12/16/14

Fulton, NY – Ali McGrath, resource development director for the United Way of Greater Oswego County announced that Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has once again lent its support as Leadership Giver for United Way?s Annual Campaign.

?We truly appreciate our Leadership Givers,? said McGrath.? ?Their exceptional level of giving and their care and concern for others helps to enrich our community by allowing us to serve those in need with dignity and compassion.? The generosity of our Leadership Givers plays an important role in the success of our Annual Campaign and we are proud to count Excellus BlueCross BlueShield among them.?

A strong supporter of United Way of Greater Oswego County, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield?s status as a Leadership Giver demonstrates the level of commitment the company has for the communities it serves.

?Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is pleased to support the United Way of Greater Oswego County for the eighth consecutive year,? said Arthur Vercillo, M.D., regional president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. ?As Central New York?s largest nonprofit health plan, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield partners with organizations that work to improve the health or health care of the residents of the communities it serves. We?re proud to join with the United Way of Greater Oswego County to benefit individuals and families throughout the county.?

The United Way?s Annual Campaign serves as the organization?s primary resource and allows United Way to continue its mission of stopping hunger, helping youth succeed, and improving the health and well-being of residents of Oswego County.? For more about the mission of the United Way and the 2014 campaign contact your United Way office at 315-593-1900 or visit their website at oswegounitedway.org.

Cut line for photo: Arthur Vercillo, M.D., regional president, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield presents Melanie Trexler, executive director, and Ali McGrath, resource development director for United Way of Greater Oswego County, with a check for $3,500 for the United Way 2014-2015 annual campaign.

12/1/14

Oswego, NY – Members of the SUNY Oswego Men?s and Women?s Great Laker ice hockey teams recently presented a donation of non-perishable food items along with some toys for Christmas that will be given to children in need in Oswego County.? The items were collected at both Men?s and Women?s hockey games.? The United Way will distribute the food items to area food pantries.

From left are: Andrew Barton, Mackenzie Scott, Bobby Gertsakis, Resource Development Director for the United Way, Ali McGrath, Deb Deeb of Human Concerns, Major James Purvis of the Salvation Army of Oswego County, Rachel Lenard, Bridget Hamlin, and Lydia Cosgrove.

11/25/14

Fulton, NY ? Executive Director Melanie Trexler along with the staff and board members of the United Way of Greater Oswego County invites you to Dine With Us. Beginning in December restaurants in Oswego and Fulton will host United Way Dine With Us nights to raise awareness of United Way and its mission of helping those in need.

Three of Oswego County?s finest restaurants, LaParrilla and Bistro 197 in Oswego and The Blue Moon Grill in Fulton will open their doors to United Way and community members interested in learning more about the positive impact that United Way has on Oswego County. Each restaurant will feature talking points regarding United Way at the tables and will donate 10% of their profits on all meals purchased during its designated Dine With Us night.

Additionally, Trexler, Resource Development Director Ali McGrath and other United Way representatives will be dining at each event and will be available to answer questions regarding United Way and the human services program the agency supports.

According to McGrath, United Way Dine With Us nights is an excellent way to discover exactly what United Way does, learn about the impact United Way has on Oswego County and those they serve, and support United Way?s mission of ending hunger, helping youth succeed, and improving the overall health and well-being of Oswego County.

?While many community members may be aware of United Way they may not be familiar with the programs we support and how those programs improve the quality of life in our county. Our Dine With Us nights offers that opportunity while enjoying a fantastic meal with friends or that special someone,? said McGrath.

United Way Dine With Us nights will be held:

December 9 from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at LaParrilla, 156 West Second Street in Oswego
December 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Bistro 197, 197 West First Street in Oswego
December 29 from 5:00 to 9:00 at Blue Moon Grill, 122 Cayuga Street in Fulton

For more information on United Way?s Dine With Us series contact Ali McGrath at 315-593-1900 or visit oswegounitedway.org.

Cut line for photo: Dine with us. Melanie Trexler (l), executive director of United Way of Greater Oswego County reviews menus with Ali McGrath (r), resource development director in preparation for United Way?s Dine With Us nights. Restaurants LaParrilla and Bistro 197 in Oswego and The Blue Moon Grill in Fulton will host United Way Dine With Us nights on select dates in December. Each restaurant will feature talking points regarding United Way at the tables and will donate 10% of their profits on all meals purchased during its designated Dine With Us night. For more information and the Dine With Us restaurant schedule visit oswegounitedway.org or contact your United Way office at 315-593-1900

11/19/14

Oswego, NY?? The Oswego Rotary Club demonstrated its support to United Way?s effort to end hunger in Oswego County as several Rotary Club members attended the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon to present the agency with a check for $250 and several boxes of food for distribution to area food pantries.

Above from left:?Carrie Penoyer; Doug McRae of Bond, Schoeneck and King; United Way of Greater Oswego County Resource Development Director Ali McGrath; Lauren Pistell of The Shineman Foundation; Rob Rolfe of Harmony Financial Services and Dave Granoff.

11/10/14

Oswego, NY – Employees at Novelis Oswego Works will kick-off their annual campaign for the United Way with a Chicken BBQ, Saturday, November 15th from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Lighthouse Lanes on Shampine Drive in Oswego. ?Our United Way team is eager to get our campaign underway. I am confident we can achieve our goal of $80,000 and provide United Way with significant support for its annual campaign,? said Erin Nalle, co-coordinator of the Novelis employee campaign.

Dinners are $10.00 each and include BBQ beans, salt potatoes, roll, and dessert. Pre-orders are available by contacting Erin Nalle at (315) 349-0237 or via e-mail at erin.nalle@novelis.com.

From left are: Co-coordinator of the Novelis employee for United Way Katie Toomey, United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath, and Novelis employees Bree Izard, Carol Whipple, and Malcolm Gabriel.

November 4th, 2013

Oswego, NY ? The United Way?s mission of ending hunger in Oswego County recently received a much-needed boost from the Oswego Lions Club.? In support of United Way?s upcoming Stone Soup Luncheon the Oswego Lions Club presented United Way with a check for $1,500.? The donation marks the continuation of a generous tradition and allows United Way to have an even greater impact on hunger in Oswego County.

?Over the years the donations we have received from the Oswego Lions Club have helped us provide thousands of dollars to food pantries throughout Oswego County,? said United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath.? ?We are especially appreciative of this year?s donation as it is more than double that of last year!? This donation allows us to have an even greater impact on hunger in Oswego County by helping area food pantries better serve families and individuals that are in need of food subsidy.? We are proud to count the Oswego Lions Club among our valued partners.? Their concern for those less fortunate plays an important role in our mission to end hunger, helping youth succeed, and improving the overall health and well-being of Oswego County.?

McGrath added that United Way are proud to add The American Foundry to their list of restaurants donating soup for the luncheon; giving the community six different soup options. This year?s United Way Stone Soup Luncheon will be held November 13^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, West First Street in Oswego.? The menu also includes signature soups from The Press Box, Vona?s Restaurant, Canale?s Restaurant; Oswego County Country Club and Bridie Manor; fresh baked rolls from Bosco and Geers; tossed salad and dressing from Davis Brothers; coffee courtesy of Dunkin? Donuts, water from Paul?s Big M, and a custom designed cake and cookies compliments of Cake?s Galore.

United Way will be accepting a donation of $5.00 per person and those attending are urged to bring a donation of non-perishable food items. All proceeds from the event, as well as the food that is collected, will be donated to local food pantries including Human Concerns.

All proceeds from the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon, as well as the food that is collected, will be donated to local food pantries including Human Concerns Center, Catholic Charities of Oswego County, and Salvation Army of Oswego County.

Those unable to attend the luncheon but would like to donate food items may contact Tim Archer at 315-598-3980 x 253 for information on where to drop off non-perishable food donations throughout Oswego County.

Cut line for photo: Representatives of the Oswego Lions Club recently presented United Way of Greater Oswego County with a check in the amount of $1,500 in support of United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon.? The event will be held November 13^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in St. Joseph?s Parish Center, 240 West First Street in Oswego.? All proceeds from the event, as well as the food that is collected, will be donated to local food pantries.? From left are: Conlee Shannon and Eugene Batrack of American Foundry (one of the soup sponsors for the luncheon); Resource Development Director for United Way Ali McGrath, and Oswego Lions Members Karen Hammond, treasurer and Lynne Morris.

October 28th, 2014

SUNY Oswego, NY – Students from SUNY Oswego recently demonstrated their support for United Way of Greater Oswego County through their participation in the annual Walk-a-thon for United Way. More than 150 students and faculty walked through the pouring rain to assist United Way in its mission to end hunger, help youth succeed and improve the overall health and well-being of Oswego County. Organized by Vega, the Women?s Junior/Senior Honor Society, the Walk-a-thon raised $745. Above from left are Faculty Advisor for Vega and Professor and Chair of Human Development and Gerontology Minor Coordinator, Laura Hess Brown, Ph.D., and Walk-a-thon organizers and Vega members Brittni Switser and Annmarie Griffith

October 14th, 2014

Oswego, NY ? In keeping with is mission of ending hunger, helping youth succeed, and improving the overall health and well-being of our communities United Way of Greater Oswego County is doing its part to raise awareness of the food shortage in Oswego County and encourage the community to help fill the shelves of our area food pantries.? On November 13^th United Way of Greater Oswego County will hold its 9^th Annual Stone Soup Luncheon at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, 240 West First Street in Oswego.

The United Way invites community members to come together to break bread, warm their hearts, gather with friends, and enjoy a delicious lunch.? Held annually the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon helps to support food pantries throughout Oswego County.? Local pantries are finding it difficult to keep their shelves filled and are bracing for a holiday season that will prove to be especially challenging as they struggle to meet the increased demand for food subsidy in Oswego County.

According to Ali McGrath, Interim Resource Development Director for United Way of Greater Oswego County, this year?s Stone Soup Luncheon is once again receiving strong support from some of Oswego?s favorite restaurants, eateries, and grocers.

?We are fortunate to have such generous, community minded sponsors.? This year, we are pleased to announce that a new restaurant has joined us for our Stone Soup Luncheon.? The Press Box will add their famous Sausage Vegetable soup to a menu that includes signature soups from long time donors Vona?s Restaurant, and Canale?s Restaurant; Oswego County Country Club and Bridie Manor.?

McGrath added that the luncheon menu also includes fresh baked rolls from Bosco and Geers; tossed salad and dressing from Davis Brothers; coffee courtesy of Dunkin? Donuts, water from Paul?s Big M. cookies from the American Foundry and a custom designed cake compliments of Cake?s Galore.

Open to the public, the United Way Stone Soup Luncheon will be held November 13^th from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, 240 West First Street in Oswego.? United Way will be accepting a donation of $5.00 per person and those attending are urged to bring a donation of non-perishable food items. .? ?Giovanni?s Foods has gotten our food collection underway with a donation of several cases of spaghetti sauce and we hope to add much more to that with the donations we receive at our Stone Soup Luncheon,? added McGrath.

All proceeds from the United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon, as well as the food that is collected, will be donated to local food pantries including Human Concerns Center, Catholic Charities of Oswego County, and Salvation Army of Oswego County.

Those unable to attend the luncheon but would like to donate food items may contact Tim Archer at 315-598-3980 x 253 for information on where to drop off non-perishable food donations throughout Oswego County.

Cut line for photo: Committee members and sponsors for the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s 9^th Annual Stone Soup Luncheon meet to discuss plans for this year?s event.? Scheduled for Thursday November 13^th the luncheon will at held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in St. Joseph?s Parish Center, 240 West First Street in Oswego.? All proceeds from the event, as well as the food that is collected, will be donated to local food pantries.? From left are: committee members Marion Ciciarelli of Oswego Health; Ali Scanlon with son Dominic Scanlon from the Press Box; Ali McGrath and Lois Luber with the United Way of Greater Oswego County; and Aaron Thorpe of Vanguard Title and Research. Absent from photo are committee members MaryLue Ferguson and Helen Hoefer.

October 14th, 2014

Oswego, NY – One the United Way?s most generous supporters officially kicked off their in-house employee campaign with an informational and inspiring meeting where they announced their goal for the United Way?s 2014 ? 2015 Annual Campaign.

Novelis United Way employee campaign committee members and campaign coordinators Erin Nalle and Gabrielle Izard are excited about this year?s campaign and are looking forward to continuing its run of exceeding the previous year?s contributions.

?Novelis employees feel strongly about the work that United Way and its member agencies does to improve the quality of life in Oswego County,? said Nalle.? ?Many of our co-workers have their own personal stories on how a friend, a loved one, a family member, or perhaps even themselves have benefited from United Way supported programs.?

To signify the kind of impact that United Way has on the community Nalle and Izard invited representatives from a number of Oswego County human services agencies to speak with Novelis employees and to explain what their organization does and the positive results that its programs provide.

In an effort to ensure the success of their campaign Nalle and Izard have planned a number of incentives and activities to engage the employees including a chicken barbecue and a chance to win tickets to the Syracuse vs. Duke game.? ?The chance to win tickets to that intense rivalry game was a big boost to last year?s campaign and anticipate it will be so again this year,? said Izard.

Novelis? chicken barbecue, which is available to the public, will be held November 15 at Lighthouse Lanes, 295 East Albany St. in Oswego from 12:00 Noon to 4:00 p.m.? Dinners are $10.00 each and include BBQ beans, salt potatoes, roll, and dessert.? Pre-orders are available by contacting Erin Nalle at (315) 349-0237 or via e-mail at nalle@novelis.com.

?Novelis has a generous history of supporting the United Way,? added Nalle.? ?We are fortunate to work for a company that gladly gives back to its community.? United Way?s campaign slogan of ?Positive Community Impact?, and its focus on ending hunger, helping youth succeed, and improving the overall health and well-being of our communities aligns nicely with the vision we share at Novelis; building a brighter future by donating our time and sharing our good fortune to ensure a better tomorrow for generations to come.?

Cut line for photo: Supporting United Way.? Coordinators and committee members for the Novelis in-house employee campaign in support of United Way of Greater Oswego County recently met with United Way representatives to discuss the details and activities regarding their campaign.? Seated from left are: Craig Formoza, Dennis Brady, Kevin Shutt, Mark Nice, Craig Lewis, and Greg Dufore.? Standing from left are: United Way Resource Development Director Lois Luber, Warren Smith, Steve Schrecengost, Plant Manager Chris Smith, Interim United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath, Larry Ogorchock, Erin Nalle, Gabrielle Izard, and Malcolm Gabrielle

October 2nd, 2014

Fulton, NY – ?The City of Oswego and the Oswego City Fire Department continue to be faithful supporters of United Way. Their in-house campaigns to benefit United Way exemplifies their generosity and concern for those less fortunate not only in the City of Oswego, but throughout our county as well. They understand that their support of United Way is the most effective way for them to have a positive impact on their community. We are proud to count them among our valued partners as we continue our mission of ending hunger, the success of our children and youth, and the overall health and well-being of Oswego County, ? said Trexler.

Interim Resource Development Director for United Way of Greater Oswego County Ali McGrath added that in-house campaigns from businesses and organizations both large and small are always welcome and are the most convenient way for their employees to donate to United Way. ?I?m happy to meet with those interested in developing an in-house campaign for United Way at their convenience. I?m able to provide the materials they need and assist their campaign coordinator with establishing and conducting a successful in-house campaign,? said McGrath.

For more information on United Way or to establish an in-house campaign in support of United Way, contact Ali McGrath at 315-593-1900 or visit oswegounitedway.org.

Cut line for photo: Ali McGrath, interim resource development director for United Way of Greater Oswego County (c) presents representatives from the City of Oswego and Oswego Fire Firefighters? IAFF Local #126 with certificates of recognition for their in-house campaigns in support of United Way of Greater Oswego County. From left are: Department Chief C Group Jon Chawgo, Jennifer Losurdo of the Oswego City / County Youth Bureau, Oswego Mayor Tom Gillen, Ali McGrath, Oswego Fire Department Chief Jeff McCrobie, and firefighters Eric Hitchcock and Andy Rockwood.