Elk County Cruisers Turn Their Love of Cars into Community Impact

What started as a group of friends with a shared love of cars has grown into something much bigger—a group committed to giving back to the community they call home.

The Elk County Cruisers Car Club recently awarded $3,400 in grants from the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund, held at the Elk County Community Foundation (ECCF). This year’s funding will benefit the St. Marys Airport Authority, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, St. Marys Public Library, Crystal Fire Department, and Christian Food Bank.

Founded in 2010 by a group of friends who love cars, the Elk County Cruisers have turned their hobby into an opportunity to make a difference throughout Elk County. Through car shows, cruise-ins, special events and other activities, the group raises funds that are put right back into local organizations and community projects.

“The Elk County Cruisers are one of those groups I love to tell others about,” said Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation. “They are a true example of what community impact is all about. They came together because of something they love—their vehicles—and turned that passion into an opportunity to raise money and give back to Elk County. They have fun doing it, they bring people together, and our community benefits from their hard work and generosity.”

The Cruisers’ impact extends beyond their annual grantmaking. They have partnered with local organizations on community projects, including working with the St. Marys Servicemen’s Detail and American Legion Post #103 on the flagpole and veterans’ monument at Shawmut Park. They also helped make possible the installation of a United States Flag Retirement Receptacle in front of American Legion Post #103, providing a convenient and respectful place for the public to retire worn American flags.

In 2025, the Cruisers established a donor-advised fund at ECCF to build upon their charitable efforts and create another way to support local organizations and projects for years to come.

Throughout the year, members participate in car shows, cruise-ins, parades and other events throughout the region. Their story is a testament to what can happen when people come together around something they enjoy and use that passion to make their community stronger.

Donations of any size to the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund are gratefully accepted and help the Cruisers continue supporting charitable organizations and projects throughout Elk County. Donations can be made online at www.elkcountyfoundation.org or mailed to the Elk County Community Foundation, PO Box 934, St. Marys, PA 15857.

The Elk County Community Foundation, an affiliate of the Community Foundation of the Northern Alleghenies, is a nonprofit organization that strives to strengthen the region through development, stewardship, and grantmaking while working with donors to achieve their philanthropic goals.

PHOTO: Representatives from local organizations receiving grants from the Elk County Cruisers Car Club Fund join members of the Elk County Cruisers for a check presentation. Crystal Fire Department: Jeff Smith, Brian Gallagher, Ken Weidow, Richard Gavazzi and Shawn Carlson; St. Marys Public Library: Leslie Swope; Christian Food Bank: Mary Ann Valentine; Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys: Joe Jacob; St. Marys Airport Authority: Seth Hall and Tim Ruffner; Elk County Cruisers: Joe Walker, Andy Hoy and Tim Robinson; and Tiffany Boschert, Executive Director of the Elk County Community Foundation.