NeighborWorks Rochester was thrilled to be a host site again for this year’s Day of Caring event sponsored by the United Way of Greater Rochester! For the third straight year, the Harris Corporation sent a team of
Harris Corporation team
volunteers to our not-for-profit organization. Once again, this incredible team was extremely helpful in tackling many building and yard projects, making our organization look it’s best for our customers, neighbors, and partners. Led by Dana Colbert, the group spent time weeding and spreading mulch throughout our entire property. They patched parking lot potholes, cleaned windows and appliances, and also did some painting for us. No project was too grimy or gritty for them, and they did it all with a smile! We look forward to seeing them every year!! Some of our NeighborWorks staff worked side-by-side with the Harris team, while others tackled large projects indoors! I can’t thank The Harris Corporation and NeighborWorks Rochester Teams enough for beautify our landscape inside and out!
NeighborWorks® Rochester presented its Partner of the Year Award at its 2017 Annual Meeting, held March 29th at the agency. The event was a celebration of a year of services provided to new and current homeowners i
Executive Vice President, Brian Pasley, accepts the award on behalf of Canandaigua National Bank from NeighborWorks Rochester Executive Director Joanne Panarisi-Bottone and Board President, Matthew McDermott
n the Rochester area, as well as an opportunity to recognize individuals and organizations that were significant supporters.
Executive Vice President Brian Pasley accepted the Partner of The Year Award on behalf of Canandaigua Bank. “As an approved Federal Home Loan Bank of NY (FHLBNY) Community Lender, Canandaigua National Bank has continued to take an active role in showing support through contributions and volunteering, and is in complete alignment with NeighborWorks® Rochester’s mission to provide housing solutions as a foundation for individuals, families and neighborhoods to build vibrant communities,” stated Joanne Panarisi-Bottone, NeighborWorks Rochester Executive Director. “We’re excited to continue to grow in our partnership,” she added.
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognized long-time volunteer Ellie MacLeod, of Penfield. Ms. Panarisi-Bottone said of her, “Pla
Volunteer of the Year, Ellie MacLeod
nning, organizing, hustling sponsors, setting up, delivering… she’s done it all…Through her dedicated volunteer efforts, Ellie has made our world a better place.”
Guests at the event heard about the impact of the previous year, including that close to 500 families and individuals were impacted by NeighborWorks® Rochester’s services in 2016. At least 109 individuals were able to realize their dream of homeownership because of the organization’s Home Buyer education services and 97 homeowners received home energy audits and access to financing programs for energy and money savings. In addition, close to $821,000 was invested in the community in the form of down payment assistance, home improvements and home energy improvements.
1st Niagara Bank representatives, Phil Swetz, Karla Gadley, Bridget Campbell and Laura Smith accept the Partner of the Year Award from Luis Burgos.Luis Burgos and Kim Mitchell.Luis Burgos and Greg Stefl.
NeighborWorks® Rochester recently held its 2015 Annual Meeting at the agency’s newly renovated facilities. More than 150 people attended the event, which was a celebration of a record-setting year of services provided to new and current homeowners in the Rochester area, as well as an opportunity for us to recognize individuals and organizations that were significant supporters.
First Niagara Bank was honored as the Partner of The Year in recognition of their collaboration, commitment and leadership. Luis Burgos, Executive Director of NeighborWorks® Rochester, stated, “Our relationship with First Niagara has been a solid one from the beginning, when we first connected with them for our First Home Club. They are a great resource for potential home buyers and for NeighborWorks® Rochester, as well.” We are so pleased to partner with them in making Rochester a great place to live!
The Edline Chun Volunteer of the Year Award was presented to Kim Mitchell, of Rochester, who serves on our Marketing and Development Committee and donates her considerable decorative talents and materials to all agency events. As a homeowner who has received NeighborWorks® Rochester services, Kim actively promotes the programs and acts as an ambassador for the organization, whenever requested. “This award is given to honor the legacy of Edline Chun, an extraordinary volunteer who gave of herself selflessly to achieve our mission of strengthening neighborhoods. Kim embodies many of the same characteristics that made Edline special,” Burgos said.
Also recognized at the event as Employee of the Year was Operations Manager Greg Stefl, of Rochester. As the point person for the recent facility renovation and technology upgrade, Stefl’s “exacting standards have improved many aspects of our organization and his passion for our mission has made a difference for the communities which we serve“ said Burgos.
We are so grateful for the support of our partners, friends, volunteers and staff. They allow us to provide great customer service to our community and to help make Rochester a great place to live!
