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.

6/21/2018

Fulton, NY – The 23^rd Annual United Way of Greater Oswego County Golf Tournament is enjoying strong community support again this year as Burke?s Home Center, Fulton Savings Bank, NRG, Pathfinder Bank, Penske Logistics, and Quaker Chemical Corporation return as corporate sponsors. Joining this group is Motion Industries and NBT Bank who have also signed on as corporate sponsors.

“The presence of corporate sponsors is vital to the success of our tournament,? said United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath. ?In addition to our major sponsors, corporate sponsors and their teams carry our tournament. Their support allows us to offer our golfers additional amenities that make our golf tournament one of the most enjoyable and exciting events in the area. I also want to acknowledge GJP Italian Eatery, who as our Corporate Gift Sponsor, allows us to give an additional token of our appreciation to our corporate and major sponsors to say thank you for their support.”

The 23^rd Annual United Way tournament will be held July 9 at the Oswego Country Club. The tournament is a four-person, captain and crew format with tee times of 8:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.

Registration includes golf cart, goodie bag, breakfast, lunch with a hotdog, hamburger or Bosco?s sandwich at the turn and an award ceremony with a steak dinner after each flight courtesy of food sponsors Eagle Beverage, Kevin Riley of Planned Results, and Financial Advisor David Mirabito.

For more information on the United Way Golf Tournament, including sponsorship opportunities and team registration, visit oswegounitedway.org or contact Ali McGrath at your United Way office, 315-593-1900 x202, or via e-mail at aliunitedway@windstream.net.

Cut line for photo: United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath welcomes new corporate sponsors for this year?s United Way Golf Tournament. From left are Branch Manager, NBT Oswego Eastside Branch Jodi Crouse, NBT Commercial Banking Vice President Tom Roman, Ali McGrath, Branch Manager of Industrial Parts Distributor Motion Industries Dominick Feocco, and President of Burke?s Home Centers Chuck Handley. The tournament will be held July 9 at the Oswego Country Club. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities and team registration, visit oswegounitedway.org

6/11/2018

Fulton, NY – Resource Development Director for the United Way of Greater Oswego County Ali McGrath has announced that Burritt Motors, Exelon Generation Nine Mile Point Nuclear Station and James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant, National Grid and Novelis have signed on as major sponsors for the United Way?s Annual Golf Tournament.

?I am happy to welcome back these companies as major sponsors. It?s the support of caring companies such as these that make our golf tournament possible,? said McGrath.

The United Way Golf Tournament will be held July 9 at the prestigious Oswego Country Club.? One of the premier golf tournaments in Oswego County, the event offers businesses and community members the opportunity to enjoy a fun day of golf that benefits their local United Way and the many human services agencies that United Way supports.

The United Way Golf Tournament features a four-person team, captain and crew format and offers a choice of an 8:00 a.m. or a 2:00 p.m. tee off. Registration includes golf cart, goodie bag, breakfast, lunch with a hotdog, hamburger or Bosco?s sandwich at the turn and an award ceremony with a steak dinner after each flight courtesy of food sponsors Eagle Beverage, Kevin Riley of Planned Results, and Financial Advisor David Mirabito.

?We?re looking forward to another great tournament that all our golfers will enjoy,? said McGrath. ?There will be plenty of on-course games such as longest drive, closest to the pin, putting contests, and a chance to win an automobile with the Burritt Motors Hole-in-One contest. In addition to the on-course games there will be plenty of drawings for some great prizes, and an awards ceremony.?

Team registrations are currently filled for the morning flight but being accepted for the 2:00 p.m. flight and will be filled on a first come first served basis. Deadline for registration is June 29^th.

?The United Way golf tournament is an ideal opportunity for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels to gather with friends to enjoy a round of golf on one of Central New York?s finest courses. It?s a great day of golf for a good cause,? added McGrath.

For more information on the United Way Golf Tournament, including sponsorship opportunities and team registration, visit oswegounitedway.org or contact Ali McGrath at your United Way office, 315-593-1900 x202, or via e-mail at aliunitedway@windstream.net.

Cut line for photo: United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath meets with representatives from some of the major sponsors of this year?s United Way Golf Tournament, which will be held July 9 at the Oswego Country Club. The tournament offers tee times of 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more information regarding sponsorship opportunities and team registration, visit oswegounitedway.org or contact Ali McGrath at your United Way office, 315-593-1900, ext. 202. Above from left are Lynne Eggert of Novelis; Ali McGrath; National Grid Customer and Community Jurisdictional Manager, Walter Dengos; Kaitlyn White of Novelis, and Rich Burritt of Burritt Motors.

5/30/2018

Fulton, NY ? Staff, family, and friends of the Oswego County Department of Social Services (DSS) gathered to show their support for one of Oswego County?s most vital agencies, United Way, as they participated in the 8^th Annual DSS Spring Fling Bowl-a-Thon at Lakeview Lanes in Fulton.

?This year?s event was a tremendous success,? said John Ferry, coordinator of Child Support Enforcement at DSS.? ?Eleven teams consisting of 52 bowlers as well as several others joined to watch the fun as we raised $1,786 for our United Way!?

?We really appreciate the work John and his committee did to organize the fun event,? said United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath. ?It is the second highest total DSS has raised with its Spring Fling.?

McGrath added that the DSS Bowl-a-Thon is in addition to its workplace campaign, which raised more than $12,000 through payroll deduction and one-time donations. ?DSS employees go above and beyond. It?s gratifying to know that they recognize the work of United Way and so willing to support our efforts. We are proud to count DSS employees among our valued supporters,? said McGrath.

?United Way and their partner agencies are critical to the future success of our community,? added Ferry. ?We at DSS support United Way because we see the tremendous impact it has. Thank you to all of the teams and staff members that supported our Spring Fling Bowl-a-Thon; the DSS Hospitality Group for co-hosting and our United Way fundraising staff who helped to organize the event.? I?m very proud of the support we receive from our staff, family, & friends for this annual event!”

Awards at the event were presented to team Alley Cats and team Nutter Gutters, which shared the Team Spirit Award and Gutterly Ridiculous for most money raised by a team, $325. Kathy Verdoliva was the winner of the 50/50 drawing.

Cut line for photo: Staff and friends of the Oswego County Department of Social Services (DSS) raised more than $1786 in support of one of Oswego County?s most vital agencies, United Way, as they participated in the 8^th Annual DSS Spring Fling Bowl-a-Thon at Lakeview Lanes in Fulton. Shown here seated are Committee Members Meghan Rose-Trenca, and Candice Hutchinson. Standing from left are DSS Coordinator of Child Support Enforcement John Ferry, Committee Member Maggie Burtch, and United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath. Absent from photo are Committee Members Maria Burnswick and Jennifer Patrick.

5/9/2018

Fulton, NY ? United Way of Greater Oswego County welcomes GJP Italian Eatery Oswego as a corporate gift sponsor for its 23^rd Annual Golf Tournament. ?GJP is a strong supporter of United Way,? said United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath. ?We?re pleased that once again GJP has chosen to support our golf tournament. Their generous donation will help us fill the ?goody bags? for the more than 40 plus teams that participate in the tournament as well as major and corporate gifts. We greatly appreciate the support we receive from caring businesses such as GJP Italian Eatery. Without their generosity our golf tournament would not be possible.?

The 23^rd Annual United Way of Greater Oswego County Golf Tournament features a 4-person team captain and crew format and will be held July 9 at the Oswego Country Club. Major sponsors for the event include Burritt Motors, Exelon Generation, National Grid, and Novelis. The tournament will offer tee times of 8:00 a.m., which includes breakfast and lunch, and 2:00 p.m., which offers lunch and dinner. Registration forms are now available at oswegounitedway.org. Corporate sponsorship and registration is available beginning at $750. Information regarding sponsorship opportunities for businesses and organizations wishing to be involved with the United Way Golf Tournament is also available on the website. ?For more details regarding team registration, please contact Ali McGrath at your United Way office, 315-593-1900, ext. 202. Above are Larry Miller (l) of GJP Pizza and United Way Executive Director Patrick Dewine.

3/23/2018

Fulton, NY ? Committee members for the United Way of Greater Oswego County Stone Soup Too Luncheon have announced that the menu is set for this year?s luncheon.

Hosted by Holy Trinity Parish, 309 Buffalo Street in Fulton, the United Way Stone Soup Too Luncheon will be held April 10 from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.? The luncheon helps to raise awareness of hunger in Oswego County and encourage community members to help fill the shelves of local food pantries.

?Thanks to the efforts of our committee members and the generosity of our local businesses we have put together a menu featuring signature soups from several of Fulton?s favorite restaurants; including Blue Moon Grill?s cream of broccoli soup along with favorites from Mimi?s Drive-In, The Foursome Diner, and The Lock Restaurant,? said United Way Resource Development Director Ali McGrath.

In addition to the soups the Stone Soup Too menu includes ?Boxes of Joe? from Dunkin? Donuts; salad fixings from C?s Farms & Davis Brothers; rolls and butter from Red Baron; water from Kinney?s Drugs; and tasty treats from Kathy?s Cakes for dessert. An assortment of canned soups donated by Top?s Friendly Market will be displayed as centerpieces, and will then be included in the donation of nonperishable food items.

?Over the years we?ve received tremendous support for our Stone Soup Too luncheons. The results of our luncheon have a positive impact on food pantries throughout Oswego County. It?s a challenge for our food pantries to keep its shelves filled and meet the demand for food subsidy in Oswego County.? The food collected, and the money raised at our ?Stone Soup Too? Luncheon will assist them in meeting that challenge. I encourage community member to join us for great food and fellowship for a great cause; ending hunger in Oswego County,? said McGrath.

The Stone Soup Too Luncheon is open to the public. United Way will be accepting donations of $5 per person at the door and attendees are encouraged to please bring a donation of non-perishable food items. There will also be a number of drawings and door prizes during the luncheon.? All proceeds and food donations from the luncheon will be used to support area food pantries including Catholic Charities of Oswego County, Salvation Army of Oswego County, and the Hannibal Resource Center Food Pantry.

For more information contact your United Way office at 315-593-1900 or visit oswegounitedway.org?

Cut line for photo: United Way of Greater Oswego County Resource Development Director Ali McGrath (l) meets with Kathy of Kathy?s Cakes in preparation for United Way?s ?Stone Soup Too? Luncheon.? Kathy?s Cakes will be providing a dessert tray for the luncheon. To be held April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Holy Trinity Parish, 309 Buffalo Street in Fulton. ?United Way?s Stone Soup Too luncheon serves as a fundraiser for food pantries throughout Oswego County.

3/15/2018

Fulton, NY ? United Way of Greater Oswego County recently recognized Burritt Motors of Oswego with its Spirit of Community Award at the organization?s Salute to Volunteers and Leadership Giving Luncheon held recently at The American Foundry in Oswego. ?The award is presented to an organization or individual that demonstrates a strong commitment to improving the quality of life in Oswego County.

?Burritt Motors began its relationship with United Way of Greater Oswego County in 2001 as the Hole In One sponsor for our golf tournament,? said Clark Stanton, president of the United Way Board of Directors. “Since that time Burritt Motors has increased its level of support and has donated more than $40,000 that has directly impacted people in Oswego County in need.? This past spring Rich Burritt, his wife Brittanee, and his employees brought their compassion and energy to a new level.? They gathered resources and volunteers and worked tirelessly as they transformed an overgrown yard and a rundown barn into a landscaped haven for residents of a Minetto group home. It is this idealism that makes Rich Burritt and Burritt Motors the recipient of United Way?s Spirit of Community Award.?

?We are humbled to accept this award,? said Burritt. ?It is a privilege to be able to provide for our community and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with United Way in the years ahead.?

Cut line for photo: Burritt Motors of Oswego was honored with the United Way of Greater Oswego County?s Spirit of Community Award at the United Way?s Annual Meeting. Above seated from left are Brenda Burritt, Chris Burritt, Rich Burritt, and Cheryl Camp. Standing from left are United Way Board President Clark Stanton of Oswego Valley Insurance Agencies, United Way Board Member Rob Rolfe of Harmony Financial Services, Burritt Motors employees Justin Taber, Chris Owen, Mike DeForge, John Yard, and United Way Executive Director Patrick Dewine.