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July 14, 2020 - 2:19pm

Submitted photo and press release:

Le Roy resident Karen Samis (far left in photo) participated in the American Lung Association's first-ever Virtual Fight For Air Climb Buffalo.

Samis completed more than 48 hours of physical activity all over New York State and raised nearly $1,000 for the Lung Association's mission.

That mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through advocacy, education and research of lung diseases, including COVID-19.   

The 10th annual in-person event was originally scheduled for late March. It regularly attracts hundreds of people to walk or run up the 24 flights of stairs, or 470 steps, to the top of Main Place Tower in Buffalo.

This year, COVID-19 required the event to be moved online, and participants from all over Western New York joined in to stay active by choosing a challenge such as climbing, running, walking or cycling from home or near their own neighborhoods.

In total, the event raised more than $165,000.

To support Samis and contribute to her effort click here.

Pictured in Lake Placid, from left are: Karen Samis, Diane Yarosis (her cousin and lung cancer survivor), Pete Yarosis (her nephew), and Steve Samis (her husband).

June 5, 2020 - 11:47am

Northgate Pastor John Keller gets some grooming.

Submitted photos and press release:

Beginning in October of 2019, Northgate Pastor John Keller began a process many of our readers can relate to. He grew a beard. After an eight-month progression and the absence of winter temperatures, Pastor Keller made the decision to potentially lose a part of him which he had grown fondly of.

As a member of the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army in Batavia, Keller put a wager on the community and Northgate congregants through Facebook to raise money in exchange for a fresh shave.  

The original post asked for the community to donate $500 to The Salvation Army of Batavia. Unbeknownst to him, the community rallied around his fundraising efforts and raised that amount in only an hour and a half.

Quick on his feet, Keller amended the goal to $1,000, saying that if he reached the new amount, he would let his three daughters shave his beard. Once again, the congregants and community spoke. Three hours after the original post, the total had surpassed $1,000.

Over the course of the five-day fundraiser, 53 people donated for a combined total of $2,215.  

This financial fundraiser will remain local and will help to fight food scarcity in Genesee County.

Keller said “Truthfully, a beard that long with a mask and the higher temperatures just wasn’t comfortable. So, I was probably going to shave it anyway, but I thought we could have a little fun with it and raise some money for a great cause. I had no idea that people would respond in such an awesome way! Our local Salvation Army is so well run and does such an incredible job loving and serving our community. I’m so glad to have been able to have a part in helping them do that great work!” 

Northgate church continues to partner with The Salvation Army of Batavia, as they have for years. During the COVID-19 closures, they have hosted local food collections each Monday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at their North Campus (8160 Bank Street Road).

They have also teamed up with The Salvation Army and Foodlink to conduct drive-thru food distributions every other Wednesday. This past Wednesday, they were able to distribute food to 413 vehicles that passed through their parking lot.

If you are interested in assisting the local community, food deliveries can be delivered during the hours listed above, or directly to The Salvation Army during their hours of operation.

Below, Pastor Keller before and after.

Bottom, photo from this Wednesday's food giveaway at Northgate church featuring featuring fresh meat, produce and dairy products.

January 22, 2020 - 11:17am
posted by Billie Owens in GC YMCA, Strong Communities Campaign, fundraising.

From YMCA of Genesee County:

Part of the Y’s charitable mission is the philosophy that no one with an inability to pay for membership or programs is ever turned away. To that end, funds are raised annually through the Strong Communities Campaign to help subsidize scholarships for youths, teens, adults, families and seniors in Genesee County.

This year’s campaign runs from Feb. 1st  – March 31st and the goal is to raise $49,000.

The YMCA wants to positively impact at least 800 people’s lives locally.

Reaching the 2020 goal will insure that children and families, regardless of their socioeconomic status, will have the chance to benefit from the important lessons of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility through YMCA programs and services.

Your help is needed! Please consider a gift to support the YMCA in achieving this goal and making our community stronger for all.

To make a gift, contact Jeff Townsend, executive director at (585) 344-1664 or online at www.glowymca.orgunder the “giving” tab.

October 11, 2019 - 11:22am

From Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

In response to Assembly Bill 1413, which outlaws firearms as prizes in games of chance, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) has vocally opposed this legislation as another example of Downstate government overreach.

Firearm raffles are an important source of funding for community activities and many local organizations, specifically fire departments, use the funds generated by these raffles to support the department and purchase equipment used to protect the community.

The legislation is authored by Jo Anne Simon, a Democrat from Brooklyn and sponsored by over a dozen New York City Democrats.  

“The widening disconnect between Downstate politicians and Upstate matters is alarming,” Hawley said. “It is the not the place of legislators in New York City to determine laws that significantly affect upstate affairs.

"Law-abiding gun owners have been subjected to increased regulations and harmful laws that blatantly violate their Second Amendment rights, and banning firearms as raffle prizes is yet another example.”

The standards of gun ownership do not change whether it’s purchased from a licensed dealer or won in a raffle. In order to claim possession, one must still pass the background checks and have the necessary permits. 

“Gun ownership is a proud and storied tradition in Western New York,” Hawley said. “It is not the business of city legislators to infringe on your constitutional rights and ultimately hurt our local charitable organizations.”

September 27, 2019 - 12:09pm

Press release:

A breakfast held at the Dibble Family Center in Batavia this morning set the stage for the United Way of Genesee County’s Campaign 2020 Kick-off.

This year’s campaign will be under the direction of co-chairs Susie Ott and Jane Scott. Together they chair the United Way’s Day of Caring Committee, are members of the Allocations Committee and have dedicated themselves to the United Way mission for many years.

“Campaign 2020: clear vision for a brighter future” is our tagline this year, says Executive Director Tammy Hathaway. “We want to know the personality of our donor and offer them nothing less from our stewardship of their funds than what they give to their customers and the community.”

The United Way of Genesee County (UWGC) is focused on funding the Community Impact areas of health, education and economic mobility. Within these categories, 21 nonprofits are provided funding for 27 different programs in our county.

Campaign funding grants an insurance toward keeping these essential programs in existence. A listing of agencies and services funded can be found on the UWGC website.

Co-chairs, Ott & Scott (or as UWGC calls them: "Ott & Scott’s Big Adventure") announced this year’s United Way of Genesee County’s campaign goal for 2020 is $350,000.

As the morning began, Paul Ohlson of Care-A-Van Ministries blessed the venture saying "it takes a village." The United Way of Genesee County looks forward to partnering with current and new donors to "be this village" and to another year of being committed to mobilizing resources for community impact.

For questions, or inquiries of how to get involved, please contact the UWGC office at 585-343-8141.

Inset photo of United Way of Genesee County Executive Director Tammy Hathaway, courtesy of Susie Ott.

October 16, 2018 - 1:03pm

Arc of Genesee Orleans annual Chili & Chowder Fest & Bake Sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17, at the Arc Community Center.

It is located at 38 Woodrow Road in Batavia.

There will also be grilled cheese sandwiches for purchase in addtion to the hearty, homemade chili and chowder. Take-outs available.

Early tickets will be available only from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16.

Tickets, both presale Friday and day-of-the-event Saturday, are available only at the Arc Community Center on Woodrow Road.

All proceeds benefit people with disabilities.

There will be 100 theme baskets raffled off. Need not be present to win. Drawings will be at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 17.

Want to donate a basket or get more information? Call Arc of Genesee Orleans at 343-4203.

April 11, 2018 - 1:14pm

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The Batavia High School Varsity Softball Team is pictured above donating a check of $1,000 to board members of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

The team raised $3,000 during a Bat-a-thon fundraising event called "Strike Out Cancer" on March 24th at Batavia High School. It was a priority this season as a way to contribute to a local charity.

"This was something our team and program wanted to do to make a difference in our community," said first-year Coach Jim Fazio. "Our girls went above and beyond in all of our fundraising efforts and this seemed like a perfect place to show our support."

Head Coach Jim Fazio presents the check to Board Member Nickie Fazio, who coordinates the Simply Beautiful program, and office manager Teresa Potrzebowski​ of Genesee Cancer Assistance.

March 28, 2018 - 4:24pm
posted by Billie Owens in GCC, fundraising, duck derby, united way campaign.

Press release:

Last Thursday, the Genesee Community College Pool was filled with 400 bright yellow rubber ducks each representing a donation to the eighth Annual United Way Campaign.

The Duck Derby is the single biggest initiative GCC developed to solicit donations for the campaign from faculty, staff and students. However events are scheduled throughout the campaign period.

This year the Duck Derby raised more than $400 for the United Way and the following participants won prizes: Katina Maher, John McGowan, Dave Hoover, Marguerite Badami, Kelly Sutcliff and Maureen Goodsell.

To champion the campaign efforts each year GCC establishes a United Way Committee. The 2018 committee includes:

  • Courtney Andros, assistant director of HR Compliance
  • Bethany Aradine, assistant director of HR
  • Justine Briggs, TS Business training specialist
  • John McGowan, director of Business and Employee Training Skills (BEST Center)
  • Katherine Trombley, director of the Adult Education Opportunity Center (AEOC)
  • Gina Weaver, associate vice president of HR
  • Dolores Wilkin, HR Department secretary
  • GCC's student athletes

The committee has set a donation goal of $16,000 for 2018, a 6-percent increase over 2017. Donations are accepted through payroll deductions, one-time gifts and of course, the purchase of ducks for the Duck Derby.

"The United Way does so much for so many organizations and individuals in our community," Campaign Coordinator Gina Weaver said. "Our campaign is our way of ensuring that good work can continue."

GCC faculty, students and staff are encouraged to make their contributions online at https://secure.uwrochester.org/epledge/crm/Start.jsp?accountNumber=53868.

September 27, 2011 - 8:36pm
posted by Marie Nettnin in fundraising, Young Life, teen ministry, Bohns.
Event Date and Time: 
October 28, 2011 - 6:00pm
March 29, 2010 - 11:12am

The Genesee County high schools' "Change for Change" fundraiser has come to an end. The money raised will benefit United Way charities in Genesee County.

Nancy Harding of the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union reported the following totals after final deposits were made on Friday:

Batavia High: $3,384.27

New York State School for the Blind: $701.73

Oakfield: $459.06

Pavilion: $32.95

March 23, 2010 - 4:22pm
posted by Daniel Crofts in batavia, Announcements, schools, Oakfield, fundraising.

Nick Burk and Chris Weicher (right) of Batavia High School bask in the light of their glory -- actually, their bald heads just amplify the sunlight to a ridiculous degree -- as they stand on the school's roof to raise money for the United Way. They spent hours on the rooftop on Friday.

Last week was the second week of Change for Change, the Genesee County high schools' fundraising project for the United Way.

Nancy Harding of the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union reported a tally of $1,327.92 for Batavia High and a tally of $148.45 for Oakfield. No activity from the other schools has been reported.

Stay posted for another update in the next week.

March 17, 2010 - 3:03pm
posted by Daniel Crofts in fundraising, pavilion central school.

Last week was the first week of "Change for Change," the Genesee County high schools' fundraising project for the United Way. Batavia High and Pavilion Central were the only two schools to deposit money with the Tonawanda Valley Federal Credit Union on Friday. The project's representative at TVFCU said that the other schools were busy with testing.

Right now, Batavia is in the lead with $224.84. Pavilion's earnings total $97.71.

Stay posted for further updates in the coming weeks.

February 24, 2010 - 1:23pm
posted by Wendy Leffler in fundraising, volunteering.
Event Date and Time: 
March 5, 2010 - 11:00am to 6:00pm

Large (Hope) Bouquets are $15.00 (about 21 stems); Small (Traditional) Bouquets are $7.00 (about 7 stems).  Chances are you know someone or know of someone who has been helped by Hospice.  Please brighten someone's day with flowers and help a great cause at the same time!

On-Site Sales Locations:

Batavia Downs, Park Rd., Batavia--3:00 - 6:00

CEF Credit Union, E. Main St., Attica--1:30 - 3:30

Pioneer Credit Recovery, 26 Edward St., Arcade--11:00 - 1:00

February 24, 2010 - 1:13pm
posted by Wendy Leffler in fundraising, volunteering.
Event Date and Time: 
March 4, 2010 - 10:30am to 12:30pm

Large (Hope) Bouquets are $15.00 (include about 21 stems); Small (Traditional) Bouquets are $7.00 ( include about 7 stems).

Brighten someone's day and help a great cause!  We are the only Medicare certified provider of Hospice services in Genesee & Wyoming counties.

On-Site Sales Location: Pioneer Credit Recovery, 20 Parker Lane (off Main Street), Perry--10:30 - 12:30.

February 24, 2010 - 12:56pm
posted by Wendy Leffler in fundraising, volunteering.
Event Date and Time: 
March 3, 2010 - 8:00am to 5:00pm

Annual HomeCare & Hospice Guild Spring Bouquet Sale: Large (Hope) Bouquets are $15.00 for 21 stems; Small (Traditional) Bouquets are $7.00 for 7 stems.  On-site sales location:

Phat Katz Restaurant, Main St., Elba

All Day or until sold out

February 12, 2010 - 12:31pm

Everybody likes a little friendly competition, right? And if it's for a good cause, all the better!

These guys definitely feel that way:

Half of them are pictured above...

...and here's the other half!

High schoolers from all over Genesee County are getting involved in "Change for Change" (C4C), a fundraising project for United Way of Genesee County. Student government reps from Batavia High School, the NYS State School for the Blind, Oakfield-Alabama High School and Pavillion Central School gathered in the BHS auditorium Yesterday to kick-start the project. 

October 8, 2009 - 9:38pm
Event Date and Time: 
October 24, 2009 - 7:00am to 2:00pm

Kiwanis Club of Batavia's 51st Annual Pancake Days

Saturday, October 24th, 2009   --   7:00 am - 2:00 pm

First Presbyterian Church Service Building--Corner of Main Street & Liberty Street

Adult - $5.00   Child (10 and under) - $3.00   Senior Citizens ( 62 and over) - $3.00

Pancakes, sausage, fresh cider and a wonderful fully served, sit-down breakfast.  Giveaways, music and more...

For more information or to purchase tickets contact Anita @ 585-813-5371

Or see a Batavia Kiwanian!

 

 

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