WSFS and Anthony Penna Charitable Fund Band Together to Support a Local School’s Music Program

By WSFS Contributor | Published: August 2020

Corynn Ciber, Senior Vice President & Chief Digital Officer at WSFS Bank, first became aware of the Anthony Penna Charitable Fund’s work in the Delaware community a few years ago.

The organization is dedicated to the life of Anthony Penna, who tragically passed away following a car accident in 2017 but helped save the lives of others through the gift of organ donation. The organization honors Anthony’s life and his passion for music and the performing arts by supporting students involved in their school's band, choir and theatre programs with a focus on private, parochial and independent schools that do not receive public funding.

When a business relationship resulted in Ciber receiving a brand-new acoustic guitar to donate to the charity of her choice, she knew exactly where to turn.

“My children attended a school nearby to where Anthony went to high school, so I was familiar with the organization and the great work it does in the community,” Ciber said. “I contacted them to see if they would accept the guitar, and they were thrilled to receive their first donation of an instrument.”

While the organization typically provides schools in Delaware with grants and funds to offset the costs and fees associated with participation in band, choir and theatre, they had long been interested in obtaining instrument donations to provide directly to interested students.

“We’re thrilled to receive our first instrument donation,” said Melanie Penna, Anthony’s mother. “Anthony was passionate about music, as is our whole family, and we strive to help students who share that passion to realize their full potential through participation in music programs.”

“After evaluating the needs of several local schools, the guitar will be provided to St. Mary Magdalen School in Wilmington, Del. as a welcome addition to their growing portfolio of instruments,” Penna said. “We’re proud to continue to support students involved in music and theatre in our local schools. We are hopeful this generous donation from Corynn and WSFS will encourage others to consider the Anthony Penna Charitable Fund should they wish to donate an instrument to a school in need.”

“We’re extremely grateful for the Anthony Penna Charitable Fund’s commitment to the arts in honor of Anthony,” said Patrick Tiernan, Principal at St. Mary Magdalen School. “Our music program continues to expand its offerings and this guitar will help strike a new chord with our students.”