We are saddened to share with you the passing of one of our dear friends and greatest advocates for York, Louis J. Appell Jr. Our deepest sympathies go out to his wife, Jody, their children and all of his extended family. We will greatly miss Louis’ keen mind, steady guiding influence and passionate commitment to York.
YCCF truly wouldn’t be the organization we are today without him. As a member and past President of our Board of Directors in the 1970s, 1990s and 2000s, Louis worked closely with us and his peers to catapult the Foundation into a strong, credible and impactful center for philanthropy. We relied on his thoughtful guidance and gentle nudging of others to help build a powerful community endowment at the Community Foundation that forever benefits York County.
At YCCF, we consider ourselves lucky to have been inspired by his clear vision for a future York. At our 2013 Donor Appreciation Event where he and Jody were honored, Louis emphasized the importance of a vital downtown York for the health of the entire County. “It is necessary if we are going to keep our promising youth here at home, if employers are going to be able to attract qualified personnel, if we are going to provide an environment where entrepreneurship and creativity flourishes, if we are going to attract new companies to locate here,” he commented.
Louis was a firm believer in allowing YCCF the flexibility to address changing community needs through YCCF’s discretionary fund – the Fund for York County. He was a true advocate for the Fund for York County, and shared that message with anyone who would listen. Again, at our 2013 Donor Event, he commented, “[A] healthy, prosperous York County needs a successful Community Foundation to take the lead in philanthropic giving. In turn, the Foundation’s success can be assured if all of us in the room, if all of those in the County who have the wherewithal, offer it support. In particular, a gift to the Fund for York County is especially meaningful as it provides the Foundation valuable discretionary funds.”
Louis’ vision helped shape the YCCF of today. He astutely saw the role that a strong community foundation could play as a grantmaker and as a leader in making York great. He encouraged us to set high expectations, confront challenges, and lead boldly by promoting positive community change. Our community today is so much more vibrant, welcoming, and successful because of his ability to unite people for a better York.
Because of his humility, most people will never know how much Louis did for York. He often was the ‘behind-the-scenes’ catalyst for good – he didn’t want the credit. Today, we can loudly proclaim “Thank you Louis.”
Louis Appell was an inspiration to us all.
Honor Louis’ incredible philanthropic spirit with an Appell Act of Kindness.
Engage in an act of kindness – donate to your favorite charity, volunteer, or do something nice for someone in need, pay it forward and share your Appell Act of Kindness – or your favorite memory of Louis –
@YCCFYork on Twitter or
facebook.com/YorkCountyCommunityFoundationPlease remember to use the hashtag #RememberMrAppell
This is a great way for our community to reflect on the impact Louis has had on the York community and to honor his generosity.
