United Way Kicks Off Annual Campaign

September 20, 2010 Contributor

OSWEGO, NY – With the theme of Live United, Live Well, the United Way of Greater Oswego County kicked-off its 2010 / 2011 annual campaign during a breakfast held Sept. 15 at the American Foundry.

Entergy’s James A. FitzPatrick Nuclear Power Plant, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, Fulton Savings Bank, Burritt Motors, and Planned Results, Inc sponsored the event.

Members of the in-house campaign team at Novelis Oswego Works present the United Way of Greater Oswego County with checks totaling $6,000 in support of the United Way’s Annual Campaign during the Campaign Kickoff Breakfast. From left are: United Way Campaign Cabinet members Doug McRae of Bond, Schoeneck and King; Rob Rolfe of Pathfinder Bank; Carol Dillabough of Novelis; President of the United Way’s Board of Directors, Wendy Tetro of Fulton Savings Bank; Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler; Mike Anthony of Novelis; and Chairperson of the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority. Absent are Campaign Cabinet members Dick Delaney of Novelis and Brian Finn of Entergy.
Members of the in-house campaign team at Novelis Oswego Works present the United Way of Greater Oswego County with checks totaling $6,000 in support of the United Way’s Annual Campaign during the Campaign Kickoff Breakfast. From left are: United Way Campaign Cabinet members Doug McRae of Bond, Schoeneck and King; Rob Rolfe of Pathfinder Bank; Carol Dillabough of Novelis; President of the United Way’s Board of Directors, Wendy Tetro of Fulton Savings Bank; Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler; Mike Anthony of Novelis; and Chairperson of the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority. Absent are Campaign Cabinet members Dick Delaney of Novelis and Brian Finn of Entergy.

“The United Way supports programs that are at the heart of a healthy community,” said Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler. “Programs offered by the YMCA, Catholic Charities’ CYO Program, OCO’s Headstart and Discovery Day Care ensure that children and youth have opportunities for swimming, camping, basketball and other recreational activities. Nutrition programs offered through Catholic Charities and Rural and Migrant Ministries provide food for those in need and stresses the importance of making healthy food choices. Farnham and the Council on Alcohol and Chemical Addiction provide counseling and help for those battling with alcohol and drug abuse. These programs are the building blocks for a good life. The success of our Annual Campaign is essential if we are to continue to offer these services to those who need them the most. These programs truly do enhance the quality of life in Oswego County.”

Assemblyman Will Barclay attended the breakfast and spoke of the importance of the United Way and why he gladly supports their efforts. “It is important to live well and look out for your personal health. It is also important to look out for the health of our community. There is a great sense of community in Oswego County. The spirit of volunteerism and charitable giving is strong. We need to continue that spirit, especially in this economy as many people are in need of help. I support the United Way and I urge you to continue your support as well. The United Way does a lot for our community and one of the best ways to increase the health of our community is to contribute to the United Way,” he said.

One of the highlights of the kickoff was a special presentation by Carol Dillabough, human resources coordinator at Novelis Oswego Works and members of Novelis’ in-house campaign team.

“We are proud to continue our relationship with the United Way. Our campaign team is comprised of individuals from each of our departments who represent our 700 employees. To help us achieve our goal we keep the United Way visible year round.  Working on the team at Novelis provides a sense of belonging and personal achievement along with enhanced skills and a greater motivation to perform,” said Dillabough.

The team at Novelis got a jumpstart on its campaign as they have already raised $6,000.

At the Taste of Oswego, Novelis raised money for the United Way by selling soda, water and snacks, they are currently holding a raffle for Syracuse University basketball tickets and recently hosted a corporate soccer tournament.

The United Way of Greater Oswego County welcomed Assemblyman Will Barclay to the agency’s annual campaign kickoff. From left are: Assemblyman Barclay; President of the United Way’s Board of Directors, Wendy Tetro of Fulton Savings Bank; Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler; and Chairperson of the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority.
The United Way of Greater Oswego County welcomed Assemblyman Will Barclay to the agency’s annual campaign kickoff. From left are: Assemblyman Barclay; President of the United Way’s Board of Directors, Wendy Tetro of Fulton Savings Bank; Executive Director of the United Way of Greater Oswego County, Melanie Trexler; and Chairperson of the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority.

“Creative ideas like these make our campaign fun and keeps everyone interested. Our team is united in the goals we set and we are putting our “can-do” attitude to the test by setting our goal at $75,000. We know that together we can make our future brighter,” added Dillabough.

Chair for the United Way’s Campaign Cabinet, Jonathan Daniels, executive director of the Port of Oswego Authority, praised Novelis, other corporate campaigns, and those in attendance for their teamwork.

“Teamwork at the highest level requires vision, precision, persistence and determination. You all represent a team of United Way professionals, volunteers and supportive organizations striving to uphold the values of a campaign that will support the need of so many agencies in Oswego County,” he said.

Members of the United Way; Campaign Cabinet then joined Daniels on stage for the unveiling of the United Way’s goal for this year’s campaign, $800,000.

“We cannot afford to fail,” Daniels said.  “We look forward to not only reaching this goal but surpassing it.” missing or outdated ad config

Print this entry