(Press release from the United Way of Delaware & Otsego Counties)

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties held their 2016 Campaign Kick-off event on Tuesday, September 13 at the Otesaga Resort Hotel in Cooperstown.  Sarah Manchester, Board President, welcomed approximately 40 guests and announced the fundraising goal of $250,000 for this year’s campaign.  Guest speakers were Lynn Glueckert, Executive Director of Catholic Charities of Otsego, Delaware and Schoharie Counties; Patricia Leonard, Executive Director of Family Service Association; and Kara Travis, Senior Director of Patient and Partner Engagement for Bassett Healthcare.

Annually, the United Way awards the M. Cheri Albrecht Executive Director Excellence Award and the Alan Donovan Outstanding Community Leadership Award.  The Albrecht award, named in honor of Cheri Albrecht, is awarded to an Executive Director in recognition of their devotion of time and effort to be both a servant and leader in the Delaware and Otsego Counties’ non-profit communities.  The winner of the Albrecht Award for 2016 is Patricia Leonard, Executive Director of Family Service Association.

The Donovan Award, named in honor of Alan Donovan, past President of Oneonta State College, is given to an individual in Delaware or Otsego Counties who has demonstrated dedication to the community and has made a significant impact on the quality of life in Delaware and/or Otsego Counties.  This year’s winner is Angie Eichler, Greek Life Advisor at Oneonta State College.

The United Way of Delaware and Otsego Counties strives to meet its mission of uniting communities to improve lives in our region by mobilizing their caring power to address basic human needs.  Resources raised and leveraged are invested in programs that have sustained, measurable impacts in the focus areas of Health, Education, and Income Stability.

For information on how to start a workplace giving campaign at your business or if you would like to donate, please contact the United Way at 607-432-8006 or email: uwaysk@stny.twcbc.com

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