United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area held its annual Day of Thanks on Wednesday, March 14. This year we said, “Our community is oh so lucky to have supporters like you!” to individuals and organizations, thanking them for their overall dedication to bettering our community by supporting United Way’s annual campaign.
“We are grateful to our loyal United Way supporters; you are the heart of our campaign. Supporters, like you, investing faithfully each year have made a difference in the lives of so many people right here in the Valley ad Greater Utica Area,” said Tim Reed, United Way Interim Executive Director. “Your investment inspires gratitude from seniors who are able to continue living independently, children who have opportunities to learn and succeed, and from families and individuals who have somewhere to turn to in their hour of need. United Way Day of Thanks is dedicated to those individuals, companies, and groups that Live United. Thank you!”
On Day of Thanks, United Way staff, board of directors, and volunteers put fundraising efforts on pause to participate in a multi-pronged push to say “thank you” to as many people as possible with phone calls, emails, postcards, and personal visits to organizations involved in 2017 workplace campaigns.
“United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area does immense good in this community and Oneida County is happy to support its efforts,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “Our employees have long-participated in the United Way campaign, and last year raised more than $21,000 through such things as paycheck donations, raffles and bake sales. I am proud of our workforce for those generous contributions, and I thank United Way for its gracious recognition of our efforts.”
The following organizations were recognized this year with a personal visit, special commemorative plaque, and So Sweet!! Candy Cafe treat basket: Adirondack Bank, BOCES - Herkimer Fulton Hamilton Otsego, Central New York Labor Council AFL-CIO, Ed & Ed Business Technology, Fortus Group, Gilroy, Kernan & Gilroy, Hannaford – Herkimer, Hospice, Oneida County, and Utica First Insurance Company.
“I was honored to participate in United Way's Day of Thanks. United Way has always had our regions best interests at heart, so choosing a small local business to help them say thank you to their amazing donors simply exemplifies their commitment to our area,” said Margaret Rienzo, owner of So Sweet!! Candy Cafe. “My hope is that the people in this area recognize the dedication of the people of United Way and continue to donate to help them help us!”
United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area fights for the health, education, financial stability, and basic needs of every person in our community. By donating you can provide young people with academic and social supports; train adults for jobs that pay a family-sustaining income; and connect people in need to medical care, housing, and other basic needs support. Help United Way create a thriving community where every adult and child is healthy, educated, and financially secure. Donate today, online here, by phone at 315–733–4691, or by mail to United Way, 201 Lafayette Street, Suite 201, Utica, NY 13502.
