The United Way of Greater Niagara held its eighth annual meeting and awards breakfast on Friday morning inside the Four Points by Sheraton in Niagara Falls. The agency strives to make a difference in Niagara County by enhancing lives. To do so, it requires time, talent and resources. This event paid tribute to those who help the United Way achieve its mission.
Among the honorees:
Lucy Muto received the Joseph C. Weber III "Think Positive ... Think United Way" Award, and was complemented by emcee Mark Laurrie.
Russell Quarantello, representing IBEW Local 237, was presented the Shining Star Award (joined by President/CEO Connie Brown).
Hard Rock Cafe, Niagara Falls USA, was given the Horizon Award.
Family & Children's Service of Niagara, recipient of the Service Cup Award.
United Way Caps Successful Year with Awards Breakfast
Celebrating the 2017 annual campaign, United Way of Greater Niagara hosted its eighth annual meeting and awards breakfast on Friday. The organization's 2017 Annual Campaign raised more than $1 million to support 42 programs provided by 25 different agencies in Niagara County.
The United Way's staff and board provided an overview of the organization's goals, initiatives and events planned for 2018. In addition, several awards were handed out, as the agency honored commitment and contributions to United Way of Greater Niagara and the Niagara Region. Those receiving awards:
Norman Sinclair Humanitarian Award — William Berard III
Think Positive ... Think United Way Award — Lucy Muto, M&T Bank
Caring Cup Award — Youth Mentoring Service of Niagara County
Horizon Award — Hard Rock Cafe, Niagara Falls USA
President's Award — General Motors Components Holdings of Lockport, UAW Local 686
Shining Star Award — Russell Quarantello IBEW Local 237
Service Cup Award — Family & Children's Service of Niagara
Outgoing Board Member Honorees — Joanne Shippey, Jerry Wolfgang, Tom Vogt, Gloria Baker, Michelle Bradley, Therese Quarentillo
Labor's Community Service Award — IBEW Local 2104 New York State Power Authority
Outstanding Agency Ambassador Award - Jeffrey Wierzbicki, Family & Children's Service of Niagara; Mary Brennan-Taylor, YWCA of the Niagara Frontier
School of the Year Award - Lewiston-Porter Central School District UT Local 2785
Joanne Shippey, board chairwoman of United Way of Greater Niagara, said, "This event provides a wonderful opportunity to honor several local individuals and organizations who helped make our 2017 campaign a huge success and inspired others to live out United Way's mission."
United Way of Greater Niagara invests in programs that focus on education, health and income that deliver measurable results to improve the community today and strengthen it for tomorrow. United Way of Greater Niagara touches over 70,000 people in the Niagara County community every year. United Way also supports 25 agencies and 42 different programs throughout the county. For additional information, visit
www.uwgn.org.
(Photos by Joshua Maloni)
