Hundreds ‘Cheers to 100 Years’ United
UTICA, NY – United Way of the Mohawk (United Way MV) celebrated a century of helping the community with a big fundraising finale at their 100th Birthday Party on June 10 at Saranac Brewery.
Over the last 100 years, United Way MV has proven its value as they identify our community’s toughest challenges, develop solutions, and work with people from all walks of life to turn those solutions into action. The non-profit couldn’t make this celebration possible without the 100th Birthday Party Sponsors, including presenting sponsor, Bank of Utica.
“Bank of Utica is proud to be a longtime supporter of United Way of the Mohawk Valley,” said Bank of Utica President Barry Sinnott. “We share their commitment to strengthen our community and support their mission to improve access to vital services in health, education, and financial stability. Cheers to 100 years! May there be 100 more.”
The night was truly a grand garden party with a twist to help the non-profit keep the Mohawk Valley moving forward. United Way MV hosted more than 300 people at Saranac Brewery’s courtyard. Attendees enjoyed a perfect summery, evening sky under large clear-top tent with breathtaking summery décor. Guests were entertained by live music from Opus Black, Ladies of Soul & Their Gentlemen, and Showtime. Shaun Robison, The Charming Deceptionist, strolled through the crowd offering magic and tricks. And the end of the night was celebrated with a spectacular light and fire show put on by Fire Magick.
Attendees had the pleasure of dining on an array of food and drink perfect for any pallet, with main dishes from Catering by Michael's Fine Food & Spirits that took the traditional buffet a step above, and appetizers from several local restaurants of all different cultures and cuisines highlighting the diverse community we live in. Drinks, of course, were pouring plentifully thanks to Saranac Brewery. Plus, what is a birthday party without cakes provided by Nothing Bundt Cakes and City Café, cookies brought in by Sweet Treats by Melissa, and novelty ice cream from Gloria’s Ice Cream Truck!
The raffles were full of adventures and unique experiences, and there was even an opportunity to purchase event-exclusive souvenirs that were specific to United Way MV’s 100th year.
An added bonus and in-event fundraiser was the non-profit’s Dunk Tank which brought excitement to the entire evening. People didn’t have to be at the event to dunk, as there was a virtual platform that meant anyone could be involved in the fun. Up for dunking were Barry Sinnott, Heather Elias, Alex Carbone, Meghan McGrogan, Tom Carcone, and of course, United Way CEO/Executive Director Erin Gutierrez Matt.
United Way MV met its fundraising goal and raised $85,000 during the event. Staffworks stepped in and matched funds raised at the party through their raffles and dunk tank!
“The support from local businesses and community members is vital to enabling United Way of the Mohawk Valley to make an impact on 1 in 3 people in our region,” said Erin Gutierrez Matt, United Way MV CEO. “For 100 years, we have brought people and resources together to build a stronger Mohawk Valley. We will continue to be a leader in innovation, focusing on system-wide solutions, and tackle root causes to address crucial challenges facing our community.”
Other sponsors include Strategic Financial, Saranac Brewery, Galaxy Media, Affections Flowers, Berkshire Bank, Mastrovito Hyundai, McGrogan Design, Northland Communications, Charles A. Gaetano Construction Corporation, Fortus Healthcare Resources – Powered by Job.com, IBEW Local 43, Indium Corporation, Mohawk Valley Builders Exchange, Shaun Robison – The Charming Deceptionist, AIS, Ameriprise Financial, BBSA – Bushinger, Bucciero & Smith Agency, Inc., C2C Construction Solutions, CARite of Yorkville, Cliff’s Local Market, Dermody, Burke & Brown, CPAs, LLC, Greater Utica Chamber of Commerce, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Special Metals, Tent-All Rent-All, The Hartford, Paige Marketing Communications Group, Total Solutions, and Utica First Insurance Company.
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About United Way of the Mohawk Valley
Since 1921, United Way of the Mohawk Valley (United Way MV) has been a human service leader helping thousands of local individuals and families by bringing people and organizations together to solve our community’s challenges. As one of the area’s top funders, dozens of programs rely on United Way MV funding each year.
United Way MV is a leader in innovation through projects and initiatives addressing crucial community issues in the impact areas of health, education, and financial stability. For information about United Way of the Mohawk Valley, to donate or to get involved visit www.unitedwaymv.org, or call 315.733.4691
