Volume 1: issue 2: Introducing Betterment Weekend Events!

Welcome back to The Ripple Report, a weekly update on events related to The Foundation for Community Betterment. One of the main goals of Betterment is to create a ripple of kindness and support in the community. The dictionary defines the term “ripple effect” as a situation in which one event produces effects that spread and produce further effects. The ripple effect becomes unmistakably clear each year in our community during the inspiring events of Community Betterment Weekend. During this weekend, people come together to raise funds, share in the joy of community, and unite around the shared purpose of making a positive impact. It is hoped that these actions will create ripples of kindness that will continue to grow, encourage others and make our community a better place for all.

Last week’s article focused on introducing some of the volunteers who are new to Betterment. This week is all about the events taking place on Community Betterment Weekend. These events are integral to the fundraising that creates such amazing local impact. This year’s activities will take place on Friday, July 11th and Saturday, July 12th. Anyone who is interested in registering to participate in one or more of the events can register online or download a form on the website to complete and mail in. 

L to R - Jamie Stockton and Averell Manes enjoy the Betterment tennis event.

Tennis and golf are the first two events of the weekend, with both taking place on Friday, July 11th at the Alexandria Bay Municipal Golf and Tennis Courts. The tennis event was established in 2015 and honors the memory of John Russell. Mr. Russell was a community businessman, avid tennis player and Betterment supporter. Tennis begins at 9:00 am on Friday, with check-in and warm-ups at 8:15. Registration is $50 per person, and includes entry, a special gift, prizes and access to the Friday night “Welcome Party”. 

L to R - Robin Martin and Teagan Ward in 2024 celebrating Robin's hole-in-one at the Betterment golf event.

​The golf event was established in 2009 and also takes place on Friday the 11th. There are two tee times: 10:30 and 2:00, with check-in 1 hour before tee time. Registration for golf is $50 per person, and includes entry, cart, lunch, prizes and access to the welcome party.

L to R - Judy Compo, Mike Wellentuk, Carolyn McLennan and Alexandra Winchenbaugh kick off the weekend at the Betterment Welcome Party.

The event that has been the cornerstone of the weekend is the Paddle for Betterment, which was established in 2001. This year’s paddle (the 24th) will take place on Saturday, July 12th. People of all ages are welcome to board a kayak, canoe, skiff or stand-up paddleboard as they literally and figuratively make a ripple effect on the mighty St. Lawrence River. The paddle begins at 9:00 am at the Alexandria Bay Village Beach, with check-in beginning at 8:00. Participants who pre-register before June 20th will receive a free t-shirt. Pre-registration costs for the paddle are $45 for adults and $20 for youths. Registration on the day of the event will be $50 for adults and $25 for youths. (Kayaks can be rented locally. Please visit the Community Betterment website mentioned above for more information.)

Paddlers begin their journey on a sunny summer day, while the fire boat keeps everyone safe.

The final event of the weekend is the Recipient’s Ceremony, which is held at the Scenic View Pavilion on Saturday the 12th from 11:00am – 12:00pm. This is where everyone involved comes together to meet, honor and acknowledge this year’s recipients of our community’s generosity. It is at this ceremony that the ripple effect is most evident. There is a direct community impact, and this benevolence often inspires recipients to pay that kindness forward. It is an understatement to say that this weekend is special and memorable.

​We encourage you to become a part of Community Betterment Weekend!