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Tompkins Financial Corp. receives Youth Advocate Award

By Billie Owens

Press release:

In recognition of its commitment to the community, Tompkins Financial Corporation was honored by the Center for Youth as a recipient of the Chuck Cuminale Youth Advocate Award. The award was presented during the Center for Youth’s annual meeting on Sept. 25 at the Strong Museum of Play.

Created in memory of a dedicated Center For Youth counselor and champion for youth, the Cuminale Award is the agency’s highest honor. The Cuminale Awards are given to community leaders and philanthropists who are committed to improving the lives of young people in the community.

The team at Tompkins was recognized for providing support to the Center for Youth on behalf of a homeless youth who had lost both parents in a short time. Accepting the award on behalf of Tompkins Financial Corporation were Ela Hakiel, Tompkins Financial Advisors vice president and senior wealth advisor, and Lisa Formicola, Tompkins Bank of Castile Pittsford branch manager. Hakiel and Formicola led the team from Tompkins as they provided guidance to help the Center for Youth ensure the safety and security of the young person in need.

“Lisa and I are fortunate to be employed by a company whose core values include the highest commitment to the community and to the customer,” Hakiel said. “We are humbled by this honor, but the true heroes are the staff, social workers, board members and others who make significant daily contributions to the community through their work at the Center for Youth. All of us at Tompkins Financial are committed to acting as good stewards and supporters of the Center in the community.”

Tompkins Financial has a strong commitment to the community, and to the Center for Youth. In addition to the receiving the award, David Boyce, President of Tompkins Insurance Agencies, was elected as a new member of the Board of Directors of the Center for Youth.

Learn more about the Center for Youth at www.centerforyouth.net.

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