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Save the Date! 15th Annual United Way Tailgate Party
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Go the Extra Yard for United Way!
Join hosts Assemblyman Marc Butler, and Rocky and Barb Fiato, owners of the Waterfront Grille for the 15th Annual United Way Tailgate Party on NFL Championship Sunday!
This year, tailgaters will enjoy one complimentary beverage, delicious all-you-can-eat food, plenty of televisions to watch their favorite team, and the chance to win prizes donated by local businesses - all while supporting United Way!
WHEN: Sunday, January 21, 2018, 2-6pm
WHERE: Waterfront Grille, 800 Mohawk Street, Herkimer
COST: $25 per person at door
All proceeds from this event will benefit United Way!
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United Way Names New Board President and Vice President; Welcomes New Board Members
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At United Way's annual meeting, Dr. Cathleen McColgin, president at Herkimer College, was named board president. William Perrotti, a local community advocate, was named board vice president. The board also appointed two new directors. They are Gilbert Palladino, community advocate, and Kimberly A. VanDuren, principal at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School in Utica.
Last month, Tiffany F. Stefanski, Hartford Insurance Senior Middle Market Sales Underwriter, was appointed to United Way's board of directors.
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Interested in Leadership Level Volunteer Opportunities?
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Utica ESPRI Town Hall Meeting
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On Thursday, December 7 at Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School, Utica Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI) held a Town Hall Meeting.
At the meeting, 200 attendees took part in casting their vote for five projects identified during the first phase of Utica ESPRI.
Open to all community residents, the meeting was a culmination of a year's worth of focus groups, workgroups, and one-on-one interviews all aimed at identifying barriers that prevent people from moving out of poverty, available assets and resources, and prioritizing recommendations for projects needed to assist in eliminating those barriers.
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Great Community Challenge Prize Winners
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We are pleased to announce the Great Community Challenge (GCC) Prize winners for October and November:
October Winner Hailey Hutchinson gives to United Way through her workplace TOPS Friendly Markets in Boonville.
November Winner James Collins gives to United Way through his workplace
Indium Corporation.
Both Hailey and James won a three-month Retro Fitness membership, $100 Chanatry's gift card and $50 Cliff's Local Market gift card.
What is the GCC?
For the fifth year, United Way's GCC runs in conjunction with the annual campaign. This "step up" incentive encourages individuals to increase their gift to United Way by just $1 per week - $52 annually. The GCC runs August 1, 2016 through January 5, 2018.
New this year...
United Way is awarding monthly prizes in October, November and December 2017
valued at over $300, and a grand prize in January 2018 valued at over $1,500.
There is still time to make your pledge for a chance to win December and January's prize drawings... Start giving to United Way's community fund for the first time, or increase your gift by just $1 per week ($52 annually), check the entry box on your pledge form, and you will be automatically entered to win!
Learn more >>
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Learn more about instituting a United Way
fundraising campaign at your workplace!
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Make Sure Your Gift Counts Before Year's End
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Time is winding down to make your charitable contributions count for this tax year! There are many ways to give, from monetary gifts by check, credit card or payroll deduction, to gifts of stocks, bonds, and mutual funds.
For additional questions or to make your gift over the phone, call 315-733-4691 or email [email protected].
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Join a United Way Committee!
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United Way committees are a great opportunity to meet and work with area professionals, learn more about United Way and the work being accomplished, and help make the Valley and Greater Utica Area a better place for all to work and live.
We are currently looking for new committee members for the following:
Audit and Finance Committee, Community Engagement and Events Committee, and Marketing and Communications Committee.
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Saranac Brewery "Fill the Keg" Campaign
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On NY Gives Day, Tuesday, November 28, Saranac Brewery announced its new "Fill the Keg" fundraising campaign.
For the rest of 2017, shoppers at the Brewery's two gift shop locations can make a donation helping "Fill the Keg" for United Way.
100% of "Fill the Keg" funds raised will remain in the community, going to United Way's community fund.
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Tax Season is Almost Here!
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Did you know
United Way supports alternatives to paid
tax services?
Free Tax Preparation
The Free Tax Preparation Initiative offers free tax help to people who generally make $54,000 or less.
IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing for tax payers from eligible households. Tax prep sites accommodate people with disabilities and interpreting for limited English speakers is available. Learn more >>
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MyFreeTaxes.com
MyFreeTaxes.com is an easy, safe and free online filing tool for people who make $66,000 or less.
Taxpayers can prepare and file both federal and state taxes at no cost, and claim valuable tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
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Volunteer & Event Highlights
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Leaders Gala
On Friday, October 20, United Way held its 2017 Leaders Gala.
Generously sponsored and hosted by John and Jackie Romano, this event recognizes and thanks United Way's Leadership Donors for their gifts to our community through United Way.
Guests enjoyed dinner and dancing with live entertainment provided by Stage Road.
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NY Gives Day
On Giving Tuesday, November 28, United Way took part in NY Gives Day.
NY Gives Day is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving (in the US) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
This day kicks off the holiday giving season and inspires people to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.
To further impact the community, a volunteer component was added this year.
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Be a part of the inaugural United Way Youth Cooking Challenge
Taking place in the spring of 2018, this cooking challenge will include an education pairing of children with local chefs, a professionally filmed cooking component and a two-week online voting period, all leading up to a grand finale event where the winner will be determined.
Sponsorships are available! Please contact Jordan Davies at
[email protected], or 315-733-4691, ext 226 for more information.
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Interested in volunteering or have a volunteer need?
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United Way Annual Report
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Every year we produce an annual report that summarizes our year-long efforts and highlights stories that speak to our collective impact.
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United Way has been busy as ever and is delighted to introduce our new staff members:
- Dietra Harvey, Utica ESPRI Administrator
- Jill Conley, Office Manager
- Jordan Davies, Volunteer and Events Coordinator
- Royanne Sprowell, Finance Assistant
- Tiffanie Davis, Community Impact and 2-1-1 Mid-York Coordinator
Dietra, Jill, Jordan, Royanne and Tiffanie are already making great things happen in the Valley and Greater Utica Area!
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Resource Development Coordinator
Director of Community Impact and 211 Mid-York
Office Manager
Volunteer and Event Coordinator
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Community Impact and 211 Mid-York Coordinator
Utica ESPRI Administrator
Director of Finance and Administration, CFO
Beth Meeusen
Family School Coordinator, Remsen
Marketing and Communications Manager
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Finance Specialist
Administrator of Initiatives and Grants
Finance Assistant
Family School Coordinator, CVA
Campaign Coordinator
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