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It’s time for this week’s edition of The Ripple Report, where we bring you news and updates related to The Foundation for Community Betterment. In the past few weeks, we’ve spotlighted the exciting events taking place on the weekend of July 11th, the raffles and fundraising that are integral to fulfilling the mission of Betterment, and some of our dedicated new volunteer members. This week’s focus will be highlighting some of the community organizations that have been recipients of the generosity and support of Betterment. The national Foundation for Community Betterment was founded in 2000. It began with a small group of individuals working together to help one child in need. Once they had accomplished that, they realized how many other individuals, families and communities are in need, and that working together they could make a difference. Their mission statement is, “We help people and organizations when they need it most, starting a ripple effect of goodness in our communities and beyond.” Our local chapter began in 2001, and since that year the Alexandria Bay Chapter has given over $350,000 back to our community. Individuals, families and groups right here in the region have experienced a need and have had that need met. It's not often that you can donate to a cause and know with certainty that your contribution is making a direct impact on those who need it most. That is the power of The Foundation for Community Betterment. Those reading might find themselves wondering how these individuals, families and organizations are chosen. In order to be considered, recipients of funds must be thoughtfully nominated by someone. They must also demonstrate a spirit of giving. In addition, the funds must make an immediate and specific difference to that individual's life or that of the organization. Nominations are agreed upon by the local chapter, with final review and approval coming from the National Board of Directors. We will spotlight individual and family recipients in a later article. This week the focus is on several organizations in our community, all of which we rely on in times of need as well as for entertainment, education, and wellness. Last year, Betterment donated to two of our local Fire Departments to help support some different needs that had arisen. Funds were contributed to the Alexandria Bay Fire Department to help with construction of a new volunteer training facility. In addition, the Plessis Fire Department needed a 40-foot wheelchair ramp that was necessary to allow them to occupy their new community building. Betterment pledged funds to help make that a possibility.
The Macsherry Library in Alexandria Bay has a well-attended children’s story time each week. They are also a hub for numerous activity programs that engage and entertain children and adults alike. Betterment provided the library with a new adjustable activity table that can be used by all. In years past child-sized picnic tables have also been purchased for the library lawn. Seating and an activity table are small but mighty “ripples” that help to enhance and expand programs offered by the library, which is a well-known gem of a resource in our community.  Jackson Dunlap (left) and Hayden Trickey (right) enjoy a craft during story time at Macsherry Library. Anyone who has ever entertained small children knows that opportunities for safe outdoor play are essential. Betterment worked in conjunction with the Alex Bay Improvement Association to add toddler play equipment to Rotary Park in the village. Another way Betterment has helped the youth population in our community is through the Backpack Program at Alexandria Central School. This program provides weekend food assistance for students and families in need. Our organization purchased backpacks to house the food that travels from school to homes each week.  Grayson and Cooper Ramm enjoying the day at Rotary Park in Alex Bay. For those “young at heart”, the Boomer Movers Group is a free weekly interactive fitness class for older adults. It has become immensely popular in not only providing strength training and fitness, but a sense of community and empowerment as well. Betterment provided weights and resistance bands to help enhance their classes.  Boomer Movers instructor Amy Byrns Hillanbrand brings the energy of the program to life with a demonstration at last year’s Recipient Ceremony. Our community is tremendously fortunate to have a hospital that provides a full range of inpatient, outpatient and emergency services. One resource that is unique to River Hospital is Post-Traumatic Stress Services, which provides behavioral health support for active-duty military, veterans and those who work in high-risk occupations. Betterment with the purchase of tools and supplies needed to expand their art therapy program. We are also fortunate for the Reformed Church of the 1000 Islands, which provides free weekly spaghetti dinners to anyone in the community. This outreach requires both consistent volunteer effort and funds for the cost of food. Betterment paid for 1 month of meals to help offset the costs of such a kind and important program. Another group working hard to support members of our community focuses more on our furry friends. Alley Cat Rescue is an organization dedicated to caring for abandoned and/or feral cats. These cats are given shelter and care with the hopes that they will find new homes. Betterment helped with costs for spaying/neutering adopted cats, and vaccinations and care for those that are not adopted. Some of Betterment’s initiatives have become more of an annual priority. There are currently two different scholarships awarded to graduating seniors from Alexandria Central School. The Community Betterment Scholarship is awarded to an ACS senior who is continuing their education post-graduation, and whose good deeds and volunteer service show a positive contribution to the community, making a difference in the lives of others. The Community Betterment Technical Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who is headed into a technical, vocational trade-oriented program. Individuals are selected based upon grades, letters of recommendation and their history of volunteerism. The ripple effect is evident twofold with these scholarships. Betterment is helping goal-oriented students who have themselves already helped others in some way.  Patty Wagoner and ACS Superintendent Robert Fountain in front of the school with some of the backpacks used for the backpack program. It is evident through these stories of giving that often the period of time between a need and the donation does not have an urgent timeline. A need has arisen and there has been time to go through the proper channels to approve the expenditure. However, there are instances where people or organizations in need do not have the benefit of time. An emergency or crisis can occur at any time of the year, and financial support is often needed more quickly. That is where the Ron McLennan Immediate Need Fund comes into play. This fund was established in memory of Ronald J. McLennan, a member of Betterment’s host committee since its inception, who passed away in 2011. Mr. McLennan was Superintendent of Alexandria Central School for 27 years. He did so much for our community and created a ripple effect that personifies the mission of Betterment. Numerous people have been helped over the years through this important fund. Those wanting to donate specifically to the Ron McLennan Immediate Need Fund can find more information by visiting our website www.CommunityBetterment.org/AlexandriaBay
These are just a few examples of some organizations and groups that have been helped by the Foundation for Community Betterment in the past few years. Many of the individuals within these groups have been inspired to become involved and pay kindness forward themselves, which is truly the beauty and power of the ripple effect. As a reminder, our big events are soon approaching. Tennis and Golf will be taking place on Friday, July 11th at the Alex Bay Municipal Golf and Tennis Courts. The paddle will occur on Saturday morning, July 12th at Scenic View Park in Alex Bay. More information about the events for that weekend can be found at communitybetterment.org/alexandriabay. Come on out and have a great time while making a difference in our community.
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