Giving Society Mock 3 (2)
Gianforte

Who is EDWARD M. GIANFORTE?

Dr. Edward M. Gianforte, who passed away on January 24, 2013, at the age of 85 in Allentown, was a distinguished figure in the fields of medical microbiology, radiology, and cancer research. Born in New Haven, CT, to Joseph and Grace Gianforte, he embarked on an impressive academic journey, obtaining graduate degrees from the University of Connecticut, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on medical microbiology and pathogenesis. His research contributions extended to Yale, where he conducted pioneering work in cancer research. As a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, he chaired an International Conference on pulmonary diseases and authored numerous scientific papers. Dr. Gianforte was also a past member of the American Society of Microbiologists and held board certification in Radiology, specializing in medicine and radiology. He further served as an Environmental Physician, Chairman of the Infectious Control Committee, and Clinical Radiologist at the Allentown Veterans Clinic, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to science and healthcare.

What is THE EDWARD M. GIANFORTE LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY?

Dr. Edward M. Gianforte, a medical microbiologist and radiologist, became the largest individual donor in the 70-year history of the Lehigh Conference of Churches. Following his passing in 2013, Dr. Gianforte, who had no previous association with the Conference, bequeathed $700,000, sustaining the Conference's kitchen for over a decade. His extraordinary generosity over nearly a decade inspires us to honor his memory by encouraging others to emulate his spirit of giving.

The Gianforte Leadership Giving Society honors individuals, families, and organizations who lead by example through their annual gift of $1,000 or more to the Conference.

Last year, Gianforte's funds were instrumental in providing over 72,000 meals to the community, purchasing and distributing more than 14,000 toiletries and bus passes, and enabling clients to access over 50,000 support services in 2024.

Have questions? Contact Christopher Moran at: cmoran@lehighchurches.org.

Mailing Instructions

Please return the form below, if making the pledge in installments. If making an outright gift write a check with these details included. All checks should be payable to the: “Lehigh Conference of Churches,” writing “Gianforte Leadership Society” in the memo.

Please mail checks to:

The Lehigh Conference of Churches

Attn: Christopher Moran

457 W. Allen St, Allentown, PA 18102

Online Instructions

If you choose to make an outright gift or fulfill your pledge online, please follow these steps:

 

  1. Go to lehighchurches.org.
  2. Click on the "Donate" option at the top of the page.
  3. Choose "One-time donation or recurring gift"
  4. Under the "Please direct my support" section, select "The Edward M. Gianforte Leadership Giving "
  5. Please select between the “one-time” and “ongoing” tab. If you select “ongoing” please choose your preferred contribution frequency and customize the giving date.
  6. Select your desired donation amount.
  7. Complete the donation process.
Pledge Form

Why become a MEMBER?

For over six and a half decades, the Lehigh Conference of Churches has been committed to tending to the needs of those experiencing hunger, homelessness, and disabilities. Through our steadfast efforts in delivering aid, fostering support, and creating opportunities, our organization has enabled the most disadvantaged individuals in our community to embark on paths toward greater self-sufficiency and personal autonomy. None of this vital work would be possible without the generous contributions from our dedicated donors across our diverse range of programs.

Conference kitchen Meals served

Supportive services accessed

2024 Statistics 

Bus passes and toiletries distributed

2024 gIANFORTE MEMBERS

  1. Adam & Dottie Keller
  2. Andy & Pam Weiss
  3. Anonymous (Allentown)
  4. Anthony & Jojo Muir
  5. Bob and Anne Marie McCarty
  6. Brennie Morgan
  7. Cynthia Blaschak
  8. Dennis & Nancy Giangiulio
  9. Donald & Kelli Elsenbaumer
  10. Ed & Anne Miller
  11. Edward & Joyce Zinn
  12. Gail Marsella
  13. Gary & Kelly Carney
  14. John & Jenny Kemps
  15. John & Marie Maly
  16. John Long
Ken & Barbara Carlson
Marc & Joann Basist
Malcom West
Michael & Jeanette Brown
Pat & Sandy Corpora
Phyllis Kempf
Rev. Dr. Christine Nelson
Rob & Sue Pizor Yoder
Robert Stevens & Janet Boyd
Robert Walden
Ron & Sharron Sheppard
Scott Gradwell
Terry and Margaret Kennedy
Thomas & Gloria Power
Thomas Chryst
William & Elizabeth Geiger
William & Yvonne Reimold

eDWARD M. GIANFORTE LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY: FOUNDING MEMBERS

  1. David Leber
  2. Malcolm West
  3. Gary & Kelly Carney
  4. Kenneth Carlson
  5. Kimberly Metz
  6. Andrew & Pam Weiss
  7. Ed & Anne Miller
  8. Christine Nelson
  9. David Torrey
  10. John & Jenny Kemps
  11. Juan & Judith Albornoz
  12. Phyllis Kempf
  13. Marc & Joann Basist
  14. Anthony Muir
  15. Frances Heussman
  16. Israel Olivieri
  17. Tom & Janice Stephens
Richard Guhl
Robert Stevens
Bob & Becky Beckwith
Donald & Kelli Elsenbaumer
Fulton & Patricia Brown
Donald & Sonja Bowe
William Geiger
Geoffrey Hallock
Catherine Jaindl-Leuthe
Terrence Kennedy
Gail Marsella
Ronald & Jennifer Ruschman
Daniel Schantz
Michael Brown
John Long
Anonymous (Bethlehem)
Anonymous (Bath)

THE EDWARD M. GIANFORTE LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY

The Edward M. Gianforte Leadership Giving Society recognizes individuals who make a meaningful impact through their generous annual support. Their commitment provides critical resources that help advance our mission and strengthen our community.

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Gianforte

who is edward m. gianforte?

Dr. Edward M. Gianforte, who passed away on January 24, 2013, at the age of 85 in Allentown, was a distinguished figure in the fields of medical microbiology, radiology, and cancer research. Born in New Haven, CT, to Joseph and Grace Gianforte, he embarked on an impressive academic journey, obtaining graduate degrees from the University of Connecticut, the University of Wisconsin, and the University of Pennsylvania, focusing on medical microbiology and pathogenesis. His research contributions extended to Yale, where he conducted pioneering work in cancer research. As a member of the New York Academy of Sciences, he chaired an International Conference on pulmonary diseases and authored numerous scientific papers. Dr. Gianforte was also a past member of the American Society of Microbiologists and held board certification in Radiology, specializing in medicine and radiology. He further served as an Environmental Physician, Chairman of the Infectious Control Committee, and Clinical Radiologist at the Allentown Veterans Clinic, leaving behind a legacy of dedication to science and healthcare.

SOUP KITCHEN meal served 

NEWLY ENROLLED IN DAYBREAK

RENTAL ASSESMENTS COMPLETED

Why become a MEMBER?

For over seven decades, the Lehigh Conference of Churches has been committed to tending to the needs of those experiencing hunger, homelessness, and disabilities. Through our steadfast efforts in delivering aid, fostering support, and creating opportunities, our organization has enabled the most disadvantaged individuals in our community to embark on paths toward greater self-sufficiency and personal autonomy. None of this vital work would be possible without the generous contributions from our dedicated donors across our diverse range of programs.

Get your guide

What is THE EDWARD M. GIANFORTE LEADERSHIP GIVING SOCIETY?

Dr. Edward M. Gianforte, a medical microbiologist and radiologist, became the largest individual donor in the 70-year history of the Lehigh Conference of Churches. Following his passing in 2013, Dr. Gianforte, who had no previous association with the Conference, bequeathed $700,000, sustaining the Conference's kitchen for over a decade. His extraordinary generosity over nearly a decade inspires us to honor his memory by encouraging others to emulate his spirit of giving.

The Gianforte Leadership Giving Society honors individuals, families, and organizations who lead by example through their annual gift of $1,000 or more to the Conference.

Last year, Gianforte’s support was instrumental in providing more than 60,000 meals to the community, engaging 380 unhoused individuals through street outreach, and enabling over 650 individuals to access essential services at our drop-in center in 2025.

Be More Than a Donor. Be a Member of Lasting Change.

Interested in making a pledge for the first time? We invite you to learn more about the Edward M. Gianforte Leadership Giving Society and explore the 2026 pledge form to better understand the impact of leadership-level giving. Your support plays a vital role in strengthening our programs, expanding access to essential services, and advancing our mission throughout the community. By joining the Society, you become part of a dedicated group of supporters committed to creating lasting, meaningful change.

Have questions? Contact Christopher Moran at cmoran@lehighchurches.org.

Mailing Instructions

Print and download the pledge form above, then complete all required fields. Please mail the completed form along with your check. Checks should be made payable to Lehigh Conference of Churches, with “Gianforte LGS” noted in the memo line.

Please mail checks to:

The Lehigh Conference of Churches

Attn: Christopher Moran

457 W. Allen St, Allentown, PA 18102

2026 Pledge Form

Online Instructions

If you choose to fulfill your pledge online, please follow the steps below:

  1. Click “Pledge Online” above.

  2. Select $1,000 or choose “Other” to make a larger gift.

  3. Under “Please direct my support,” select The Edward M. Gianforte Leadership Giving Society.

  4. Click “Give.”

  5. Complete the donation process.

Submit Pledge Online

2025 Edward m. gianforte LGS Members

Adam & Dottie Keller

Fulton & Patricia Brown

Bob & Anne Marie McCarty

Cynthia Blaschak

Donald & Kelli Elsenbaumer

Edward & Joyce Zinn

Jill Gentilotti

John & Marie Maly

Juan & Judith Albornoz

Maclom West

Pat & Sandy Corpora

Rev. Dr. Christine Nelson

Tim & Sue Bingham

Kathleen Matthews

Thomas & Gloria Power

William & Elizabeth Geiger

Barry Kessler

Kathy Stagl

Gary & Kelly Carney

Andy & Pam Weiss

Anthony & Jojo Muir

Jim Harding

Dennis & Nancy Giangiulio

Ed & Anne Miller

Gail Marsella

John & Jenny Kemps

John Long

Marc & Joann Basist

Michael & Jeanette Brown

Phyllis Kempf

Rob & Sue Pizor Yoder

Anonymous (Bethlehem)

Terry & Margaret Kennedy

Thomas Chryst

William & Yvonne Reimold

Richard & Barbara Hjorth

Steven & Kimberly O'Shall

Charles & Ruth Marcon

Copy of Giving Society Mock 3 (1)

Gianforte LGS: Founding Members

In 2023, we launched the Edward M. Gianforte Leadership Giving Society. More than 30 individuals contributed over $58,000 in gifts to become founding members. Their names will forever be etched in the history of the Society as pioneers and champions of our shared mission. We are deeply grateful for your belief in our work and for the meaningful impact these contributions have had on the lives of those we serve.

View Founding Members