United Way

Submitted photo and press release:

United Way of Genesee County’s Board of Directors announced the selection of Tammy Hathaway as Executive Director. She will begin her duties Nov.19^th.

Prior to joining United Way, she was employed as Account Executive at Tompkins Insurance Agencies and the Bank of Castile.

Erik Fix, former United Way of Genesee County Executive Director, announced his departure from the organization in September. Jennifer Gray has served as Interim Executive Director as United Way and the Genesee County Board of Directors performed a thorough search for the position.

Hathaway brings 17 years of experience working and volunteering in the non-profit and human service arena to the United Way of Genesee County. She previously conducted the PathStone Homebuyer Program as a part of Habitat for Humanity for Genesee County. Most recently, she has been an active United Way of Genesee County Board Member and has been a champion of the Genesee and Orleans Regional Arts Council, GO-ART!

“The Board of Directors is thrilled to welcome Tammy in this capacity," said Theresa DeMars, United Way of Genesee County Board chair. "Her experience and passion for the community makes her an ideal fit. We are looking forward to have Tammy grow the United Way of Genesee County and lead us into the future.”

United Way of Genesee County’s 2019 Campaign is underway, led by the Women of the Board.

For more information about United Way of Genesee County, please visit this website:  uwgeneseecounty.org

United Way's third annual Summer Serenade featuring the Genesee Symphony Orchestra will be held from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 19, at Mercy Grove.

The venue is at 7758 E. Main Road (Route 5) in Le Roy.

Tickets are $75 per person.

There will be hors d’oeuvres, grazing stations, beer, wine, soda and a cash bar is available.

The GSO Serenade portion of the event will be from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds benefit the United Way Backpack Program and the GSO.

Theresa DeMars, an account manager with Lawley Insurance, chairs the event for United Way.

As in the previous two Summer Serenades, garden-party attire is appropriate.

Donald Woodward built the mansion at Mercy Grove in 1927. Currently, the facility and its beautiful grounds are available for special events, conferences and weddings. 

Summer Serenade tickets are available at Le Roy Country Club, Roxy's Music Store, from United Way or GSO board members, and online here.

Today was the United Way Day of Caring.

The projects we visited included the Lion's Club annual bike repair workshop at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle. Club members worked on bikes that were donated, provided by thrift stores, or from the police bike locker. The bikes will go out to the community through a variety of agencies, including Arc of Genesee Orleans, the American Red Cross, and a church bike program in Bergen.

Other projects pictured: Batavia Peace Garden volunteers working on the garden behind the Genesee County Courthouse, the Community Garden and the BID's chalk decorations of Downtown Batavia.

Press release:

On Wednesday, May 16^th, the United Way of Genesee County will be hosting the 11^th Annual Day of Caring.

This year, 38 local businesses and service organizations will be volunteering at 37 project sites throughout Genesee County. In total, more than 375 volunteers will be working on service projects involving, painting, landscaping, spring cleanup and other small projects.

The event will kick-off at 8 a.m. at Dwyer Stadium, with donuts and coffee, complements of Batavia Dunkin Donuts. Following a brief ceremony that will include a presentation about the United Way Backpack program, the volunteers will head to their work sites.

The day will wrap up with a community celebration at Terry Hills Restaurant at 3 p.m. Stories will be told, volunteers will be fed and everyone can enjoy the slideshow of the day provided by Carlson’s Studios.

In total, more than 2,250 man hours will be spent making the Genesee County community a better place to live.

Some of the workplaces this year include:

Genesee County Fairgrounds – Exhibition building

ABCD Day Care on Brooklyn Avenue

Community Garden – Batavia Youth Center

Village of Elba Park

Peace Garden

Grandview Cemetery

Gillam Grant Community Center

Business Improvement District – Downtown Batavia

Press release:

The United Way of Genesee County is currently accepting applications for volunteers for the 11th Annual United Way Day of Caring.

This year’s event will be held on Wednesday, May 16th. Teams of volunteers are assigned projects at area nonprofit organizations. Projects range from painting to landscape work and everything in between.

Registration forms are available at its website www.uwgeneseecounty.org.

The registration deadline is April 6th.

Photo: Submitted photo, 2017 Day of Caring Committee.

Leadership Genesee is thrilled to announce that this year’s recipient of the Leadership Genesee Outstanding Alumnus Award is Erik James Fix, LG Class of 2009. The award is presented annually to a Leadership Genesee Alumnus who works to fulfill the mission of Leadership Genesee.

Nominees are program graduates who promote and market the mission of Leadership Genesee, are active in community leadership activities to promote the well-being of Genesee County, and who actively participate in Leadership Genesee initiatives. Erik will receive his award Nov. 30 at the Leadership Genesee 2017 Graduation Celebration at Terry Hills.

Erik, the regional director for the United Way of Genesee County, was nominated for the award by Jocelyn Sikorski (’07), who noted that “Erik is that person that you seek out for advice and foresight on endeavors. He is always actively listening to what is going on, addressing issues with others to fix things or change them for the better. He is well respected for being the caring individual that he is.”

Even before experiencing LG as a participant in 2009, Erik has been active in the program since 2002. At the time, Erik was the camp director for YMCA Camp Hough, and helped in facilitating LG’s Outdoor Leadership Challenge day each year. Since taking part in the program, Erik has served on numerous design teams and committees, and continues to champion the Outdoor Leadership Challenge day session. He has been a part of the Curriculum Committee, Alumni Day Committee, Our Business Our Economics day session and the Encouraging the Leader Within Day session. Additionally, Erik co-presents Facilitation Skills Training, a free alumni enrichment opportunity offered by LG.

“I believe in the mission of the organization of encouraging the leader within,” Erik shared. “I believe there are many talented people in our community who have the ability to lead and I enjoy working with them to grow their leadership skills.”

Erik was hesitant about taking part in the program for nearly 10 years.

“I didn’t feel I would find value in the program. Every month I learned something new about my community. I gained a better sense of how I could contribute to my community’s success and made long-standing friendships. I would highly recommend it to anyone who wants to make our community better and grow their own leadership skills.”

Personally and professionally, Erik strives to make a difference in our community. Jocelyn says the community has benefitted “tenfold” since Erik took the helm at the United Way, with increased partnerships, new programming and continued investment in youth.

Erik also volunteers in many capacities, including the Rotary Club of Le Roy (REA Milne Board Member), the BEA Board of Directors, Junior Achievement, Le Roy Youth Football board member, and Le Roy Little League volunteer manager. Erik also coaches the swim team at GCC and was named Region 3 Coach of the Year for three straight years.

Leadership Genesee Program Director Peggy Marone said, “I have witnessed a lot of growth in Erik since he began working with Leadership Genesee. I always thought he’d be a great candidate for the program but whenever I’d mention it to him he’d do the ‘I’m already a leader in the community’ thing that many people do.

"Working with Erik over the years at Camp Hough, I began to see him become more philosophically involved with Leadership Genesee. His network was growing and he was getting to know more people because of LG. When he applied to participate in 2009, I was thrilled and we’ve had a great working relationship ever since.

"He has helped the LG organization grow especially when it comes to our curriculum. He is one of the few people that I seek out for advice and conversation regarding facilitating groups effectively. Erik is very deserving of this award, I couldn’t be more pleased for him.”

In addition to his many activities in the community, Erik enjoys running, golfing and family vacations with his wife, Susan, and three sons, Brady, Jackson and Carter.

The United Way of Genesee County has set a fundraising goal for the next year of $388,000 to help support 25 programs run by 20 local agencies.

Director Eric Fix also announced this morning at the kickoff breakfast at the Dibble Family Center an ambitious plan to build "Teen City," a new center to provide activities for teens from throughout Genesee County.

Plans are still being developed, including finding a location for the center in the City of Batavia, but Fix said the goal is to open the doors by fall of 2018.

He's working with Jeff Townsend of the YMCA to develop the center.

"One of the things we've both been told throughout our careers is teen centers don't work," Fix said. "You can't do teens. It just won't work. I personally feel with funding from United Way and other sources, with our community support, and all the great people at the table at the same time coming up with this concept it definitely will work."

Fix also celebrated the events and accomplishments of the past year, which included raising $385,000 in last year's campaign, which was headed by Bill Fritts, who is directing the fundraising effort again this year.

The 10th Annual Day of Caring attracted more than 400 volunteers who worked at 35 sites.

"If you missed it, it's the highlight event Genesee County of all last year," Fix said. "Out of anything that happens in the whole entire county, it was hands down the best event. I think I've seen tie-dyed shirts in my sleep but it was the signature event of the year."

The backpack program starts back up next week and Fix said he's personally excited to get involved in that again, working with clients of ARC at the Salvation Army to fill backpacks with food to help children from needy families get through the weekends each week. There will be 180 to 200 backpacks packed each weekend.

There are two events left in the United Way's 5K series, the Acorn Run this weekend in the Genesee County Park & Forest, and the Stiletto & Sneaker 5K at the YWCA on Thursday.

Fix said all the agencies supported through the annual fundraising drive are making a big difference in our community.

"It's not easy," Fix said. "They can tell you that. I can tell you that from talking to them and working with them. And it's our United Way effort that helps support their organizations and helps them do the work that they do.

"I can't say that they wouldn't exist without it, but I know that their lives would be a heck of a lot harder if they didn't have that money. So we appreciate everybody who gives to the campaign."

Press release:

The United Way is proud to announce the 2017 United Way Race Series and Genesee County Runner of the Year Award.  This years series will include nine races and is sponsored by LaCivita Enterprises. The series begins this Sunday with the TVFCU 5K. Other races in the series include:

May 21st, TVFCU 5K, 3.1 miles

June 3rd, All Babies Cherished Run Baby Run 5K, 3.1 miles

July 4th, Kiwanis Independence Day 5K, 3.1 miles

July 15th, The OATKA 5K, 3.1 miles

August 19th, Don Carroll Toys for Kids 5K , 3.1 miles

September 4th, Jaycees Labor Day 5K, 3.1 miles

September 16th, ARC Friends and Family 5K, 3.1 miles

October 1st, Run for the ACORNS 5K, 3.1 miles

October 5th, YWCA Stiletto & Sneaker 5K, 3.1 miles

United Way Director Erik Fix says “The United Way believes that one of the keys to a successful community is the health of its people. To this end, the UW has created this series with the goal of increasing the overall health and wellness of our community. In its third year, the UW Race Series and Runner of the Year Award are designed to recognize the top runners in the Genesee County region, while promoting local races, and the sport of road racing in our community."

To be eligible for season-ending awards, participants must finish at least four events with results from a runners top five events scoring points. Overall and age group awards will be given. There is no need to register for the series. Participation in one of the events automatically qualifies you for the series.

Results will be posted on the United Way website www.uwgeneseecounty.org. Additionally, a booth will be set up at each event with current standings.

Cash prizes will be presented to the top 3 overall finishers in men’s and women’s divisions. Prizes are as follows:

Overall Male, $300

Overall Female, $300

Runner Up Male, $150

Runner Up Female, $150

Third Place Male, $50

Third Place Female, $50

Men and Women Age Groups – First through third places will receive non-cash awards.

If you are intersted in being a sponsor for the race series, please contact UW Regional Director Erik Fix at erik.fix@uwrochester.org or call 585-356-2814.

Hundreds of volunteers spread out throughout the area today to perform a variety of tasks for charities and other civic groups as part of United Way's Day of Caring.

Among the projects, members of the Rotary Club built a new tool shed for the community garden behind the Youth Center off State Street. The garden's organizers had applied for a grant to buy the building materials and the club went a step further, sending over a volunteer construction crew as well.

Other volunteers at the garden helped replace about a third of the raised beds with new, deeper beds, which will make it easier for gardeners to grow carrots and other root vegetables.

There were dozens of projects countywide.

Along with the efforts at the community garden are pictures of the annual Lions Club bicycle repair at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle, with the bikes going to clients of Arc of Genesee Orleans, and a project by the Batavia Improvement Association to chalk the sidewalks of Main Street with positive art and messages.

Press release:

On Wednesday, May 17, the Genesee County United Way will be employing the resources of 400+ voluteers for the 10^th Annual Day of Caring.

The United Way Day of Caring provides local businesses with volunteer opportunities throughout Genesee County where their employees can harness their energies to make Genesee County a better place to live.

More than 35 nonprofit agencies will benefit from volunteer support to paint, landscape, and perform general beautification projects. 

This year’s event will feature a record number of volunteers. What started out as 70 enthusiastic people 10 years ago has grown to be a signature Genesee County event. A total of 427 volunteers from 38 local businesses and organizations will participate in what is destined to be a great example of people paying it forward in Genesee County.

The kick-off event at Dwyer Stadium at 8 a.m. is sponsored by Lawley Genesee and includes breakfast donated by Batavia Dunkin Donuts and cheers performed by each volunteer team.

Following a great day of hard work at one of 35 worksites, the volunteers will partake in a wrap-up celebration at Terry Hills, sponsored by Oakwood Hills and UMMC. Stories will be told, a slide show of the day will be shown and all will have a good time!

It is estimated that more than 3,200 people hours will be contributed throughout the day with an estimated $48,000 in labor costs provided -- perhaps the largest single volunteering day in Genesee County!

The United Way is proud to announce the 2016 United Way Race Series and Genesee County Runner of the Year Award. This year's series will include eight races and for the first time will include 5K races (3.1 miles each) outside of the City of Batavia. 

The series begins this Saturday with the All Babies Cherished “Run Baby Run” 5K. Start time is 9 a.m. at the Northgate Free Methodist Church, 350 Bank St., Batavia. Cost to register is $25 and registration ends at 11:59 p.m. June 1. To sign up online go to: https://runsignup.com 

Other races in the series include:

July 4^th                                       Kiwanis Independence Day 5K (Centennial Park, Batavia)                     

July 16^th                                    The OATKA 5K (Le Roy)                                                      

Aug. 13^th                                   Jenny Kuzma Memorial 5K (Bergen)                             

Aug. 20th                                   Don Carroll Toys for Kids 5K (Kibbe Park, Batavia)        

Sept. 5th                                    Jaycees Labor Day 5K (MacArthur Park, Batavia)                      

Sept. 17th                                  ARC Friends and Family 5K (Elba)                                               

Oct. 2                                         Run for the ACORNS 5K (GC Park & Forest, East Bethany)                            

United Way Director Erik Fix says “The United Way believes that one of the keys to a successful community is the health of its people. To this end, the UW has created this series with the goal of increasing the overall health and wellness of our community. The UW Race and Runner of the Year Award are designed to recognize the top runners in the Genesee County region, while promoting local races, and the sport of road racing in our community."

To be eligible for season ending awards participants must finish at least four events with results from a runners top five events scoring points. Overall and Age Group awards will be given. There is no need to register for the series. Participation in one of the events automatically qualifies you for the series. Results will be posted on the United Way website www.uwgeneseecounty.org. Additionally, a booth will be set up at each event with current standings.

Cash prizes will be presented to the top three overall finishers in Men’s and Women’s divisions. Prizes are as follows:

Overall Male:                        $300

Overall Female:                   $300

Runner-up Male:                  $150

Runner-up Female:             $150

Third-place Male:                 $50

Third-place Female:             $50

Men and Women Age Groups –  First- through Third- places will receive non-cash awards.

If you are intersted in being a sponsor for the race series, please contact UW Regional Director Erik Fix at erik.fix@uwrochester.org or call 585-356-2814.

Hundreds of Genesee County residents spread out throughout the community today to provide volunteer labor for organizations during United Way's annual Day of Caring.

Above, staff from Graham's manufacturing plant flowers for an elderly resident in Batavia. The flowers and mulch were donated by Pudgie's and the Home Depot.

We also have pictures of employees of Tompkins Financial at the Batavia Peace Garden, members of Kiwanis and Leadership Genesee 2011 at the Youth Center and the Community Garden, and the Lions Club at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle fixing bikes for Genesee ARC.

Group photo by Kevin Carlson, owner of Carlson Studio.

Press release:

On May 18, the Genesee County United Way will be employing the resources of 350+ voluteers for the 9^th Annual Day of Caring. The United Way Day of Caring provides local businesses with volunteer opportunities throughout Genesee County where their employees can harness their energies to make Genesee County a better place to live.

This year there are more than 35 nonprofit agencies that will benefit from volunteer support to paint, landscape and perform general beautification projects.

The kick-off event at Dwyer Stadium is sponsored by Lawley Genesee. It starts at 8 a.m. and includes breakfast and cheers performed by each volunteer team. There's an official ceremony at 8:30 and a team photo will be taken as is customary before the day's work begins. People fan out to work on various projects and then wrap up by meeting at 3 p.m. at Terry Hills Restaurant and Banquet Facility on Clinton Street Road. Stories will be told, a slide show of the day will be shown and all will have a good time!

It is estimated that a total of more than 3,200 people hours will be contributed throughout the day with an estimated $48,000 in labor costs provided. Perhaps the largest single volunteering day in Genesee County!

For more information you can email UW Regional Director Erik Fix at erik.fix@uwrochester.org or call 585-356-2814.

This morning, scores of local residents gathered at Dwyer Stadium before fanning out around the community to provide volunteer labor to several organizations for spring cleanup and restoration projects as part of the 2015 United Way Day of Caring. We have pictures from the YMCA, Centennial Park, Peace Garden and Genesee ARC.

Bottom photo of the group at Dwyer is a submitted photo.

Press release:

The United Way of Genesee County is pleased to announce the formation of the Genesee County Race Series. The event is a collaboration between the United Way and six local 5K events and will culminate with the annual Runner of the Year Award.

Runners will be required to participate in at least three events to be eligible for awards. The top four race results will be counted toward an individual's ranking. Cash awards ($300 for first, $150 for second and $50 for third) will be presented to the top three male and female runners. In addition, awards will be presented to the top three runners in each age group (overall winners will not be eligible for age group prizes). There will also be awards given to individuals who participate in all six races. Awards will be presented at a year-end banquet in October.

According to United Way of Genesee County Director Erik Fix, “The United Way believes in building a better community through education, income and health. The Race Series is just one way we can help build a healthy community. We are excited to partner with six great local races to create the series. Our goal is to quickly grow to 10 races by 2017.”

The vision for the series is to draw more people to each event and getting more people out to participate.

“We hope the additional prizes including a cash prize will help to draw some quality racers and their families and friends to Genesee County,” Fix said.

The series will begin with the UMMC Spring Sprint 5K on May 9 and culminate with the ARC Friends and Family 5K on Sept. 26.

The six races are:

• May 9 -- UMMC Spring Sprint 5K
• May 29 -- Genesee Cancer Assistance Festival of Hope 5K
• July 4 -- Kiwanis Independence Day 5K
• Aug. 15 -- Don Carroll Toys for Kids 5K
• Sept. 7 -- Jaycees Labor Day 5K
• Sept. 26 -- ARC Friends and Family 5K

The series is being sponsored by Alpina Foods. The yogurt company will be present with sample products at each event. The series is open to individuals of all ages regardless of where they reside. Series registration is not necessary. By registering for an individual race you are automatically qualified for the series. For full series details please check out the United Way of Genesee County Web site www.uwgeneseecounty.org

Press release:

Each year the United Way of Genesee County has supported local nonprofit agencies with funding for programs and services through the United Way Community Fund.

Following an extensive review of our community needs, the Board of Director of the United Way has approved the 2014 Building Blocks for Change. This will allow UW staff and volunteers to better respond to the needs of a changing community.

This marks a big departure from how grants have been distributed in the past and funding is available to ANY nonprofit in Genesee County, according UW Regional Director Erik Fix.

Building Blocks for Change will focus on three areas:

• Investing Today for a Better Tomorrow -- grants ranging from $2,500 to $15,000 with a total of $150,000 available -- for learning and enrichment, proactive prevention and mentoring
• Meeting Basic Needs -- grants ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 with a total of $75,000 available -- for emergency services, basic needs programs;
• and Creating Long-term Solutions -- grants ranging from $500 to $5,000 with a total of $25,000 available -- for community development.

Funding will be available for up to a two-year funding cycle beginning in February 2015. Applications are available now and proposals will be accepted until Nov. 15.

Eligible agencies must be not-for-profit, community-based organizations and/or faith-based organizations that have current 501c3 status. Grants are awarded to agencies in Genesee County that meet the needs of our community.

Final funding awards will be at the discretion of the UW Allocations Committee and Board of Directors.

Applications are available by e-mailing UW Regional Director Erik Fix at:   erik.fix@uwrochester.org

The due date for all applications is Nov. 15.

Once accepted, agencies will receive additional information from the United Way, including six-month report instructions and expectations of United Way Agencies.

United Way of Genesee County
29 Liberty St.
Batavia, NY 14020
585.343.8141

Press release:

The United Way of Genesee County is happy to announce that Genesee County Chamber of Commerce President Tom Turnbull will chair the 2015 United Way Campaign. Tom is a lifelong Genesee County resident and former publisher of The Daily News. Tom has been a member of the United Way Board of Directors for a dozen years and has been a longtime advocate for the United Way.

“We are extremely pleased that Tom has agreed to chair our 2015 Campaign. His passion for United Way and our community is second to none. His leadership will be valuable as we continue to grow our impact in Genesee County,” said United Way Director Erik Fix.

The 2014 United Way Campaign raised more than $364,000. The organization is in the process of strategically redefining its funding structure to better meet the needs of the community. Currently the United Way funds 15 dynamic nonprofit agencies in Genesee County. In addition, it operates the Genesee County Backpack Program and recently completed its 7^th Annual Day of Caring.

Turnbull credits the direction of the agency as a reason for volunteering.

“The past success of the United Way coupled with our exciting future is what led to my decision to chair this year’s campaign," he said. "I am excited about the direction the organization is heading and look forward to helping make this year’s campaign a huge success.”

If you would like more information about the United Way or are interested in giving, volunteering or advocating for the agency, contact Regional Director Erik Fix at 585-343-8141 or go to www.uwgeneseecounty.org.

Volunteers from throughout the county turned out today for the United Day of Caring and provided free labor for several local projects.

Above, members of the Lions Club outside Adam Miller Toy and Bicycle with the dozens of bikes they spent the day getting into working order for needy children and adults. Some of the bikes were taken in by Batavia PD after being found abandoned and never claimed and others were put out as garbage and picked up Genesee ARC. Many of the bikes will be returned to ARC clients.

Pictured, from front: John Huntzinger, Chuck Brenner, Bob Swanson, Tom Clark, Pier Chipollone, Dave Cuttia, John Roach and Van Scoy.

Denise Danzig-Rotolo at GO ART!

Ginny Tiedi at GO ART!

Tiede shows how to make a pair of pink bunnies using a bloom from a bleeding heart.

Glenn Simon at GO ART!

Eric Olson and Joe DiSalvo at Kiwanis Park.

Gilbert Mulcahy at Kiwanis Park.

Matt Gray at the community garden.

Denise Young at the basketball courts behind the Batavia Youth Bureau.

Group photo from this morning at Dwyer Stadium by Kevin Carlson of Carlson's Studio.

At United Way's annual luncheon Wednesday, the agency announced annual award winners, named its new board of directors and revealed that $359,500 was raised in the past year.

The fundraising effort was $5,000 short of the agency's goal, but $3,000 over the previous year. Staff and volunteers are putting in a campaign-closeout effort to raise that last $5,000.

Co-chairs for the campaign were Charlie Cook and Dennis Burke of Liberty Pumps.

Award winners included: Cargill Animal Nutrition -- Outstanding Workplace Campaign; Liberty Pumps -- Outstanding Workplace Campaign; CASA for Children -- Partner of the Year; Chapin Manufacturing, Inc., -- Top Hat Award (Top Campaign – over $50,000).

O-At-Ka Milk Products won the Conable Award, which is given to a person or business who exemplifies a commitment to the United Way as demonstrated by Barber Conable. O-At-Ka raised more than $25,000 -- increasing their campaign by 50 percent from last year.

In the photo are representatives from O-At-Ka, Chapin, Liberty Pumps, and CASA for Children.

Information and photo provided by Erik Fix.

There were 382 people who signed up for the United Way Day of Caring today, but Susie Boyce thinks more people than that are participating because organizers ordered 425 T-shirts and they ran out.

The volunteers will work on 32 projects today, which amounts to about $36,000 in labor contributions.

The group from Genesee ARC.

The Kiwanis Club of Batavia.

Joe Saco sang the National Anthem and America the Beautiful.

Last year, Amber, on the right, received a bicycle that had been reconditioned by volunteers at Adam Miller Toy and Bicycles. Today, she read a message about how much the bike has meant to her to help her get around town and go to and from her job. Shelley Falitico, from Genesee ARC, is with her.