Portraits of Philanthropy

Across the Region

Shaner Shares Gift of New Hope with Cancer Patients

Lance Shaner is an entrepreneur. As chief executive officer of Shaner Companies, he drives the company’s overall management and strategic direction. His many professional successes include hotel and redevelopment projects throughout the world, as well as in Hershey and at the Harrisburg International Airport.

But Lance’s greatest personal success has been helping to shape his community through philanthropy. He and his family have made considerable professional and personal contributions to organizations in the greater State College and Centre County community. Their passion and commitment to community service is evidenced by their support of numerous causes, including the Easter Seals Lance and Ellen Shaner Child Development Center, the Lance and Ellen Shaner Cancer Pavilion, the JB Griffin Foundation, and Operation Backbone. Lance encourages his more than 3,000 employees to also embrace a giving spirit.

In 2012, Shaner formed the JB Griffin Memorial Foundation in memory of his friend and colleague, JB Griffin, the former chief financial officer of the Shaner Group. This nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization provides financial support to charitable organizations that assist people in need in the Centre County community. Working in conjunction with the annual Shaner Golf Classic, the foundation serves as the beneficiary of the tournament proceeds and disburses funds to qualified charities throughout the county.

The Penn State Cancer Institute provides world-class physicians and staff. With the expansion of the Cancer Institute clinical research enterprise to Centre County, the potential to offer clinical trials is now being realized.

Through the Shaners’ generosity and their desire to make comprehensive cancer facilities and treatment available to the greater State College community, they not only support the Cancer Care Partnership at the Mount Nittany Medical Center but continue to support the Penn State Cancer Institute. We are deeply grateful for their partnership in the fight against cancer.

50 Shades of Pink

On January 30, 2016, Kathy celebrated a milestone birthday just one year after receiving a scary diagnosis of breast cancer. From the day of her diagnosis, Kathy and her family were determined to fight, and by the time her birthday arrived, they had much to celebrate. Read more about Kathy and the inspiring way in which she used her experience to benefit others battling breast cancer.