Archive: Around Town

United Way of Tompkins County (UWTC) recognizes that volunteers are the key to its existence and success, and that is especially true this year as the organization ended its fiscal year having raised over $2,000,000 for important funded partners. This achievement was made possible by the support of more than 50 volunteer board and committee members, as well as dozens of individuals who volunteered at special events and hosted individual fundraisers throughout the campaign year. Upon closing the campaign, UWTC recognized its volunteers' passion for both our community and the well-being of our neighbors as expressed through their dedication to United Way of Tompkins County and its mission. During the organization's Annual Celebration at the end of June, three awards were given to recognize volunteer leaders for their outstanding support and service:

Pat Stage Volunteer of the Year

The Pat Stage Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Alex Adelewitz of Wegmans in Ithaca. This award, named after its first recipient, is awarded to a UWTC volunteer who has exceeded all expectations of what it means to be a volunteer. Alex Adelewitz, Service Area Manager at Wegmans in Ithaca, was selected due to his consistent and enthusiastic work throughout the campaign this year. Alex served as United Way of Tompkins County's Pacesetter Co-chair and on the campaign committee. He gave generously of his time, establishing new relationships and creative ways for local businesses to meet their own goals while also supporting our community through UWTC. Alex's deep commitment and inspiring work for UWTC will continue, as he has recently been elected to the UWTC Board of Directors.

Unsung Hero

The Unsung Hero award was presented to Brian McNeal of Tompkins Trust Company. This award recognizes a UWTC volunteer who has gone above and beyond to serve their community in a way that might not be known to the public. Brian, Assistant Vice President-Senior Financial Analyst at Tompkins Trust Company, completed a financial review of all of UWTC's funded partners and grant applicants, served on the Community Investment Committee, and chaired the T. Merrell Shipherd Flexible Fund Committee. This existing committee was created to support innovative approaches and emergent needs across our diverse community. This year, the committee expanded its duties and became UWTC's review and funding vehicle for COVID-19 relief services. Responding quickly and efficiently to requests for funding, Brian led the committee in awarding nearly $55,000 in grants to local nonprofits between March and June 2020.


Key Contributor

The Key Contributor award was presented to Cayuga Radio Group (CRG). This award recognizes a local business or organization that has played a pivotal role in helping UWTC carry out its mission. Throughout the year, Cayuga Radio Group provided air time to not only spread the word about UWTC and its initiatives, but also to support many of our local nonprofits and businesses. Their signature fundraiser for UWTC, 'Wine & Dine' is a 13-hour broadcast by Lite 97.3's 'Dave & Jen' featuring fare from local restaurants, wineries & breweries in an auction while also highlighting the work of United Way's funded partners and local employers. This year, by adding in a chance for donors to select 'Songs for Good' to be played throughout the day, as well as a challenge grant, the event more than doubled the dollars raised to meet local needs. Cayuga Radio Group's General Manager, Chet Osadchey, also volunteers his time and talents on the UWTC Marketing & Communications Committee and serves on the UWTC Board of Directors.

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