York, PA —Mabel L. Slifer was the type of woman who cared about the less fortunate, making regular gifts to organizations like the Salvation Army and Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA). Before Mabel passed in 2017, she developed a specially crafted estate plan that placed her entire residuary estate in the hands of the York County Community Foundation (YCCF) to carry out her charitable goals.
In December 2019, her estate entrusted YCCF with $1 million to create two funds at YCCF – the Mabel L. Slifer Fund designated for the York County SPCA and Salvation Army of York and a second fund that will benefit people and animals in need.
The Mabel Slifer Fund for People and Animals in Need will award grants for two purposes. The first will be to organizations that help people in need, be it the homeless, the poor, the hungry or others in crisis. The second purpose is to support organizations that provide homes to stray and abandoned animals, curb animal cruelty and educate the public on animal wellness and safety.
“Mabel loved her dogs and always had one throughout her life,” recalls Ms. Slifer’s attorney Jeffrey Goss. “In fact, in the final year of her life, visits from Rosie, the resident therapy dog at Luther Acres Retirement Community in Lititz, PA brought her the most joy.”
“This is our first fund aimed at animal welfare,” said Jane M. Conover, President & CEO of YCCF. “Working with Attorney Goss, our team was able to create funds that truly support Ms. Slifer’s passions for helping people and animals and will continue her legacy. Each year the grants awarded in Mabel’s name will remind the community of her generous spirit and concern for those who are less fortunate.”
YCCF staff will implement a process to identify charitable organizations that meet the criteria to receive grants from the Mabel Slifer Fund for People and Animals in Need and distribute grants accordingly. Please no inquires about grants at this time.
Born in Blue Bell, PA, Mabel was the daughter of the late Edward and Purden (Loyd) Slifer. Mabel graduated from Philadelphia College of Pharmacy and Science with a Bachelor of Science degree in Bacteriology. She also had a master’s degree in library science from Drexel Institute of Technology.
Mabel lived and worked in Philadelphia for 55 years. After retiring from Campbell Soup Company she moved to York. She later moved to Luther Acres in Lititz, where she lived until her death in 2017.
