United Way
United Way of the Valley
 and Greater Utica Area
SUMMER 2017 NEWSLETTER CONTENTS

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Fueling it Forward for United Way

Cliff's Pumps United
Wednesday, June 21, 10am-6pm

United Way community partner Cliff's Local Market is generously hosting United Way volunteers for the first ever "Cliff's Pumps United" fundraising event.

Volunteers will pump your gas and wash your windshields for tips at three Cliff's Local Market locations from 10am-6pm on Wed, June 21:

* Cliff's Local Market, 4862 Commercial Drive, New York Mills
* Cliff's Local Market, 430 Mohawk Street, Herkimer
* Cliff's Local Market, 7481 State Route 5, Clinton (Kirkland)

A warm bed, a meal at the end of the day, or transportation to a medical appointment - all things that some may take for granted, yet can be monumental to those without. While a small tip may not seem like much, they can add up to make a big difference!

All proceeds will benefit United Way!
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
(Each opportunity includes 8 volunteer spots)
For more info call 315-733-4691, ext 226, or email [email protected]
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United Way Names New Board President and
Vice President; Welcomes New Board Members

At our annual meeting held May 25, our board of directors voted to elect a new board president and vice president, and to add two new directors.

"We are grateful to these community leaders who have made a commitment to help lead our local United Way so we can effectively address our community's pressing issues in education, health, financial stability, and basic needs" said Brenda Episcopo, United Way Executive Director.

Dr. Cathleen McColgin, president at Herkimer County Community College, was named board president. William Perrotti, a local community advocate, was named board vice president. Both will serve a one-year term ending June 2018.

The board voted to add two new directors both to serve a three-year term ending June 2020. They are Gilbert Palladino, community advocate, and Kimberly A. VanDuren, principal at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Utica.

Returning directors are Amber J. Clarke, Bank of New York Mellon; Erin M. Bushinger, Assured Information Security, Inc.; Frank L. DiLorenzo, Community Advocate; Gregory M. Morra, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Matthew A. Nicholl, Berkshire Bank; Jackie Romano, The Fountainhead Group; Edward M. Barone, III; Felix Cano, Berkshire Bank; Patrick J. Costello, IBEW Local 43; John H. Hobika, Jr. CLTC, M & T Securities, Inc.; Maimun N. Khan, MV Community College; Mark S. Lewandrowski, Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc.; Stephen T. Surace, Adjusters International; Eve Van de Wal; Excellus BC/BS Utica Region.

The board thanked outgoing directors Donald Carbone and Burt Danovitz, Ph.D.
Interested in Leadership Level Volunteer Opportunities?
Call 315-733-4691, ext 226, or email [email protected]
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Pin-up Challenge Winner

Pin-Up Challenge Winner CrossFit Utica!

Our first ever Pin-up Program Challenge wrapped up last month. Thanks to the support of some very generous local businesses over $2,800 was raised!
 
Now for the fun part!
The business that raised the most money and the winner of our first ever Pin-up Program Challenge is...
 
CrossFit Utica!!! These folks raised $610! Congratulations and thank you to Anthony and team!

"At CrossFit Utica we are always looking at ways to help and contribute to a better Utica, so teaming up with United Way was a no brainer, said Anthony Mucurio, owner of CrossFit Utica. "CrossFit at its core is all about building relationships and a sense of community. We wanted to do our part to help so United Way can offer programs that will directly impact the Utica area in a positive way."

Thank you to the following AMAZING local businesses for your participation: Barks on the Boulevard, Bella's Event Planning, CrossFit Utica, DDS MOTOR SPORTS, Endless Summer Tanning & Beauty Salon, The Fountainhead Group, Inc., Gentlemen's Corner Barber Shop, McQuade & Bannigan, Inc., CrossFit MohawkValley, Pizza Boys, Retro Fitness of Yorkville, NY, Riverside Diner, Seneca Wine and Liquor, The Indigo Tree, Valley Wine and Liquor, Woodland Farm Brewery, The Treehouse Reading and Arts Center, Sweet Escape Chocolate Lounge, and So Sweet Candy Cafe.

The tremendous spirt and compassion for our community of these local businesses allowed us to exceeded our goal for the Pin-up Program Challenge and has moved us one step closer to closing our fundraising gap!
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Young Leaders United Recruiting Committee Members

This unique and dynamic committee offers members opportunities to personally contribute towards improving lives and making an impact in our community through volunteer and fundraising events.

Committee membership application deadline is Tues., June 16.

Visit www.unitedwayvgu.org/YLU for more info and to download your application.
Please share this message with your colleagues and friends!
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Baseball Glove Drive with the Utica Blue Sox


For the month of June, donate a new baseball glove at any Utica Blue Sox home game and receive FREE ADMISSION!

Gloves will be donated to youth who participate in United Way funded programs.

Questions? Call 315-733-4691, ext 226, or email [email protected].

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Corelife United Way Fundraiser Night

Click for flyer!
Corelife Pay at the Door Fundraiser Night
4517 Commercial Dr., New Hartford
Friday, June 23, 7-9pm

$10 buys all-you-can-eat (one entree at a time, dine in only).

50% of proceeds will be donated to United Way's work ensuring people in the Valley and Greater Utica area have the education, support and outreach to achieve a healthy life!
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Volunteer & Event Highlights

United Way Celebrates its 95th Campaign and Honors Supporters

More than 130 energetic volunteers, donors, advocates, agency and community partners, and staff gathered at Daniele's Banquet Specialists to celebrate the community's generosity in supporting United Way's 95th Annual Campaign. This event recognized individuals, companies, and organizations throughout Herkimer and Oneida Counties that conducted outstanding workplace campaigns in 2016, as well as volunteers and donors that went above and beyond. 

Recognized for their hard work throughout the 2016 Campaign were Cabinet members; United Way's most prestigious volunteer committee, and are the backbone of the fundraising efforts of United Way. This year's Campaign Cabinet included Jackie Romano; Bill Rabbia; Paul Romano; Sarah Westfall; Dawn Grubbins; Mike Spina; Edward Barone; Paul Deep; Melissa Arcuri; Jennifer Hagen; Andrew Gehrig; Gabrielle Waisblatt; Melanie Kekis; Bruce Karam; Sandy Paddock; Rose Grimaldi; Jordan Karp; Brian Reese; Dr. Aymme Belen; Keith Eisenhut; Father Drobin; and Enesa Sabanagic.

"We're all here tonight to celebrate our fundraising success. That success isn't about the money we raised - it's the difference we make. We are committed to ensuring your donations are put to the most efficient and effective use, meeting our community's greatest needs," said Brenda Episcopo, United Way Executive Director. "With the dedication of United Way volunteers and donors, this year we are on track to raise more than $2 million dollars."

Get Fit for United Way with Young Leaders United and host
Total Body Fitness


On Saturday, May 20, members of Young Leaders United teamed up with local fitness center and gym Total Body Fitness for a fundraising event to benefit United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area. 

Over $700 was raised from entrance fees and raffle ticket sales. 100% of funds raised will benefit United Way's work ensuring people in the Valley and Greater Utica area have the education and support to achieve a healthy life. Additionally, Total Body Fitness donated its fitness center and gym space and all staff needed to run the classes offered during the event. 

"Having a presence in a small community makes a larger impact," said Total Body Fitness owner Bryan Ozog. "It's important for us to do as much as we can to give back. We have been making an effort to step in more in supporting the community that supports us." 

The event featured a selection of 45-minute classes suitable for all level of fitness including Pound, SPIN, Zumba, CrossFit, TRX, and Yoga. Attendees had the option to participated in one class or as many classes as they chose, or to utilize an open gym session. Attendees were given the opportunity to win one of 12 raffle baskets containing many generously donated local items, and enjoy vendors including CoreLife Eatery, New Attitude Salon and Wellness Spa, and DoTerra Essential Oils. 

"Get Fit for United Way was a really fun event," said Young Leaders United member, and Events Taskforce Chair, Julie Hall. "We can't thank Total Body Fitness enough for supporting an important cause, and helping bring like-minded people together to give back!"
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Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Day of Action (Herkimer County) - Monday, June 19
This annual day of service brings people together to help make an impact in our local neighborhoods. Set during the work week, many companies allow employees to utilize work time to volunteer for this one day. This year, volunteers will create fitness activity trails on the walking paths along the Hydraulic Canal Greenway in Herkimer. 
Sponsorships available and volunteers needed.

Cliff's Pumps United - Wednesday, June 21
United Way and Clifford Fuel are partnering in June to allow volunteer groups to pump gas for customers at three Cliff's Local Market locations. Volunteers will earn tips which will be donated to United Way. Volunteer groups will compete for the most tips collected to win a traveling trophy.
Sponsorships available and volunteer groups needed.


Boilermaker Pasta Buffet - Saturday, July 8
For 18 years Boilermaker volunteers have organized a pasta buffet fundraiser for United Way at the Boilermaker Road Race Expo. The event offers runners and their families pasta dinners with proceeds going to United Way. Volunteers are needed to help promote the event throughout the day on Friday at MVCC leading up to Saturday's Pasta Buffet.  Volunteers needed.


Day of Action - Tuesday, August 22
This annual day of service in our community brings people together to help make an impact in our local neighborhoods. Set during the work week, many companies allow employees to utilize work time to volunteer for this one day. This event changes each year.  Sponsorships available and volunteers needed.


9/11 Day of Service - Friday, Sept 8 (Tentative)
United Way volunteers partner with Mohawk Valley Regional Volunteer Center to collect, sort, and disseminate food to local veterans and food pantries. In recent years, volunteers have assisted with placing and removing more than 400 flags on the Memorial Parkway, Utica in remembrance  of first responders killed on 9/11.
Volunteers needed.
To learn more about volunteering as an individual or group, or sponsoring one of United Way's upcoming events, contact Keri Kane, Volunteer and Events Coordinator at 315-733-4691, ext 226, or email 

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United Way Staff

Brenda E. Episcopo
CEO/Executive Director

Kristyn Bucciero
Director of Development & Marketing

Sandra Hoyland
Director of Finance

Director of Community Impact

Sandy Allbright
Resource Development Coordinator

Betty-Joan Beaudry
2-1-1 Mid-York Liaison
Executive Administrative Assistant

Melissa Arcuri
Community Investment Coordinator

Dawn Potter
Finance Assistant

Keri Kane
Volunteer & Event Coordinator

Marketing & Communications Manager

Campaign Coordinator

Family School Coordinator, Remsen

Family School Coordinator, CVA

Finance Assistant

Jill Conley
ESPRI Admin. Assistant

Ke'Airah Parker
ESPRI Outreach Asst.
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