaints about “nuisance” cats, and a healthier, more stable feral cat population. The program also empowers residents by loaning traps and teaching them how to manage stray populations fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the county’s feline inhabitants. 

Through animal welfare grants—and additional funding to support children’s education through the local library and community programs—the Mattil Family Fund held at Centre Foundation continues to honor its namesakes while shaping a brighter future for both people and animals. It’s a legacy of compassion, painted not with oils or watercolors but with hope and possibility. 

For more information on how to open a fund at Centre Foundation and explore grant opportunities, visit centrefoundation.org or contact Kerry Tolton at kerry@centrefoundation.org or 814.237.6229. 

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