Branches for the Lake

04/22/2026

Deadline to turn in scholarship applications is just a few days away.

Links are included below.

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and positive feedback we’ve received since announcing our new scholarship opportunities. It has been truly inspiring to see how much this community believes in investing in the next generation and honoring the legacies of Janice Gentile and Dr. Wrendy Marcinik.

In the last 24 hours, we have already begun receiving donations, messages of encouragement, and questions about how to get involved—and we simply want to say thank you. Your support is what makes this possible.

For those who have asked how to contribute, donations can be made directly by contacting us at [email protected] or through our donation link here:
👉https://branchesforthelake.square.site/

Every dollar stays right here at the Lake, helping us support students, mentorship efforts, and real needs within our community.

Our website is in a full makeover stage. We will continue to share updates as it is finalized, but in the meantime, we appreciate your patience, your encouragement, and your belief in what we are building together.

For students interested in applying, applications form questions are currently available here.
👉 Education Scholarship
https://forms.gle/Urt2U6GX9uMv5u5o9

Wellness Scholarship
https://forms.gle/vPgEtMAFqu8QQwcw5

Because of this community, the work continues—and the impact grows.

04/01/2026

We are heartbroken to share the passing of our dear friend and Branches for the Lake board member, Amanda Fagan.

Amanda joined our board in early 2024, bringing with her a spirit of service, connection, and heart that quickly became part of who we are. She was recruited by our founder and late President, Janice Gentile, after years of working together through the Community Foundation—relationships built on trust, purpose, and a shared love for this community.

In her time with us, Amanda made a lasting impact. It was Amanda’s vision to create scholarship opportunities that would carry forward the legacies of Janice Gentile and Dr. Wrendy Marcinik—an idea she helped bring to life so future generations could benefit from their influence. She was also a key part of the 2025 Clown Golf Classic, always showing up, always giving, and always willing to do whatever was needed.

Amanda was a driving force behind the development of our Mentorship Program. She believed that truly helping people comes through connection—not through layers of hoops or paperwork, but by showing up, listening, and taking action. That belief continues to shape how we serve our community.

At the time of her passing, Amanda was helping guide the transition of our website to reflect our evolving vision—trying to continue Janice’s legacy while focusing our efforts in a way that allows us to make meaningful impact, one person at a time.

There is so much we could say about Amanda and the life she lived—but we feel it has been best said through the words of her brother, J Alan Fagan, which he shared on his personal page.

Amanda embodied joy, service, and selflessness in everything she did. Her contagious smile had a way of making people feel comfortable, and her spirit reminds us to live with more kindness, purpose, and connection each day.

The Community Foundation of the Lake has established a fund in Amanda’s honor, and we encourage those who are able to support it as a way to continue the impact she made.

Our board is also working on creating a scholarship in Amanda’s honor—an idea she was passionate about. We will share more as soon as the details are available.

Our deepest condolences go out to Amanda’s family and friends.

Amanda…she was the epitome of a giving friend with a magnetic personality and sharp wit that brought out the best in everyone around her.

View Amanda Jo Fagan's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

03/26/2026

We are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of support and positive feedback we’ve received since announcing our new scholarship opportunities. It has been truly inspiring to see how much this community believes in investing in the next generation and honoring the legacies of Janice Gentile and Dr. Wrendy Marcinik.

In the last 24 hours, we have already begun receiving donations, messages of encouragement, and questions about how to get involved—and we simply want to say thank you. Your support is what makes this possible.

For those who have asked how to contribute, donations can be made directly by contacting us at [email protected] or through our donation link here:
👉https://branchesforthelake.square.site/

Every dollar stays right here at the Lake, helping us support students, mentorship efforts, and real needs within our community.

Our website is in a full makeover stage. We will continue to share updates as it is finalized, but in the meantime, we appreciate your patience, your encouragement, and your belief in what we are building together.

For students interested in applying, applications form questions are currently available here.
👉 Education Scholarship
https://forms.gle/Urt2U6GX9uMv5u5o9

Wellness Scholarship
https://forms.gle/vPgEtMAFqu8QQwcw5

Because of this community, the work continues—and the impact grows.