ALEXANDRIA BAY — The Foundation for Community Betterment — Alexandria Bay Chapter is pleased to announce a partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation to help provide critical food supplies for those in need in several Thousand Islands area communities.
During the past seven weeks, as stay-in-place orders have been mandated across New York and the country, many residents in the town of Alexandria and Thousand Islands area have felt the stress of keeping food on the table for their families. Those who work in the tourism and service industries have been especially hit hard in the region. Families are struggling to find and retain jobs, pay their bills, and keep their loved ones sufficiently fed with nutritious food.
The Foundation for Community Betterment and the Northern New York Community Foundation have joined to help fund four local food pantries and keep food available for those in need. The following local organizations will benefit from a combined $4,250 in grant awards:
- Alexandria Bay United Methodist Church Blessings Box, 315-482-9357
- Alexandria Community Food Pantry, 315-486-9322
- Redwood Food Pantry, located in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, 315-482-2006
- Reformed Church of the Thousand Isles, spaghetti dinners program, 315-482-9976
“Giving back at a time like this is what being part of a community is all about. Locally, there have been countless examples of businesses, organizations and individuals going above and beyond to help others,” said Trevor Garlock, Foundation for Community Betterment Alexandria Bay Chapter volunteer and board member. “Our Betterment Chapter, in partnership with the Northern New York Community Foundation, is humbled to support these food programs that people need now more than over.”
The two organizations are proud to work together to support those in need in the Thousand Islands area and look forward to future partnerships.
“This is a perfect example of the value of partnerships for the benefit of the people of a region,” said Rande Richardson, Northern New York Community Foundation executive director. “We are pleased to work alongside the Foundation for Community Betterment in this way and welcome collaborations to make a difference in the lives of river-area residents, especially at such a challenging time,”
About The Foundation for Community Betterment
The Alexandria Bay Chapter of The Foundation for Community Betterment was chartered in July 2001, hosting its first “Paddle for Betterment” in the heart of the 1000 Islands. Now in its 20th year, the Paddle for Betterment is an annual river community summer tradition, bringing together volunteers and participants of all ages during an expanded “Community Betterment Weekend” that sees the spirit of philanthropy at work in the community. Since 2001, the chapter has donated more than $210,000 to its community with all gifts providing direct support to individuals or local organizations in need.
In 2018, the Alexandria Bay Chapter partnered with the Northern New York Community Foundation to establish the permanent Foundation for Community Betterment Alexandria Bay Endowment Fund. The partnership with Community Foundation represents the next step in Betterment’s evolution and guarantees that it will have a positive, long-term presence in its community for generations to come. To learn more, visit communitybetterment.org/alexandriabay to learn more.
Nationally based in Arnold, Maryland, The Foundation for Community Betterment was established in August of 2000 by eight young professionals who wanted to bring friends and funds together to make a significant difference in their communities.
As of November 2019, the Betterment network has donated more than $1.5 million to support individuals and organizations and build a Betterment Immediate Need Fund. Fourteen cities have hosted Betterment festivities since 2000 to expand the network with their own events, and there are presently nine active chapters across the country, including Alexandria Bay.
About the Northern New York Community Foundation
Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.
Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.
The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.