$2,000 in prizes given to the winner!
February 24, 2020 – Utica NY –
From August 2020 through January 2021, United Way of the Mohawk Valley’s Step-Up Incentive Drawing ran in conjunction with its annual campaign. This incentive gives donors who increase their previous year’s donation a chance to win $2,000 in gift cards from local businesses. To enter, local individuals “stepped-up” their annual giving by at least $52 or made a gift of at least that amount for the first time.
Today, United Way MV and the Step-Up Incentive sponsors, AmeriCU, Joe Tahan’s Furniture, Cliff’s Local Market, and Chanatry's Hometown Market announced and congratulated this year’s winner, Amanda Leitao, of Rome, NY. Amanda was randomly selected from more than 300 individuals who entered United Way MV’s Step-Up Incentive drawing this year.
“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone and I have been more fortunate than most,” said this year’s winner Amanda Leitao. “If you have been blessed with plenty, it's only right to give it to those who are in need.”
This year’s Step-Up Incentive helped bring in an additional $33,326 in donations from individuals who entered to win by increasing their donation, and 177 new donors!
The Step-Up Incentive is one component of United Way MV’s annual fundraising campaign, which funds local nonprofit programs and initiatives to help people in need in the Mohawk Valley. As one of the area’s top funders, many local programs rely on United Way funding each year. United Way is a leader in innovation through projects and programs such as childcare through the Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI), Ready for Kindergarten, Free Tax Prep, 211, and more.
“This community always steps-up when they are needed, whether it’s a local business or an individual, through a donation or volunteering,” said Erin Gutierrez Matt, United Way CEO. “I find myself humbled by the many who continue to support our work in the Mohawk Valley.”
Thousands of individuals and families throughout the Mohawk Valley are helped because of donations to United Way. To make an impact with United Way MV with a donation visit www.unitedwaymv.org/donate, call 315–733–4691, or mail a donation to United Way of the Mohawk Valley at, 258 Genesee Street, Utica, NY 13502.
