DONOR STORIES
Through the power of collective giving, The Erie Community Foundation transforms lives.
A Life of Compassion:
The Dr. Chris Karns Good
Citizenship Scholarship
Dr. Christopher Karns, better known as Chris, lived a life defined by selflessness. Born and raised in Meadville, PA, Chris embodied the Scout Law principles. From earning the rank of Eagle Scout to serving as an emergency room physician, Chris always gave his very best to his family, patients, and community.
Chris met his soulmate, Dawn, through their church youth group when they were both just 15. United by a shared dream of becoming doctors, they attended Allegheny College as biology majors and later Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, graduating in 2012. Amid the rigors of medical school, they married on July 15, 2010.
In 2012, the couple purchased 32 acres of countryside, where they created a haven for their growing family. Their children—Nathan (11), Carter (9), and Alaina (7)—shared their parents’ love of the outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, or just running around or sitting by a campfire, Chris cherished time with his kids. His playful side came out in Nerf battles, silly jokes, and bedtime stories. To his children, he wasn’t just “Dad.” He was their hero.
Chris loved to travel and to surprise his wife with fabulous vacations and get-aways, especially to the Caribbean.
Professionally, Chris was a devoted emergency physician known for his warm bedside manner. He reminded colleagues to treat every patient, whether unhoused or privileged, with the same dignity. The thank-you note she received from his patients became treasured reminders of the many lives he impacted. Chris and Dawn purchased Coventina and Medical Spa in 2022 to provide wellness opportunities to their patients.
Tragically, his life was cut short in an unexpected mowing accident in August of 2024, leaving his family and community heartbroken. Hundreds attended his memorial service. Chris planned a family trip prior to his passing, and his family still took the trip and remembered Chris every day.
To honor Chris, his wife and his parents, John and Cindy, established the Good Citizenship Scholarship at The Erie Community Foundation. Inspired by his character, the scholarship supports students who exemplify the qualities of the Scout Law: trustworthiness, loyalty, kindness, and bravery-the words that best describe Chris.
Chris and Dawn understood the power of scholarships, having relied on merit scholarships on their own educational journeys. They recognized that civic minded students were often overlooked. The Good Citizenship Scholarship recognizes young people leading with heart.
“Even his last 24 hours were spent doing things for others,” Dawn shared. “That’s how he lived everyday. He always put others first.” Chris exemplified a Good Citizen as a loving father, devoted husband, and compassionate doctor. Even in the wake of this tremendous loss, his legacy of kindness and integrity endures.
Pedaling Toward an
Empowered Community
A simple bicycle can be a powerful tool for independence, mobility, and community connection. For generations, newcomers to America have relied on biking as an affordable means of transportation, and today, that need is more pressing than ever. Thanks to a $22,925 grant from The Erie Community Foundation and the generosity of a fundholder who partnered with us through their Donor Advised Fund, the Sisters of St. Joseph Neighborhood Network has expanded its bike program. This support helps meet a critical need for vital, everyday transportation for Erie’s New American and refugee communities. Additionally, this partnership reflects our ongoing effort to proactively connect donors with funding opportunities that inspire them, while mobilizing even more of our grant dollars to benefit the community.
Since 2017, the SSJNN bike program has filled a crucial gap. With a focus on providing earn-a-bike programs for youth and adults, safety workshops, and repair services, the program has grown beyond expectations—entirely by word of mouth.
In the past four years alone, over 600 bikes have been distributed to area youth. However, demand for bikes has surged. To meet this moment, SSJNN is directly increasing access to bikes for over 250 individuals, particularly New Americans and refugees. One of them is Musa, a 17-year-old who arrived in Erie with his family from Sudan. With his new bike, Musa rides to school, work, and English classes at the library. “Before, I had to wait for rides or miss out, but now, I feel free. I can help my mom, get to my job, and meet up with friends.”
Partnering with Erie’s three major resettlement agencies—U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants Erie Field Office, Multicultural Resource Center, and Catholic Charities—SSJNN ensures that newly arrived families are connected to transportation resources. Additional partnerships with Bike Erie, the Erie County Department of Health, Trips for Kids National Organization, Erie Public Library, and Presque Isle State Park/DNCR further enrich the program through field trips, safety courses, and outreach efforts.
Beyond transportation, SSJNN’s bike program serves as a bridge for community engagement and social inclusion. By bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds through repair workshops, community rides, and skills training, the program strengthens community bonds. Plus, the program provides economic empowerment opportunities by equipping participants with skills in bicycle repair and maintenance, potentially leading to employment or entrepreneurial endeavors.
SSJNN’s bike initiative is deeply rooted in collaboration for lasting change. The Sisters of St. Joseph have long lived by the principle of “meeting the era and the area,” and this initiative is no exception. With the support from Foundation donors, SSJNN’s bike program is not just about getting from point A to point B— but about transforming lives, strengthening neighborhoods, and creating a city where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Lifelong Educators Enrich
the Lives of Students
They joined the Elisha H. Mack Bequest Society, which is for donors who leave nonprofits in their estate plans through the Foundation. After talking with their attorney, they established a donor designated fund to support and benefit their favorite causes forever including McLane Church, the Erie Philharmonic, and Friends of General McLane Vocal Music with the Rick and Judy Scaletta Musical Theater Scholarships.
As well-known, long-time residents of the Edinboro Community, the Scalettas continue to embody generosity, enriching the lives of others through faith, music, and education.
Avid Philanthropist has
Lasting Impact on Community
An avid philanthropist, he established the Walker School of Business and financed the Catherine McDonough Walker Reading Room and the Barrett & Catherine Walker Recital Hall at Mercyhurst University, where he served on the Board of Directors for 20 years and remained trustee emeritus.
Dr. Walker supported cancer research and numerous nonprofits. Often, he remained anonymous in his generosity. When he learned of a need, he quietly made a gift. When you hear the church bells of the Church of the Covenant ring, you can thank Dr. Walker. The Erie Community Foundation thanks him for establishing an impactful legacy.
Local Doctors Give Back
to Local Nonprofits
Dr. Sam Voora, an accomplished neonatologist and pediatrician, and Dr. Bharathi Voora, one of the region’s top internal medicine specialists, served the Erie community for more than four decades.
In 2007, the Vooras established the Drs. Sambasivarao & Bharathi Voora Donor Advised Fund at The Erie Community Foundation to support a mix of 23 local and out-of-town nonprofits, such as Saint Vincent Hospital and Guntur Medical College Alumni of North America. The Vooras believe in giving back to the organizations that have helped them achieve success and supporting the causes they value.
As the Vooras reflect on their life, they are grateful to the community where they raised their two children and made many dear friends and are honored to work with The Erie Community to support the excellent work of local nonprofits.
Ready to make your impact? Contact Steve Weiser, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at SWeiser@ErieCommunityFoundation.org or 814.413.7345