12/26/2018

Oswego, NY  Bob Dexter was recently announced the winner of the United Way of Greater Oswego County’s drawing for a stunning diamond ring.

The 14 karat white gold ring valued at $1,800 was generously donated by DuFore Jewelers in Oswego. The local business has been an active supporter of the United Way for many years, with the Christmas Eve raffle drawing a longstanding tradition many locals look forward to.

United Way Resource Development Director Lexie Wallace said this year’s raffle generated a record high in ticket sales, raising more than $3,200 to support the United Way’s Annual Campaign.

“We cannot thank DuFore Jewelers enough for continuing to support the United Way’s mission of ending hunger, building successful youth, and ensuring wellness throughout Oswego County,” said Wallace. “This partnership is truly a shining example of what can be accomplished when we live united.”

To learn more about the United Way of Greater Oswego County and the 31 local programs it helps fund, visit oswegounitedway.org or www.facebook.com/OswegoUnitedWay

12/7/2018

Fulton, NY ? Excellus BlueCross BlueShield recently boosted the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Annual Campaign by donating $3,500 to support health and wellbeing across the county.

United Way Executive Director Patrick Dewine recently met with Excellus BlueCross BlueShield Regional President Jim Reed to discuss the United Way?s Ensuring Wellness impact area and the positive effect it has on programs such as Farnham Family Services Prevention and Treatment services, and the YMCA Oswego Active Older Adults Program. Last year alone, the United Way?s funded programs assisted more than 13,800 people in accessing the tools needed for overall wellbeing.

?Excellus BlueCross BlueShield continues to be among our elite Admiral Society donors,? said Dewine. ?Their generous support helps make it possible for us to continue achieving results for our three impact areas of ending hunger, building successful youth, and ensuring wellness throughout our county.?

“Excellus BlueCross BlueShield is pleased to join other area organizations in supporting the United Way of Greater Oswego County,” said Reed. “As Central New York’s largest nonprofit health plan, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield strives to partner with organizations that work to improve the health and health care of the residents of the communities it serves. We are pleased to work with the United Way of Greater Oswego County in furthering our common goals and ensuring a strong and vibrant community in Oswego County.”

To learn more about the 31 programs funded by the United Way of Greater Oswego County, visit oswegounitedway.org, or find the organization on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/oswegounitedway/

12/6/2018

Oswego, NY ? Members of the SUNY Oswego community recently presented the United Way of Greater Oswego County with a donation of nonperishable food items and toys collected during the Men?s and Women?s ice hockey games held Nov. 30.

As part of this annual tradition of giving, spectators were encouraged to bring donations to the Friday games to support the United Way?s impact area of ending hunger across Oswego County. Last year alone, United Way funded agencies provided more than 150,000 meals throughout the county. This year the many boxes of collected food items were shared between the Human Concerns Center and The Salvation Army of Oswego County.

On hand to present the donations were members of both hockey teams and representatives from the SUNY Oswego SEFA United Way Campaign Committee, which hosts multiple fundraisers throughout the year to support the work of the United Way.

?We are thankful for everyone who donated food and toys at both hockey games,? said Lexie Wallace, United Way resource development director. ?We are also grateful for the year-round support we receive from the SUNY Oswego community. Whether it?s their athletic department holding a food drive or the SEFA Committee putting on a special event, their support truly helps to make a difference in our community.?

SUNY Oswego will continue giving back to the community by hosting the Holiday Skate with the Lakers from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 9. The annual event is held in the Marano Campus Center and features holiday music, a visit from Santa Claus, a hockey jersey raffle, and concessions provided by Auxiliary Services. Admission is $3 per person, and skates can be rented for an additional $3 fee.

Funds raised by the annual Holiday Skate with the Lakers will benefit the United Way of Greater Oswego County. To learn more about the local United Way and the 31 programs it helps fund, visit oswegounitedway.org.

For more information about the SUNY Oswego SEFA Campaign, visit https://www.oswego.edu/sefa/

12/3/2018

Fulton, NY ? Four local businesses

recently took part in a countywide Giving Thanks, Giving Back initiative by donating a percentage of their sales from Nov. 21 to the United Way of Greater Oswego County.

Barado?s on the Water in Central Square, Damiano?s Eatery in Mexico, Gibby?s Irish Pub in Oswego, and Fajita Grill locations in both Fulton and Oswego collectively raised more than $1,100 dollars to support the United Way?s mission of ending hunger, supporting children and youth, and ensuring wellness across Oswego County.

Lexie Wallace, United Way resource development director, said they were thrilled with the level of participation seen during the inaugural year of Giving Thanks, Giving Back.

?This event was a true illustration of what can be accomplished when we live united,? said Wallace. ?We are so grateful that these community champions joined us to make a difference in our county.?

According to Wallace, the United Way hopes to make Giving Thanks, Giving Back an annual event that community members can look forward to.

?We hope to see this initiative grow in the coming years,? she said, adding they plan to continue holding the event on the day before Thanksgiving to make it easy for locals to give back at the start of the holiday season.

?The timing of Giving Thanks, Giving Back was intentional,? said Wallace. ?We chose the day before Thanksgiving so people who are home visiting family for the holiday have the opportunity to give back to their hometown while supporting local establishments.?

All funds raised by Giving Thanks, Giving Back go toward the United Way?s Annual Campaign. The United Way touches the lives of all ages in all corners of Oswego County by providing funding to 31 programs run by 20 different nonprofit agencies. To learn more about the United Way of Greater Oswego County, visit oswegounitedway.org or call 315-593-1900.

11/2/2018

Oswego, NY ? The Oswego Lions Club recently showed its commitment to supporting the local community by contributing $1,000 to help the United Way of Greater Oswego County fight hunger.

The donation went toward the United Way?s annual Stone Soup Luncheon held on Oct. 30 at St. Joseph?s Parish Center. Each year the event brings together area businesses and community members to collect monetary and nonperishable food donations which are used to fill the shelves of local pantries as the holiday season quickly approaches.

?We are extremely thankful for the continued support of the Oswego Lions Club,? said Lexie Wallace, United Way resource development director. ?Over the years they have given thousands of dollars to food pantries throughout Oswego County, allowing agencies to provide nutritious meals to countless families in need.?

Wallace said the sponsorship from the Lions Club, combined with donations collected from event attendees, resulted in hundreds of dollars and boxes of nonperishable food items going to three local pantries: the Human Concerns Center, Catholic Charities of Oswego County, and Salvation Army of Oswego County.

Along with the contribution from the Lions Club, Wallace said the day would not have been possible without help from generous local businesses and teams of dedicated volunteers.

?We are grateful for the many local businesses that stepped up to provide soup and sides for the event,? said Wallace. ?We were also fortunate to have groups of volunteers from Novelis and the SUNY Oswego Women?s Hockey Team who helped with everything from setup and salad prep to sorting nonperishable food donations and serving soup. I think this event really showcased how much can be accomplished when people come together for a shared cause.?

Ending hunger in Oswego County is one of the United Way?s three main target areas. To learn more about the organization and find updates about future events, visit oswegounitedway.org.

Cut line for photo: The Oswego Lions Club assisted the United Way of Greater Oswego County in fighting hunger by providing a $1,000 check in support of the recent Stone Soup Luncheon. United Way Resource Development Director Lexie Wallace, pictured at left, recently attended a Lions Club meeting to thank the group for its continued support.

11/2/2018

Oswego, NY ? DuFore?s Jewelers is once again serving as a shining example of a community-minded small business by continuing the annual tradition of donating a diamond ring to be raffled in support of the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Annual Campaign.

This year?s diamond ring is 14 karat white gold with a .5 karat center stone and eight side diamonds. The ring is currently on display at DuFore?s Jewelers, 94 West Second Street in Oswego.

?I?m not sure which is more dazzling, this year?s ring or the continued generosity from DuFore?s,? said Lexie Wallace, United Way resource development director. ?The unwavering support we receive from local small businesses is incredible. It takes an entire community working together to create positive change, and I believe we have that level of dedication here in Oswego County.?

This year?s diamond ring is valued at $1,800, but locals can take a chance on winning the ring for as little as $1 per raffle ticket or $5 for six tickets. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit the United Way?s mission of ending hunger, supporting children and youth, and ensuring wellness throughout Oswego County.

Tickets are available at DuFore?s Jewelers, the United Way office located inside the Community Bank building at 1 South First Street in Fulton, and from United Way staff and board members. The winning ticket will be drawn at noon on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24.

For more information, visit the United Way?s website at oswegounitedway.org or call the office at 315-593-1900.

Cut line for photo: United Way of Greater Oswego County Resource Development Director Lexie Wallace displays the $1,800 diamond ring recently donated by Dufore?s Jewelers in Oswego. The ring features a .5 karat center diamond with eight side diamonds and will be given to one lucky winner through a raffle in support of the United Way?s Annual Campaign. Tickets are available now at DuFore’s Jewelers located at 94 West Second Street in Oswego, the United Way office in the Community Bank building at 1 South First Street in Fulton, and from United Way staff and board members. The diamond ring will be on display at DuFore?s Jewelers throughout the holiday season. Pictured from left are Greg DuFore, Wallace, and Mark DuFore.

10/12/2018

Oswego, NY ? The United Way of Greater Oswego County will hold the 13th annual Stone Soup Luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 30, at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, 240 W. First Street in Oswego, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

The Stone Soup Luncheon began as a social event to bring together individuals, agencies, and businesses in an effort to increase awareness around hunger in Oswego County. Over the years it has transformed into a fundraiser and food drive that local agencies rely on.

Lexie Wallace, United Way resource development director, said all profits and nonperishable food donations from the event will be divided between local pantries that provide food for thousands of hungry individuals.

?We are asking people to come together to help end hunger,? said Wallace. ?We hope this event will shine a light on the very real issue of food insecurity in our county, and will generate resources to support agencies that are providing food to families in need.?

Deacon Nick Alvaro has seen the need for increased food access first hand through his work with the parishes of St. Joseph and St. Stephen the King. He said even with local pantries distributing thousands of meals, hunger is still a pressing issue in Oswego County.

?Even with the great work done by the Human Concerns Pantry and other local agencies, there is still more need,? said Alvaro.

The menu for United Way?s Stone Soup Luncheon will feature several varieties of soups donated by local restaurants, along with salad, rolls, and dessert from area businesses.

?The amount of community support for this event has been unbelievable,? said Wallace. ?We truly appreciate how many local businesses have stepped up to make this luncheon possible, and how many volunteers have offered their time to make the day a success.?

The United Way will be accepting a donation of $5 per person, and those attending are urged to bring a donation of nonperishable food items. Those unable to attend the event who would still like to make a donation may call the United Way of Greater Oswego County at 315-593-1900. For more information, visit oswegounitedway.org.

Photo Caption: United Way of Greater Oswego County will host the 13th annual Stone Soup Luncheon on Oct. 30 at St. Joseph?s Parish Center, 240 W. First Street in Oswego. Pictured above, Deacon Nick Alvaro and United Way Resource Development Director Lexie Wallace recently met to discuss plans for the event. All profits and nonperishable food items donated will be distributed to local food pantries.

8/22/2018

Fulton, NY ? The Rural Health Network of Oswego County, a consortium of health care providers and human service providers in Oswego County, recently provided United Way of Greater Oswego County with a donation of $2,500 in support of United Way?s Stuff-A-Bus program.

?The Stuff-A-Bus campaign?s efforts to reduce disparities for Oswego County residents is directly in line with the mission of the Rural Health Network (RHN), which is to facilitate partnerships and planning that contribute to a healthy and thriving Oswego County,? said RHN Coordinator Leanna Cleveland.

?The Stuff-A-Bus campaign provides relief to families who may struggle to afford school supplies. It builds a sense of community and demonstrates how we can lift each other up and help one another in Oswego County. By providing families with these supplies the RHN hopes to allow families the opportunity to focus on health and wellness rather than become consumed with the worry of how to afford school supplies. We are dedicated to closely examining social determinants of health and finding ways to address them to contribute to a healthy and thriving community.?

United Way Executive Director Patrick Dewine said he is grateful for the donation which will aid the Stuff-A-Bus campaign in filling the need for more expensive items.

?Our community does a tremendous job in donating so many school supplies but there is always a gap for items such as calculators and backpacks. After sharing that with Leanna the RHN decided to assist us in that area.?

?Students know when they have different items than their classmates,? said Cleveland. ?In considering the mental and emotional health of students it was important to the Rural Health Network to provide all students with the same opportunities across the board. We can provide students with pens, pencils, highlighters, etc., but if they don?t have a backpack to carry them in students are still ?othered? in a way that can affect students tremendously.?

?The work that United Way does for Oswego County is imperative to the health and wellbeing of our community. United Way touches so many lives both directly and indirectly through their initiatives. They are a great community partner of Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) and The Rural Health Network.?

Operating under the auspices of OCO the members of the Rural Health Network work together to take a collaborative approach to addressing major health issues in Oswego County.? For more information on the Rural Health Network of Oswego visit the Rural Health Network (RHN) pages on the OCO website at www.oco.org.

Cut line for photo: Rural Health Network of Oswego County Director Leanna Cleveland presents United Way of Greater Oswego County Executive Director Patrick Dewine with a check for $2,500 in support of United Way?s Stuff-A-Bus campaign. Held annually the Stuff-A-Bus campaign collects school supplies for distribution to economically disadvantaged children throughout Oswego County so that they may have the necessary supplies to successfully begin the school year.

8/22/2018

Fulton, NY – United Way of Greater Oswego County Executive Director Patrick Dewine has announced that Lexie Wallace has been chosen as the agency?s director of resource development. ?A native of Skaneateles, Wallace holds a bachelor?s degree in communication from Nazareth College and a master?s degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University.

Wallace, who most recently worked as a reporter for The Valley News, has spent several years working with non-profit agencies. She had previously worked with New Hampshire Catholic Charities through the AmeriCorps VISTA program and was the community engagement coordinator for the Syracuse Northeast Community Center. She is excited about joining United Way and the opportunity to work with a non-profit organization.

?When I was growing up I volunteered at a soup kitchen,? said Wallace. ?Seeing that need first hand left an impression on me. It?s a good feeling to know that now in my professional life I am able to once again help fill that need.?

Wallace became familiar with United Way during her tenure at the Syracuse Northeast Community Center where she was involved with two of the Community Center?s programs that received funding from the United Way of Central New York, its Basic Needs Pantry and Senior Day Center.

?That funding was essential to those programs,? said Wallace. ?As the one speaking on the Community Center?s behalf to encourage donations to the United Way, I was able to share how impactful United Way can be and the positive difference it makes.?

As resource development director Wallace will take the lead on the United Way?s Annual Campaign, its Golf Tournament, and Stone Soup Luncheons. Additionally, she will be working with the United Way campaign cabinet as well as campaign coordinators to ensure successful in-house company campaigns.

?We are pleased to welcome Lexie as part of our team,? said Dewine. “Her background in communication combined with her work experience and knowledge of non-profits will prove to be a tremendous asset to United Way.?

?I?m excited about my role at United Way,? said Wallace. ?Supporting my community is important to me, and strengthening the pillars that United Way focuses on – ending hunger, helping youth succeed, and improving the community?s overall well-being – is a perfect way to do so.?

7/12/2018

Fulton, NY ? Sunny skies and warm weather greeted golfers for the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Annual Golf Tournament.? Held at the Oswego Country Club the tournament featured two complete tournaments; a morning flight and an afternoon flight.

The team from Exelon Generation carded an impressive 14 under score of 57 to capture first place in the morning flight by just one stroke over the Eagle Beverage team that finished second with a score of 58.

Top individual performers in the morning flight were:

• Closest to the Pin hole #4: Phil Langlois / Deana Masuicca
• Closest to the Pin hole #12: Jeff Dewey / Deana Masuicca
• Longest Drive: Eric Davies / Tina Creso
• The Par-K Chrysler Jeep team won the putting contest with a score of 151

Skins winners in the morning flight included Eagle Beverage, team 2 on holes #8 and #15, the AAPEX team on hole #8 and the Key Bank team on Hole #15.

Burritt Motors team captured first place in the afternoon flight with an impressive score of 58. Team TuPuc262 shot 62 to finish second.

Top individual performers in the afternoon flight were:

• Closest to the Pin hole #4 Don Ciciarelli / Heather Bush
• Closest to the Pin hole #12 Brian Daley
• Longest Drive Mike Pappa / Jocena Cook
• The Financial Partners team won the putting contest with a score of 203

Skins winners in the second flight included the Community Bank team on hole #1 and the Huhtamaki team on hole #2. Both teams donated their winnings to United Way.

?It was a perfect day for golf,? said United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath.? ?Our planning committee, under the leadership of Chairperson John Nelson, did a great job making sure the event went smoothly and that everyone involved from our golfers to our volunteers enjoyed the day.? The success of our golf tournament plays an important role in helping United Way fund human services programs that have a positive effect on our efforts to end hunger, help children and youth succeed and improve the overall health and well-being of our communities.?

?I extend a sincere thank you to our major sponsors; Burritt Motors, Exelon Generation Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station and James A. Fitzpatrick Plant, National Grid, and Novelis; well as our corporate sponsors; Burke?s Home Center, Fulton Savings Bank, NRG, Pathfinder Bank, Dave Mirabito with Financial Partners, Penske Logistics, Quaker Chemical, NBT, and Motion Industries, and our food and beverage sponsors;

Eagle Beverage, Bosco?s Food Market, the Beacon Hotel, Frito-Lay, Pepsi Beverages Co., Kinney Drugs Foundation, and Planned Results. We are very appreciative of their support and their commitment to United Way,” added McGrath.

Cut line for Burritt Team Photo:? The Burritt Motors team carded a 58 to capture first place in the afternoon flight of the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Annual Golf Tournament held recently at the Oswego Country Club.? Pictured from above are team members Allen Occhino, Jesse Eckhard, Rich Burritt, and Ryan Hawthorne. Major sponsors for the United Way Golf Tournament included Burritt Motors, Exelon Generation Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station and James A. Fitzpatrick Plant, National Grid, and Novelis.

Cut line for Exelon Team Photo:? The Exelon Generation team carded a 57 to capture first place in the morning flight of the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Annual Golf Tournament held recently at the Oswego Country Club.? Pictured from above are team members Jeremy Kerling, Joe Benzing, Eric Davies, and Shawn Baldwin. Major sponsors for the United Way Golf Tournament included Burritt Motors, Exelon Generation Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station and James A. Fitzpatrick Plant, National Grid, and Novelis.