Cranberry Township Community Chest announces rebrand, annual initiative
CRANBERRY TWP — Leaders of the Cranberry Township Community Chest unveiled the organization’s latest project of the year — and a fresh name.
During their annual Martinis with Monet event on Wednesday evening, July 9 at the municipal center, officials announced that the nonprofit would be known as the Cranberry Foundation moving forward.
“It was the right time to rebrand ourselves to reflect the growth that we’ve been going through as a better representation of what we’re doing,” President Jerry Andree said.
Several plaques lining the donor wall sitting on the Armstrong Great Lawn, which served as the 2024 Project of the Year, already reflected the name change.
Attendees were led outside to view the first public art piece on the new lawn — a colorful mosaic painting that rests in the backdrop of the fountain.
Minutes before that, the crowd listened to Cranberry Foundation board member Joe Taylor announce that the 2025 Project of the Year would be the installation of a studio fitness court at Graham Park.
Anticipated to be a free state-of-the-art outdoor wellness center, the project is a nod to the township’s commitment to health and physical activity.
“It really aligned with our mission statement — which is about supporting the vitality of Cranberry,” said Amy Smith, operational leader of the foundation and Cranberry Township's Civic Partnerships Coordinator.
“We knew that it was a health initiative and a wellness benefit. It also brings people together. It really hit all of those marks that we were looking for as it aligns with our mission.”
Andree noted that the nonprofit works with township officials when deciding what project would benefit the community at large. He said some of the fitness facilities that were installed about 15 years ago were wearing down, making the decision an easy one.
“The township has conducted very extensive planning for parks and rec,” he said. “Physical fitness is a big component of our community, so it was natural for us to step in and fill that need.”
When completed in consultation with the National Fitness Campaign, it is set to become the first outdoor studio court of its kind in Western Pennsylvania.
The opportunities are endless, according to Smith, who said the township can program a variety of classes and make the court adaptable to all ages and needs.
“It really offered more wellness programs than what we currently have in that area, and it will revitalize the space,” she said.
Martinis with Monet, held in partnership with the Cranberry Artists Network, kicks off the annual Art Expo with more than 100 pieces on display through Aug. 21. The event also sets the stage for Cranberry Township Community Days, a three-day festival that begins on Thursday.
