May 27, 2008

The First (and Last) Lewis County Federal Rebate Charity Dinner to benefit United Way and a Lewis County agency or project decided on by donors attending the event was held Thursday, May 22, 2008 and was a great success.  Thanks to our donors, we raised $6,600!

Donors were invited to nominate a potential recipient of half the funds.  Then they were invited to talk about how the funds would be used.  Everyone was passionate about their choices.

The Lowville Library has undertaken a major renovation of its facility – top to bottom – and money from the event would be used to begin their re-model of the Children’s Department.  A newly formed group is looking to secure the land between the Fairgrounds and Maple Ridge as permanent parkland.  The Lewis County General Hospital Wellness Program*, staffed completely by hospital volunteer employees, is prevention and health awareness at its best.  Hospice of Lewis County’s* bereavement counseling program is overflowing with those in need.  Thousand Islands Habitat for Humanity*, once a beacon in Lewis County, is ripe for revival and need is great.  The vacant lot in the center of Lowville, now vacant for nine years, has the potential to be a first-class park with fountains and plantings, a place that centers downtown Lowville and its residents.

In the end, after much discussion and a little voting, participants decided to split the money three ways - $1,100 each to the Lowville Library, the emerging parkland project and Hospice.

The United Way Lewis County Campaign is off to a great start with this one-time event.  The opportunity to be a part of this year’s campaign, as an individual or family, through workplace or direct giving is on-going.  We hope that you will take the opportunity to learn more about the United Way and these local community programs as we go forward.

Tom Yousey - 2008 Volunteer Lewis County Campaign Chairman * United Way Partner Organizations

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