Alexandria Bay, NY Chapter
The "Heart" of the Thousand Islands
*****
Have Fun - Give Back - Make Memories in the 1000 Islands!
You can now Support Betterment this Summer in one of Four Ways:
You can now Support Betterment this Summer in one of Four Ways:
- Register to Participate in one of Our Events — Scroll Down to Find Your Event
- Enter to Win one (or more) of our Raffles — Click Here
- Sponsor the weekend (Families and Businesses Welcome) — Click Here
- Make a Direct Donation to Alexandria Bay Chapter of Betterment — Click Here
Proceeds from all events will help local individuals and organizations in need—including supporting the “Ron McLennan Immediate Need Fund” which continues to help those with immediate needs throughout the year.
Celebrating 20+ Years of Community Betterment!
We share your passion for giving back to our community, creating and nurturing great friendships, enjoying the outdoors and living the best life possible on the St. Lawrence River. That’s why, in July 2001, the Alexandria Bay Chapter of The Foundation for Community Betterment was born—hosting its first annual “Paddle for Betterment” in the heart of the 1000 Islands. As one of the first events ever held through the newly formed national organization, Alexandria Bay’s Paddle for Betterment has become a true “River” community tradition. The Paddle represents all that our Betterment network hopes to always achieve, as it brings together volunteers and participants of all ages while generating the spirit of philanthropy at a local level.
“Community Betterment Weekend” — Join us!
Join us for a fun-filled “Community Betterment Weekend” of events held annually on the fourth weekend of July in Alexandria Bay. This incredible weekend celebrates philanthropy and encourage outdoor recreation/tourism in the heart of the 1000 Islands! Come solo to meet like-minded people—or grab your friends and family—to experience the “Ripple Effect” of kindness in our community. Your participation makes a lasting impact in the lives of individuals and organizations who need it most! We’ve created several memorable outdoor activities for all generations to enjoy along the shores of the spectacular St. Lawrence River—including Paddle, Golf and Tennis “For Betterment.” As a registrant, volunteer or sponsor, you’re invited to enjoy our “Welcome Party” on Friday evening (from 4-7 PM) at Bonnie Castle Resort’s outdoor pool house. You, along with our entire river community, are invited to experience the “Ripple Effect” of kindness firsthand by attending our “Recipients Ceremony” on Saturday morning at Scenic View Park Pavilion (11 AM-12 PM). A truly heartwarming program is planned at the end of our signature “Paddle for Betterment” event to wrap up an amazing weekend of fun. We have several new causes and individual beneficiaries to present to you each and every year! Details for each event is on this page (below).
PADDLE for Betterment — Est. 2001
Families and individuals from near and far join us year after year at this beautiful event, making the Paddle For Betterment a true St. Lawrence River summertime tradition! Kayaks, Canoes, Skiffs or Standup Paddle Boards welcome! Participants young and old "raise their paddles" to have fun and support the "Ripple Effect" we call Betterment. With the fire boat leading us up the river, paddlers travel the shores of Alexandria Bay collecting poker cards to use in their poker hand. Prizes will be awarded for Adult and Youth Division winners in 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place. It is our honor to name this incredibly special event after our founder, Carolyn Curley. Carolyn was a fierce supporter of The Foundation for Community Betterment and was instrumental in our chapter’s development. She forever touched our hearts, shaping both our organization and community in immeasurable ways.
Date: Saturday, July 23rd
Time: 9:00AM—Noon
Check-In: 8:00 AM
Location: Alexandria Bay Village Beach
Pre-Registration Cost: $45 for Adults / $25 for Youth
Day-Of Registration: $50 For Adults / $30 for Youth
Pre-Registration Ends: 3 Days Prior to Paddle!
Divisions: Adults & Youth
Registration Includes: Paddle Entry, T-Shirt, Breakfast and Prizes
Awards Ceremony: Poker Card Turn-In, Awards Ceremony and Recipient Gathering immediate follows
at Scenic View Park Pavilion starting at 11 AM.
Who can Participate? Adult Division — 18+, Youth Division — 17 + Under
Kayak Rentals: Hearts for Youth, Riverbay Adventure Inn, Mac's Boat Rentals
(Call in advance)
Rules of Participation: Click Here
Route (4+/- miles): Click Here
Register Online: CLICK HERE
Register by Mail: Download Form
Waiver Form: LINK to Online Waiver Form
Date: Saturday, July 23rd
Time: 9:00AM—Noon
Check-In: 8:00 AM
Location: Alexandria Bay Village Beach
Pre-Registration Cost: $45 for Adults / $25 for Youth
Day-Of Registration: $50 For Adults / $30 for Youth
Pre-Registration Ends: 3 Days Prior to Paddle!
Divisions: Adults & Youth
Registration Includes: Paddle Entry, T-Shirt, Breakfast and Prizes
Awards Ceremony: Poker Card Turn-In, Awards Ceremony and Recipient Gathering immediate follows
at Scenic View Park Pavilion starting at 11 AM.
Who can Participate? Adult Division — 18+, Youth Division — 17 + Under
Kayak Rentals: Hearts for Youth, Riverbay Adventure Inn, Mac's Boat Rentals
(Call in advance)
Rules of Participation: Click Here
Route (4+/- miles): Click Here
Register Online: CLICK HERE
Register by Mail: Download Form
Waiver Form: LINK to Online Waiver Form
GOLF for Betterment — Est. 2009
Whether you are just getting started or have been playing golf for years, join us at our fun-filled golf tournament! Two Tee-times take place (morning and afternoon), along with contests for longest drive, closest to the pin, putting and skins!
Date: Friday, July 22nd
Time: 10:30 AM + 2:00 PM Tee Times
Check-In: 1-hour prior to T-Time
Location: Village Municipal Golf Courts
Divisions: Men's, Women's and Co-ed: 2 Person Scramble
Cost: $50 per person
Registration Includes: Tournament Entry, Golf Cart, Lunch, Prizes
Awards Ceremony: Post Golf
Register Online: GO HERE
Register by Mail: Download Form
Wavier Form: None
Date: Friday, July 22nd
Time: 10:30 AM + 2:00 PM Tee Times
Check-In: 1-hour prior to T-Time
Location: Village Municipal Golf Courts
Divisions: Men's, Women's and Co-ed: 2 Person Scramble
Cost: $50 per person
Registration Includes: Tournament Entry, Golf Cart, Lunch, Prizes
Awards Ceremony: Post Golf
Register Online: GO HERE
Register by Mail: Download Form
Wavier Form: None
TENNIS for Betterment -- Est. 2015
The John N. Russell Memorial Doubles Tennis Tournament honors the beautiful memory of Mr. John Russell. “Big John,” a self-described River Rat, was a noted river community businessman, avid tennis player and solid supporter of The Foundation for Community Betterment’s programs and events. Members of Mr. Russell’s family attend and support this special event annually. We hope you will join, along with other members of our tennis community as we swing our rackets in support of the “Ripple Effect” called Community Betterment! We encourage participants to wear predominantly white tennis attire in John’s honor.
Date: Friday, July 22nd
Time: 9:00AM
Check-In: 8:15 AM
Location: Alexandria Bay Village Municipal Tennis Courts
Cost: $40 per person
Registration Includes: Tournament Entry, A Special Gift, Prizes
Awards Ceremony: Immediately Follows Tournament (Courtside)
Who can Participate: Men’s and Women’s Doubles Teams;
Combined age of players must be equal or greater than 70
Register Online: CLICK HERE
Register by Mail: Download Form
Waiver Form: Included in online registration. Available to fill out on site for mail in registrations.
Date: Friday, July 22nd
Time: 9:00AM
Check-In: 8:15 AM
Location: Alexandria Bay Village Municipal Tennis Courts
Cost: $40 per person
Registration Includes: Tournament Entry, A Special Gift, Prizes
Awards Ceremony: Immediately Follows Tournament (Courtside)
Who can Participate: Men’s and Women’s Doubles Teams;
Combined age of players must be equal or greater than 70
Register Online: CLICK HERE
Register by Mail: Download Form
Waiver Form: Included in online registration. Available to fill out on site for mail in registrations.
WELCOME PARTY — Kick off the weekend!
Join us for a short and sweet evening reception to celebrate Community Betterment! Enjoy fun,
food, music, raffles, auction baskets and more with friends and family. Cash bar available. All
volunteers, registered participants (golf, tennis and paddle), as well as sponsors are admitted for free as
part of your signup and participation.
Date: Friday, July 22
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bonnie Castle Resort’s Outdoor Pool Pavilion
food, music, raffles, auction baskets and more with friends and family. Cash bar available. All
volunteers, registered participants (golf, tennis and paddle), as well as sponsors are admitted for free as
part of your signup and participation.
Date: Friday, July 22
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Bonnie Castle Resort’s Outdoor Pool Pavilion
RECIPIENTS CEREMONY
The reason we're all here—our recipients! Witness the impact of your participation in community betterment. Experience first-hand this powerful, heartwarming ceremony of recipient acknowledgements and gifting. You'll see, hear and feel why this is the single most impactful part of our entire “Community Betterment Weekend.”
View our 2021 Recipient Ceremony Program.
Date: Saturday, July 23rd
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Scenic View Park Pavilion
Cost: FREE (without Breakfast)
Who can Participate? EVERYONE!
View our 2021 Recipient Ceremony Program.
Date: Saturday, July 23rd
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Scenic View Park Pavilion
Cost: FREE (without Breakfast)
Who can Participate? EVERYONE!
Growing Our Impact:
Our chapter continues to grow in numbers and impact, demonstrating the "Ripple Effect" of kindness in supporting Alexandria Bay's community. Through the years our Chapter has witnessed increased volunteer interest, sign-up participation and event offerings. We now host an entire "Community Betterment Weekend" featuring multiple memorable events. It is amazing to see three generations of volunteers all contributing to make your weekend memorable and successful for our local community!
Recipient Gifting:
Since 2001, through the generosity of our supporters, we've donated more than $240,000 to our community! All funds raised directly help individuals or local organizations in need. Recipients of funds must be recommended by someone in the Foundation's network of supporters, possess a philanthropic spirit and must make an immediate and specific difference to that individual's life or that of the organization. All recipients must be approved by our National Board of directors to ensure all three criteria are always met. Click here to view our Recipient Nomination Form (for board member use only).
In order of most recent, past Alexandria Bay area recipients include:
In order of most recent, past Alexandria Bay area recipients include:
FUNDS AND PARTNERSHIPS:
Ron McLennan Immediate Need Fund
The Ron McLennan Immediate Need Fund was established in memory of Ronald J. McLennan, a member of Betterment's host committee since its inception, who passed away in 2011. The purpose of our "Immediate Need Fund" is to provide Betterment the ability to give funding for local Alexandria Bay Recipients not just at our summer events, but throughout the year. Mr. McLennan was Superintendent of Alexandria Central School for 27 years. He gave in so many ways (big and small) to the Alexandria Bay community, creating a ripple effect that personifies the mission of Betterment. We are forever grateful for his friendship, leadership and support - and are honored to be able to positively carry out his name.
Donate here to the Alexandria Bay Ronald McLennan Immediate Need Fund.
Donate here to the Alexandria Bay Ronald McLennan Immediate Need Fund.
Community Betterment High School Scholarship Award—Established 2021
Our Alexandria Bay Chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment is now offering a $500 “Community Betterment” Scholarship Award to the Alexandria Central School Senior who demonstrates outstanding commitment to “Community Service and Betterment.” The purpose of this award is to recognize and support the high school senior whose good deeds and volunteer service show a positive contribution to our community, making a difference in the lives of others. The senior must also be enrolling full-time in an accredited post-secondary institution or trade school. Eligible candidates must be a current student at Alexandria Central School and be continuing their higher education. A recipient will be chosen based on the impact of their service to their school or community—after review of their submitted application.
View our application process here.
View our application process here.
Northern New York Community Foundation Partnership - Est 2018
"The Foundation for Community Betterment Alexandria Bay Endowment Fund"
"The Foundation for Community Betterment Alexandria Bay Endowment Fund"
The Northern New York Community Foundation (NNYCF) has been working with non-profit organization, businesses, families and individuals since 1929 to perpetuate legacies of community giving. In June 2018, our chapter partnered with the NNYCF to establish a permanent endowment fund for Alexandria Bay's Chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment. We are grateful for the NNYCF's $20,000 matching grant to establish and build our endowment fund. Partnering with the NNY Community Foundation represents the next step in Betterment's evolution and guarantees that we will have positive, long-term presence in our community for generations to come. Click here to donate to our endowment fund.
HOW TO DONATE TO OUR ENDOWMENT FUND ONLY:
All donations should be made payable to the Northern New York Community Foundation with "The Foundation for Community Betterment Alexandria Bay Endowment Fund" noted on the memo line or in the donor's instructions to the NNYCF.
Checks can also be mailed to :
Northern New York Community Foundation
131 Washington St.
Watertown, NY 13601
Since the fund is stewarded at the NNYCF, donors may also make gifts of stock and appreciated securities to the fund. Types of gifts accepted are explained here. Tax ID information is available here.
Checks can also be mailed to :
Northern New York Community Foundation
131 Washington St.
Watertown, NY 13601
Since the fund is stewarded at the NNYCF, donors may also make gifts of stock and appreciated securities to the fund. Types of gifts accepted are explained here. Tax ID information is available here.
Through the years, Betterment's volunteers and supporters have worked together tirelessly to help our community. We are honored to have received the following awards and recognition for our positive contributions to Alexandria Bay - and we are grateful for all those who share the same vision of making our community a better place through actions large and small.
- Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce's "Spirit of Giving Award!" - June 2018
- Northwestern Mutual Community Service Award ($15,000 Grant ) - January 2017
VOLUNTEER For Betterment!
Are you looking for ways to give back to your community or make a difference in the lives of others? Perhaps you've thought about ways to share your talents, develop new skills or build upon your experience and knowledge? Maybe you're looking to meet new people or donate a few hours of your time to help a great cause. Whatever the reason, your help can make a BIG difference in Alexandria Bay! There's plenty of ways to get involved, in an area that interests you - fill out the form below.!
2020 Volunteer Host Committee:
|
Carol Babcock
Sandy Chaltain Katherine Folino Ann & Bud Garlock Jennifer Garlock Logan & Andrew Garlock Trevor & Erica Garlock Heather McKinnon Heath Estee & Mike Kahrs Robin Martin |
Karen Peters
Morgan & Cody Ramm Millie & Joe Savarese Lisa Slate Jeanne Snow Jamie Drinkwater Stockton Lori Turgeon Patty Wagoner Mary Lou Williams |
Thank you for your continued support!
THANK YOU for making our events successful, memorable and meaningful to Alexandria Bay's recipients. Whether you volunteer, sponsor our efforts, contribute door prizes, give silent auction items, donate, buy raffle tickets, play golf, swing your tennis racket or raise your paddle, your contribution to our fundraising efforts make our community a better place. We look forward to these wonderful gatherings each year and being surrounded by amazing people.
Community Betterment in Action:
Community Betterment Video:
