Alexandria Bay, NY Chapter
The "Heart" of the Thousand Islands
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GOLF •TENNIS • BIKE • PARTY • PADDLE • RECIPIENTS
"For Community Betterment"
It is with a heavy heart that our organizing team has decided to cancel our annual weekend of fundraising events scheduled for July 24-25th, 2020. We feel this decision is in the best interests of our supporters, participants, and volunteers as we care deeply about everyone’s safety and well-being.
Although we will not be gathering in person, we are able to offer you a way to stay engaged in supporting our local chapter’s annual fundraising efforts. We welcome your donations, big or small, as we continue to fulfill our mission in Alexandria Bay through our Ron McLennan Immediate Need Fund.
"For Community Betterment"
It is with a heavy heart that our organizing team has decided to cancel our annual weekend of fundraising events scheduled for July 24-25th, 2020. We feel this decision is in the best interests of our supporters, participants, and volunteers as we care deeply about everyone’s safety and well-being.
Although we will not be gathering in person, we are able to offer you a way to stay engaged in supporting our local chapter’s annual fundraising efforts. We welcome your donations, big or small, as we continue to fulfill our mission in Alexandria Bay through our Ron McLennan Immediate Need Fund.
Celebrating 20 Years of Community Betterment in 2020!
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.
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" complete with 6 events and fun-filled outdoor activities, including: GOLF, TENNIS, PARTY, PADDLE, RECIPIENTS and our most recent youth event addition: "BIKE FOR BETTERMENT". 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 $210,000 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. 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.
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.
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.
Online gifts to the Endowment Fund may be made directly 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.
Online gifts to the Endowment Fund may be made directly 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:
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Carol Babcock
Dara Balk Molly Briere Sandy Chaltain Judy and Tom Compo Tony and Kathy Folino Ann and Bud Garlock Andrew & Logan Garlock Trevor & Erica Garlock Heather McKinnon-Heath Kylie Hebert Estee & Michael Kahrs Robin Martin Cortney & Jamie McAloon |
Sue Pfister
Cody & Morgan Ramm Alyssa Reynolds Linda Reynolds Millie & Joe Savarese Gabby Slate Lisa Slate Jeanne Snow Jamie Drinkwater Stockton Jennifer Garlock Sweet Lisa Tillman Lori Turgeon Connie Wagoner 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, ride your bike or raise your paddle, your contribution to our fundraising efforts make our community a better place. We look forwrad to these wonderful gatherings each year and being surrounded by amazing people.
Community Betterment in Action:
Click here to view the photos from previous years paddle and golf tournaments!
Community Betterment Video:
