vol 2 issue 7: Community Betterment Weekend Powered by Dedicated Volunteers

​Community Betterment Weekend is quickly approaching. On July 10 and 11, the community will come together for two days of activity, raising money through tennis, golf, and paddling the mighty St. Lawrence River. The weekend will conclude with a recipient ceremony, recognizing those who will receive much-needed support and reminding everyone of the purpose behind the festivities.
Behind every successful event is a dedicated team of volunteers working quietly to make it all happen. Without them, Betterment simply could not exist. Their efforts extend far beyond the weekend itself, with many contributing throughout the year to ensure the organization's continued success.
The Alexandria Bay chapter has grown significantly over the past 25 years. What began with a single paddle event has expanded to include golf and tennis tournaments, allowing Betterment to support an increasing number of individuals and community organizations. That growth has also created a greater need for volunteers willing to lend their time and talents.
There is no shortage of work to be done. Volunteers organize raffles and prizes, run the lemonade stand, serve on scholarship and recipient committees, coordinate paddle safety, host the participants' breakfast, manage public relations, organize the welcome party and recipient ceremony, and assist at each event throughout the weekend. The saying, "It takes a village," certainly rings true for Betterment. That village is made up of dedicated people who believe in the importance of giving back to their community.
This week's Ripple Report shines a spotlight on just a few of Betterment's longtime volunteers. While each has a unique story about how they first became involved, they all share the same commitment: helping neighbors and community organization during a time of need.

Robin Martin has volunteered with the Betterment Golf Tournament for 17 years and was part of the group that helped add golf to Betterment Weekend. Robin says, "the reason I became involved was because my parents were both very sick for 12 years, and it became overwhelming," she said. "The Betterment group helped my parents when they needed it most. I know how much it meant to our family to have the community support us, and we wanted to give back to other families in need. It is a wonderful organization that has helped so many people."

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

Terry Satterley has volunteered since the John Russell Memorial Tennis Tournament began 12 years ago. He manages the tournament brackets, keeping track of matchups, court assignments, and results throughout the day. "It's a great way to give back to the community," Terry said. "It's nice to be able to help those who need assistance."

Betterment Tennis Tournament directors Terry Satterley and Tad Clark take a moment to smile for the camera at last year’s tournament.

Carol Babcock has been a Betterment volunteer for the organization's entire 25-year history. She and her husband, Faye, were friends with Pat and Carolyn Curley. When Carolyn, inspired by her son Brendan, started the Alexandria Bay chapter of Betterment, she encouraged members of their friend group to get involved. Carol has not missed a paddle since. "I'm very proud to be a small part of Betterment and to be able to help people who just need a break during tough times," she said.

Carol Babcock and her grand dog Luna sport some t-shirts from past Betterment events.

​Heather McKinnon Heath has volunteered with Betterment for 20 years. She recalls receiving an email from Lori Turgeon when they both worked at Alexandria Central School, asking if anyone would be interested in volunteering. That year, their colleague Robin Martin's parents, Shorty and Judy Gionet, were recipients. When asked what Betterment means to her, Heather said, "It is very important to me because, as teachers, we see many more needs in this community than the average person. I love that we are able to help people and see the relief on recipients' faces when we can provide financial assistance, services, or equipment they need. Somewhere along the way I convinced my mother to come help me hand out T-shirts at the paddle. She became the queen of the T-shirts after that and looked forward to the paddle every year."

Heather McKinnon Heath and her mom Ruth supervise the t-shirt dispersal at a former Betterment paddle.

The Foundation for Community Betterment is truly grateful for these and all of the volunteers who show up and give freely of their time, effort and heart. As stated at the beginning of this article, it would not be possible to do any of the good work that Betterment does without our volunteers. For those interested in participating in Community Betterment Weekend or volunteering to make a difference, visit communitybetterment.org/alexandriabay.