vol 1, issue 8: A Family's Legacy in Alex Bay

Welcome back to The Ripple Report, your weekly source for stories connected to The Foundation for Community Betterment.

Last week, we highlighted the exciting philanthropic events that made Community Betterment Weekend such a success. This week, we shift our focus to the heart of Betterment: the individuals and families who give their time and energy year-round—and how their dedication is inspiring the next generation to do the same. That’s the ripple effect in action.

The Alexandria Bay chapter of Betterment was founded by Carolyn Curley in 2000. What began as a simple paddle event has since grown into a thriving tradition. Every year since that first event, Carolyn’s family has remained deeply involved in Community Betterment Weekend. Her children—and now her grandchildren—take part in countless ways, continuing her legacy of kindness and community spirit.
But the Curley family isn’t alone. In this community many families have embraced Betterment as a shared mission. Walk through any event during Community Betterment Weekend, and you’ll see children of all ages helping out—carrying tables, pouring lemonade, paddling kayaks—side by side with parents, grandparents, and community members.

Their involvement goes beyond the weekend itself. In the weeks and months leading up to the event, families contribute behind the scenes, planning, organizing, and preparing. These acts of service become powerful lessons, modeling generosity and commitment for the next generation.
The ripple continues—one family, one event, one act of kindness at a time.

Cody Ram, paddle volunteer, carrying his son Brady, followed by his sons Grayson and Cooper and nephew Remington Garlock. They are helping out on the morning of this year’s Paddle.

Nicole Alessi and her grandmother Millie Savarese, a Betterment Board Member, stop for a photo before beginning their paddle journey.

Volunteers and board members Michele Carr and Estee Kahrs worked together to set up the lemonade stand at this year’s Recipient Ceremony in the Scenic View Pavilion.

Caroline Carr, daughter of Michele Carr, volunteers her time at one of the events held at Macsherry Library prior to Community Betterment Weekend.

Volunteer Mike Kahrs gets some help carrying a table to the pavilion from his son Hank.