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CHAZY — United Way of the Adirondack Region celebrated its latest fundraising event as always. Of course I kissed the cow.
“We represent a growing number of people who care about each other, who raise money, volunteer their time, and make efforts,” said John Bernardi, president and CEO of United Way. We are achieving this by giving our all.”
“We’re having fun, which is also important.”
United Way will raise $670,000 in its 2024 fundraising campaign, which will be used by community partner agencies to support priority health and human services programs across the region.
To celebrate and recognize their fundraising efforts, the organization is hosting a “Kiss the Cow” event at Minor Research Institute in Chazy.
This year, six key members of the campaign team participated. Amanda Tagliarino, Senior Director, Fieldstone Foundation. Greg Janiszewski, Franklin County Councilman; Holly Black, President of Hurdle Group. Tom Scozzafava, Essex County Board of Supervisors, retired from Moria. Alison Webinaro, a regional representative for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and state Rep. Billy Jones (D-Chatauguay Lake), had to be proud.
Each member, along with Bernardi, gave the Spartan a gentle peck on the soft, furry cheek, much to the delight of those in attendance.
Sparta is 2 and a half years old. She competed at the Clinton County Fair last year as a junior 2-year-old and placed second in her class. In her milking career so far, she has given away over 2,000 gallons of milk.
The Spartans played well in this event, allowing the kissers, who paused and occasionally ruminated, to complete their duties without issue.
“Some people didn’t like it in the past,” Bernardi said with a laugh.
Heather Dann of the Miner Institute said they are excited to once again partner with United Way and collaborate on this commemorative event.
“This is a great event. We enjoy doing it and seeing everyone come to the Institute, and we’re so excited to be able to serve the community again,” she said. .
Bernardi said the 35 partner agencies supported by United Way are providing much-needed services during difficult times.
“Raising funds is tough, but we are working very hard on it. We know where United Way resources are critical to supporting unmet needs.” So that’s what I’m doing,” he said.
“Needs that cannot be met with government funding or other funding because of loopholes or regulations. Our financing is more flexible and more available.”
Bernardi said finding housing for homeless people is a top priority and will continue as long as there is a need.
“What we’ve been doing a lot lately is assisting other agencies, primarily to keep people in their homes and prevent deaths,” he said.
“In many ways, we’re putting out fires, because that’s what we have to do right now. But at the same time, we’re also looking at the bigger picture.”
Bernardi said efforts are being made to find strategies and opportunities to alleviate some of the housing trends and crises people are facing.
“Long term, we have to keep people off the streets and make sure that families have safe places to live,” he said.
Mental health and access to mental health services is also a huge priority, Bernardi said.
“Sometimes we don’t even think about the less obvious components of mental health,” he said.
“We have worked to remove the stigma from people seeking mental health services…Mental health should be as accessible as those (other medical services). , there should be no stigma attached to people who need help.”
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