Volunteers are the key to our existence and success.
We recognize the passion our volunteers have for both our community and the well-being of our
neighbors.
As our 19-20 fiscal year came to a close we recognized three of our volunteers with the awards listed below:
PAT STAGE VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Pat Stage Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Alex Adelewitz of Wegmans in Ithaca. This
award, named after its first recipient, is awarded to a UWTC volunteer who has exceeded all expectations
of what it means to be a volunteer. Alex Adelewitz, Service Area Manager at Wegmans in Ithaca, was
selected due to his consistent and enthusiastic work throughout the campaign this year. Alex served as
United Way of Tompkins County’s Pacesetter Co-chair and on the campaign committee. He gave
generously of his time, establishing new relationships and creative ways for local businesses to meet their
own goals while also supporting our community through UWTC. Alex’s deep commitment and inspiring
work for UWTC will continue, as he has recently been elected to the UWTC Board of Directors.
UNSUNG HERO AWARD
The Unsung Hero award was presented to Brian McNeal of Tompkins Trust Company. This award
recognizes a UWTC volunteer who has gone above and beyond to serve their community in a way that
might not be known to the public. Brian, Assistant Vice President-Senior Financial Analyst at Tompkins
Trust Company, completed a financial review of all of UWTC’s funded partners and grant applicants, served
on the Community Investment Committee, and chaired the T. Merrell Shipherd Flexible Fund Committee.
This existing committee was created to support innovative approaches and emergent needs across our
diverse community. This year, the committee expanded its duties and became UWTC’s review and funding
vehicle for COVID-19 relief services. Responding quickly and efficiently to requests for funding, Brian led
the committee in awarding nearly $55,000 in grants to local nonprofits between March and June 2020.
KEY CONTRIBUTOR AWARD
The Key Contributor award was presented to Cayuga Radio Group (CRG). This award recognizes a local
business or organization that has played a pivotal role in helping UWTC carry out its mission. Throughout
the year, Cayuga Radio Group provided air time to not only spread the word about UWTC and its initiatives,
but also to support many of our local nonprofits and businesses. Their signature fundraiser for UWTC,
“Wine & Dine” is a 13-hour broadcast by Lite 97.3’s “Dave & Jen” featuring fare from local restaurants,
wineries & breweries in an auction while also highlighting the work of United Way’s funded partners and
local employers. This year, by adding in a chance for donors to select “Songs for Good” to be played
throughout the day, as well as a challenge grant, the event more than doubled the dollars raised to meet
local needs. Cayuga Radio Group’s General Manager, Chet Osadchey, also volunteers his time and talents
on the UWTC Marketing & Communications Committee and serves on the UWTC Board of Directors.
