Charitable assistance in the ligonier valley community

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The Al Ludwig Memorial Fund joins local merchants to support LIGONIER ICE FEST,  an annual  Ligonier tradition in January...and the longest running ice festival in Pennsylvania.

The Al Ludwig Memorial Fund hosted its very first youth fly fishing camp camp on June 2 & 3, 2023.  The event was FREE to the first 20 registered fishers,  ages 9-16 years, any skill level.  The two-day camp presented by professional fly fishing guide and Ligonier native, Rich Evans and his team of experienced guides.  Students learned techniques of casting a fly rod, fly selection, tackle, lines and leaders, knots, entomology, proper handling and releasing trout, and how to read a stream.   The next event is scheduled for June  2024.

The Al Ludwig Memorial Fund sponsored Summer in Ligonier, Arts & Craft Show in 2022 & 2023, presented by the Ligonier Chamber of commerce.

The Al Ludwig Memorial Fund hosts an annual youth golf camp at Ligonier Country Club.  The event is FREE to the first 24 registered golfers, ages 8-12 years, any skill level.  The half-day camp featured putting, chipping, and full swing instruction, led by Ligonier Country Club's PGA Head Golf Professional Sean Knaus and the Ligonier Valley Golf Team.    The next event is scheduled for June 2024.

The Al Ludwig Memorial Fund supports the Sustainable Farm Project Greenhouse & Gardens run by 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at Ligonier Valley Middle School under the direction of teacher Ryan Podlucky.   Students experience a hands-on learning environment of sustainable farming while also creating a business model.  They grow vegetables, herbs, flowers & produce that is then donated or sold to the community.  Presently over 60 LVMS students participate in the project.  That number is "growing" daily! 

The Al Ludwig Memorial Fund supported the Latrobe Little League as it worked to recover after equipment lost in a fire.  

"Latrobe Little League really appreciates the support..especially after last year, we had no income due to COVID...then this happens."

John Russo, President, Latrobe Little League

Photo:  10 year old Alan Ludwig, 1952 Latrobe Little League All-Stars

The Al Ludwig Memorial Fund partnered with Ligonier Township, Ligonier Borough, other charitable foundations and private donors on development of a family fishing platform dedicated in honor of Al Ludwig on June 30, 2021, at Mill Creek Memorial Park at the Ligonier Valley Hiking & Biking Trailhead.

The “Food 2 Go 4 Kids” weekend backpack program is sponsored by the Ligonier Valley School District community that includes staff, students and their families, and community supporters. It is coordinated by the LVSD administration and staff.  Backpacks are filled with either easy to prepare meals or snacks for weekends to children who are pre-qualified. The program has been initiated in response to the high percentage of students with no access to the free school breakfast and/or lunch they receive during the week.