Each July, families, friends and individuals from near and far come together to Paddle for Betterment—now a beloved St. Lawrence River tradition! Whether in kayaks, canoes, skiffs, or on stand-up paddle boards, participants of all ages “raise their paddles” for a morning of fun in the sun and to help create the powerful Ripple Effect we call Betterment. Our iconic local fireboat kicks off the event with a celebratory spray of water, signaling the start of the paddle promptly at 9 AM.  From there, paddlers cruise the scenic shores of Alexandria Bay, enjoying breathtaking views of the Thousand Islands—including Boldt Castle and passing freighters—while collecting cards for their poker hand.  Incredible GRAND PRIZES are awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in both Adult and Youth Divisions—and all paddlers are eligible for a door prize, too!  We’re very proud to carry on this meaningful event in memory of Carolyn Curley—our event founder, a driving force behind our chapter, an avid paddler and a passionate believer in the mission of Betterment.  Her legacy continues to shape and inspire our community of volunteers.

Date:                                       Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time:                                       9:00AM—Noon
Check-In:                                8:00 AM
Location:                                Alexandria Bay Village Beach
Pre-Registration Cost:         $45 for Adults  / $20 for Youth (Ends June 20th)
Pre-Registration Ends:        June 20th for FREE $15 Fitted T-shirt & $5 OFF Registration
Day-Of Registration:            $50 For Adults / $25 for Youth
Divisions:                                 Adult Division (18+) & Youth Division (17 + under)
Capacity:                                 150 paddlers!
Registration Includes:          Paddle Entry, T-Shirt (Must Pre-Register), Breakfast, Door Prize Entry, Free Gift & access to "Welcome Party" on Friday  Evening.
Awards Ceremony:               Poker Card Turn-In, Awards Ceremony and Recipient Gathering immediate follows
                                                   at Scenic View Park Pavilion starting at 11 AM.
Kayak Rentals:                        Call in Advance Mac's Boat Rentals (pick up), Swan Bay Resort (pick up), Otter Creek Outfitter (Pick up),  or Riverbay Adventure Inn (Delivery to Beach)
Rules of Participation:         Click Here
Route ( 3 1/2 +/- miles):      Click Here
Rain or Shine Info:                 All outdoor weekend events are rain or shine—with no rain date(s) scheduled. Rarely over the past 20+ years have we had weather concerns.  In the event of heavy rain, paddlers will proceed to the pavilion to draw poker cards and enjoy the “Awards and Recipients Ceremony.”  In the event of necessary cancellation due to thunder/lightening, your registration will be considered a direct donation to Community Betterment.  Thanks for your understanding.  
Register Online:                    CLICK HERE
Register by Mail:                   Download Form & Adult Waiver or Minor Waiver
*******************************
Sponsorship Options:            Download Form or CLICK HERE
In-Kind Donation Form:         Download Here
                                     

No matter your skill level—whether you're new to the game or a seasoned golfer—come join the fun at our annual golf tournament! Enjoy morning or afternoon tee times, plus exciting contests like longest drive, closest to the pin, putting, and skins!

​Date:                                      Friday, July 11, 2025
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
Capacity:                               22 Teams in Morning + 22 Teams in Afternoon (88 people total)
Cost:                                       $50 per person
Registration Includes:        Tournament Entry, Golf Cart, Lunch, Prizes & access to "Welcome Party" on Friday Evening.
Awards Ceremony:              5:30-7:30PM at Bonnie Castle Resort (Opening of Welcome Party)
Rain or Shine Info:              All outdoor weekend events are rain or shine—with no rain date(s) scheduled.   Rarely have we had weather concerns.  In the event inclement weather or necessary cancellation due to thunder/lightening, your registration will be considered a direct donation to Community Betterment.  You’re still invited to our Welcome Party where we will distribute door prizes/gifts.  Thanks for your understanding.
Register Online:                   GO HERE
Register by Mail:                  Download Form
Wavier Form:                        None
*******************************
Sponsorship Options:            Download Form​ or CLICK HERE
In-Kind Donation Form:         Download Here

 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 11, 2025
Time:                                      9:00AM
Check-In/Warm Ups:         8:15 AM
Location:                                Alexandria Bay Village Municipal Tennis Courts 
Cost:                                        $50 per person
Capacity:                                12 Men's teams + 12 Women's teams (48 players total)
Registration Includes:         Tournament Entry, A Special Gift, Prizes, & Access to “Welcome Party” on Friday Evening!
Awards Ceremony:               Immediately Follows Tournament (Court-side)
Who can Participate:           Men’s and Women’s Doubles Teams;
                                                  Combined age of players must be greater than or equal to 75
Rain or Shine Info:                All outdoor weekend events are rain or shine—with no rain date(s) scheduled.  Rarely have we had weather concerns.  In the event inclement weather tennis players should plan for the whole day to get match play in.   In the event of necessary cancellation due to thunder/lightening, your registration will be considered a direct donation to Community Betterment.  You’re still invited to our Welcome Party where we will distribute door prizes/gifts.  Thanks for your understanding.  
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.

Celebrate the spirit of Betterment at our fun Welcome Reception, set against the backdrop of Boldt Castle and the majestic St. Lawrence River. Join us at Bonnie Castle Resort for an unforgettable evening filled with live music, hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar, raffles, and the debut of our Select Silent Auction this year—featuring five exclusive, experience-based packages and river themed items you won’t want to miss!  Whether you're a longtime supporter or a first-time guest, this laid-back celebration is the perfect way to connect with friends, meet new faces, and toast to another amazing Betterment Weekend. All donors, sponsors, board members, volunteers, and registered participants (golf, tennis, or paddle) are invited to attend for free as part of your registration.  We can’t wait to welcome you! 
​Please RSVP through your registration, sponsorship form, or event chair by July 1st—or directly email: [email protected]


Date:                                         Friday, July 11, 2025
Time:                                         5:30PM - 7:30PM
Location:                                  Bonnie Castle Resort’s Amazing Front Deck
                                                    In the event of bad weather: Riverside Sports Bar (Inside)

The HEART of the Weekend, the reason we're all here—our recipients! Join us for the most meaningful and unforgettable moment of Community Betterment Weekend as we honor those at the center of it all. During this powerful and heartfelt ceremony, you'll witness the direct impact of your generosity and support. Feel the emotion, hear the stories, and see the difference we make together as recipients are acknowledged and gifted with love and purpose. It’s a beautiful reminder of the true power of community—and the reason Betterment exists.

Date:                                        Saturday, July 12, 2025
Time:                                       11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location:                                 Scenic View Park Pavilion
Cost:                                        FREE (without Breakfast)
Who can Participate?          EVERYONE!

Past Programs:
View our 2024 Recipient Ceremony Program
View our 2023 Recipient Ceremony Program
View our 2022 Recipient Ceremony Program.
View our 2021 Recipient Ceremony Program.

Since 2001, the Alexandria Bay Chapter has proudly given over $350,000 back to our community—thanks to the unwavering generosity of our supporters—directly assisting individuals, local organizations and community projects in times of need.
Recipients of funds must: (1) Be thoughtfully nominated by someone within our local network, (2) Demonstrate a spirit of giving and (3) Must make an immediate and specific difference to that individual's life or that of the organization.  All nominations are carefully vetted within our local Recipient Committee and agreed upon first, locally.  They are then reviewed and approved by our National Board of Directors to ensure they meet all three essential criteria before funds are properly dispersed. 
​
​View our recipient nomination form (for board member use only).
Ongoing Recipient List- starting with the most recent:

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 with 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.

Our Chapter proudly offers two annual scholarships to graduating seniors at Alexandria Central School: A Community Service Award recognizing outstanding volunteerism and impact, and a Technical Scholarship supporting students pursuing education in a trade or vocational program. Both awards honor local youth making a difference and investing in their future.

• Community Service Award ($1,000) - Established 2021

​Our chapter offers a $1,000 “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 for the Community Service Award here.

Past “Community Service” Scholarship Recipients:
2024—Ciara Dawley
2023—Cassandra VanBrocklin & Kayla Felder
              *Two Recipients Chosen - this one year only*  
2022—Emilee White

• Technical Scholarship Award ($500) - Established 2024

With the increased need for students to find support in technical, vocation and trade-oriented schools/programs, our Chapter offers a $500 Community Betterment Technical Scholarship.  The award was established to assist Alexandria Central School Seniors who wish to enroll in a 2-year technical or vocational program to pursue their education and career goals. A recipient will be chosen based on, school grades, letters of recommendation, work history, and volunteerism—after review of their submitted application.
View our application process the Technical Scholarship Award here. 

Past “Technical” Scholarship Recipients:
2024—Owen Ingalls
​

How does the bottle/can donation process work?
1. You can donate your bottles/cans YEAR-ROUND, any time you wish.
2. To participate: simply drop off your bottle/can donations at their A-Bay redemption center at 45447 Rt. 12, Alexandria Bay. At time of drop off, please 100% CONFIRM with their staff that you want your returnable money to be donated to The Foundation for Community Betterment - Alexandria Bay Chapter. You can ask for a receipt if you'd like.
3. Phinn’s provides a check quarterly – which we deposit in our chapter's Immediate Need Fund to help with recipients throughout the year.

Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation (NNYCF) has worked alongside nonprofits, businesses, and individuals to build lasting legacies of giving. In June 2018, our Chapter proudly partnered with NNYCF to establish a permanent endowment fund dedicated to supporting our mission long into the future. We are deeply grateful for the initial $20,000 matching grant that helped launch the fund—and for an additional $10,000 matching grant secured in 2025 to further grow its impact. This partnership is a significant step in advancing our long-term local vision—ensuring a lasting presence in the community for generations to come, while also opening doors to new grant opportunities through NNYCF’s extensive network.
Invest in Betterment’s Future:
We invite you to consider a gift to our Endowment Fund - Your contribution will help ensure the long-term strength and sustainability of our chapter, allowing us to continue creating meaningful impact and supporting local recipients for generations to come. Whether you choose to give today or include the fund in your legacy planning, your generosity becomes part of the lasting ripple effect of kindness in Alexandria Bay.

There are several easy, meaningful and tax-efficient ways to give:

• Secure Online Giving: Donate Now
• By Check: Make checks payable to Northern New York Community Foundation.  Mail to: 131 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601.  Be sure to include “Foundation for Community Betterment – Alexandria Bay Endowment Fund” in the memo line or via written donor instructions.

Since the fund is stewarded by the Northern New York Community Foundation, donors may also support it through other planned giving options as part of their financial or estate planning. Types of gifts accepted are outlined below & explained here.  Tax ID info is available here. 

• Appreciated Stock: Contribute long-term appreciated securities for potential tax benefits.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you're 70½ or older, donate directly from your IRA to fulfill part or all your RMD tax-free.
• Bequests & Estate Gifts: Include our endowment in your will, trust, or designate it as a beneficiary of a retirement account or life insurance policy.
• Donor-Advised Funds: Recommend a grant from your donor-advised fund.
• Charitable Gift Annuities: A contract that provides donors with a fixed income stream for life in exchange for a sizeable donation to a charity

For questions or guidance:
Contact Trevor Garlock:  (315) 486-4900 |  [email protected]
Visit:  www.nnycf.org

The Carolyn Fund was established (and is offered) by our National Organization to honor Carolyn Curley—beloved community member and founder of our local Chapter. Known for her warmth, generosity, and friendly energy, Carolyn inspired a lifetime of kindness and service. In her spirit, the fund supports youth philanthropy initiatives that reflect her values and help spark the ripple effect of giving.  If you, your kids, grandkids, school, or a local youth program are raising money for a cause you believe in, Betterment’s Carolyn Fund may be able to help! The fund offers small grants or matching donations to support children and young adults in their efforts to uplift a person or organization in need.
Click Here to Learn More & Apply!

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
  

Looking to give back, make a difference, or get more involved in your community? Whether you want to share your talents, learn new skills, meet great people, or simply lend a helping hand, we’d love to have you join us!  No matter your reason or availability, your time and energy can make a BIG impact in Alexandria Bay! There are many ways to get involved—find a role that inspires you and fills a need.
Fill out the form below to get started

The individuals listed below proudly serve on our chapter’s board of directors. We’re deeply grateful for their service, leadership, dedication, and passion.  We also extend heartfelt thanks to the many additional volunteers who help plan, organize, and bring our events to life at Community Betterment Weekend—your support makes everything we do possible.

​Our chapter continues to evolve—growing in ideas, size, and community impact—as we spread the “Ripple Effect” of kindness in Alexandria Bay.  Each year brings more volunteers, greater event participation, and exciting new initiatives!  Here are the most recent highlights:

Thank you to all who continue to make our mission not only successful, but truly meaningful for Alexandria Bay. Whether you lead our efforts, volunteer your time, sponsor our events, donate prizes, enter raffles, or take part in our outdoor events, your generosity fuels our mission. Every gesture, big or small, creates a lasting ripple effect of kindness. We are deeply grateful for the joy, energy, and community spirit you bring to Betterment each year, and we look forward to gathering this summer with the incredible people who make it all possible!