We have lived our entire adult lives in the Northwest section of the city and, most recently, in its surrounding suburbs. One of the constants in those years has been the Chestnut Hill Local. I’ve always subscribed and had it delivered. If you look on the back page, my company, Elfant Wissahickon, has been a consistent advertiser.

We have a strong belief that there are certain things in life that provide community. One is a local newspaper. For decades, the Chestnut Hill Local has provided that and, over the last five or six years, it’s become the best version of itself under its inspiring leadership and the daily work and contributions of staff.

The Chestnut Hill Local has made and will continue to make a significant impact on the community; yet, more people need to understand the economic realities of the news profession. Newspapers everywhere are struggling. Even the Philadelphia Inquirer would not survive without the support of Lenfest. 

The Local does an excellent job with advertising and subscription, but it needs community support and philanthropic dollars to survive.

Raising money to heighten awareness about the environment is a worthy cause and important. However, Nancy and I would have given to the Local no matter the reason. We are invested in supporting the Local in its ongoing work, which is why this is the third significant contribution we have made [Elfant was referring to the $10,000 gift he and his wife, Nancy Elfant, made on the night of Judy Wicks’ event. Over the last three years, the Elfants have given several large donations plus made smaller contributions to the joint annual appeal]. We encourage others to give generously to support local journalism, which in turn supports the community.