OSWEGO, NY – SUNY students recently completed their 18 Annual Walk-A-Thon to help support the United Way of Greater Oswego County.

Approximately 270 walkers participated and the event raised more than $2300 in support of the United Way’s annual campaign.

Paul Reynoso accepts his award for finishing second place in the SUNY Oswego Walk-A-Thon for the United Way.

Established in 1991 by Professor Tina Pieraccini, the SUNY Walk-A-Thon does much more than raise money for the United Way.

“I was looking for a hands-on assignment for my Advanced Public Relations class. After meeting with Jack Fritton, who was the United Way executive director at that time, I decided that the Walk-A-Thon would be an excellent experience in service learning. It was so successful that year, and the students enjoyed doing it so much, that I decided to continue it throughout the years,” explained Pieraccini.

Each year Pieraccini’s class forms committees to handle the following tasks: newspaper publicity, headquarter registration, route planning, T-Shirt sponsorship, food, poster/bulletin board publicity, recruitment and thank you.

“My students work very hard on this event. I am always so proud of their efforts. They come away from this event having gained real-life experience in public relations, fundraising, and the satisfaction of giving to the community through volunteerism,” added Pieraccini. “The Walk-A-Thon has served as a core requirement of my Advanced Public Relations class for the past 18 years.”

Pieraccini explains that the Walk-A-Thon generates goodwill between the students, the university, the faculty, and community.

It’s a combination that helps to ensure the success of the event.

“Our Walk-A-Thon would not be possible without the support we receive from our sponsors. Each year SUNY Oswego Auxiliary Services generously donates $1,000 to help with expense costs. This year, Entergy provided additional funds by donating $1,000 to the United Way through a Healthy Heart Grant on behalf of the Entergy employees who participated in the Walk-A-Thon,” said Pieraccini.

Resource Development Director of the United Way, Lois Luber is appreciative of the effort that the students put forth every year.

“It’s inspiring to see how dedicated the students are and how they worked to establish a successful collaboration between the university, the faculty, community members and the business sector to make the event one of the best ever. Everyone involved with this year’s SUNY Oswego Walk-A-Thon is to be commended for a job well done!” said Luber.

For more information on the United Way or to make a donation, call 593-1900 or mail contributions to 1 S. First St., Fulton, NY  13069.

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