The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
Mohawk Valley United Way honors 100 heroes
DEERFIELD, N.Y. » United Way of the Mohawk Valley honored, celebrated, and paid tribute to its 100 heroes at a gathering on Sunday, May 15th at the Deerfield Fire Department. The celebration honored the 100 heroes nominated and selected as part of the non-profit’s 100th birthday celebration.
The goal of the project was to find 100 like-minded individuals that are out in our local communities doing what United Way MV is known for — helping the Mohawk Valley thrive.
The categories for honoring the heroes were health, education, financial stability, volunteerism, advocacy, and leadership, which perfectly align with United Way MV’S mission. After hundreds of nominations came in, a committee rated each nominee rigorously to come up with the final 100. During every Thursday over six weeks, hero highlights were released to share how each person has made an impact in our community.
“This gathering is meant to celebrate each individual selected as part of our 100 Heroes and truly thank them for their efforts every single day for giving back in a variety of ways,” said Erin Gutierrez Matt, United Way MV’S CEO. “It has been so fulfilling to not only hear their journey but also to meet such great people. This gathering is a way for us here at United Way of the Mohawk Valley to say, ‘Thank you.’”
At the gathering, each hero was presented with a certificate of acknowledgment and appreciation for their part in the project, as well as a small gift. The heroes and a couple of their guests met other honored individuals who have made a difference in the Mohawk Valley. The next of kin of heroes who have passed away joined in the celebration.
This project would not be possible without the support of United Way MV’S partnerships,
“This gathering is meant to celebrate each individual selected as part of our 100 Heroes and truly thank them for their efforts every single day for giving back in a variety of ways. It has been so fulfilling to not only hear their journey but also to meet such great people. This gathering is a way for us here at United Way of the Mohawk Valley to say, ‘Thank you.’” — Erin Gutierrez Matt, United Way MV’S CEO
especially from the top 100 Heroes sponsor, Central New York Labor Council. Other category sponsors for this project include NASRCC, IBEW Local 43, LIUNA Local 190, MVCC PA, Max’s Print Shop, and GCC/IBT Local L1.
“The James R. Cook Labor Agency (formerly the Central New York Labor Agency) has collaborated with United Way of the Mohawk Valley for over forty years to serve all individuals in our community with informational and referral services. This partnership, along with the CNY Labor Council, has afforded the United Way with a conduit to labor to promote workplace campaigns and support for the various programs that are offered to our community,” Norma Chrisman, the President of the MVCC Professional Association and James R. Cook Labor Agency said.
For more information about the United Way MV’S 100 Heroes and to read each Hero Highlight, head to unitedwaymv. org/100heroes.