by Ryan Rosenbaum

Its been four months since I began my position here in Chestnut Hill. In that time, I have become keenly aware of the things that are important to faithful “Hillers.” This region of the city has become one of those unique places in America where residents support the local shops, care deeply about the preservation of historic buildings and back their local nonprofit organizations.

These organizations are the epitome of what makes Chestnut Hill so special. In an area so rich in culture, history and education, the neighborhood still has tremendous community love for these organizations.

For decades, the Chestnut Hill Community Fund has held an annual fund drive to help these endeavors. Through these years, millions of dollars have been raised. On average the annual campaign raises $90,000, which is ultimately allocated to nearly 30 programs and services all serving the Chestnut Hill area. These funds are allocated by a volunteer grant committee that reviews the merits of their requested programs for funding.

Allow me to highlight just a few of these organizations. The Chestnut Hill Youth Sports Club, an organized sports league designed for 1,300 children in this area. The Chestnut Hill Garden District, a group of neighborhood volunteers dedicated to the maintaining street plants and hanging baskets. The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, a mainstay for more than 37 years that provides daily programming for active adults over 50. The Chestnut Hill Historical Society, an organization dedicated to the preservation of land in Chestnut Hill and its adjoining neighborhoods for historic, recreational, scenic, agricultural or open space opportunities.

There is also Chestnut Hill Meals on Wheels, which is devoted to meeting the daily nutritional needs of any of our neighbors challenged by illness, disability or age by literally delivering meals to homes. These organizations are the tip of the iceberg. There are at least two dozen more organizations that depend on public support.

In addition, the fund supports community programs like the annual holiday parade, seven weekly concerts in Pastorius Park and a month-long, weekly outdoor movie night for families at the Water Tower.

Last week my wife and I proudly made our annual contribution. Although we don’t live here, Chestnut Hill has become a part of the fabric of our lives. Of course I work here, but I believe in the things these organizations do to make Chestnut Hill a better place to live. I’m asking you to kindly invest in your community too. This is a way we can all be a part of what makes Chestnut Hill shine. It’s what makes this neighborhood different.

More than 400 of you have already made your contributions totaling around $70,000. The annual drive ends on March 31, and on behalf these organizations, we thank-you. For those who have yet to give, allow me to outline ways you can do so. The Community Association is working at the Funds request to collect these donations. You can:

1. Call us at 215-248-8810 (9 a.m. – 6:30 p.m., M-F)

2. Visit www.chestnuthill.org and give online

3. Easiest way is to fill out the info card aligned with this article. You can fill out the information, cut it from the newspaper and send back to us at Chestnut Hill Community Fund, 8434 Germantown, Ave., Philadelphia, PA19118.

4. You can stop by our office too. We'd love to meet you!

Lastly, I would be remiss if I didn’t offer another way to give, which would involve something fun in return. On March 31, the last day of the annual drive, the fund will be welcoming a national headliner comic into our community: Joey Callahan. He has opened up for acts such as Jay Leno, Steven Wright and Weird Al Yankovic. You’ll see a few mentions about this show in the Local this week and next, but its important to recognize that tickets may be limited. They can be found at www.chestnuthill.org.

Every ticket purchased is money that goes directly to the fund drive. Make this a fun evening, capped off with that feeling that you and your family have helped the vitality of these neighborhood organizations.

Once again, the entire community thanks you. I am personally looking forward to a long and exciting career in helping to best serve the 9,000+ people in Chestnut Hill. Thank you for making me feel like a true Hiller.

Ryan Rosenbaum is executive director of the Chestnut Hill Community Association.