United Way gala raises nearly $34K for local agencies

Photos by Ginny Kropf: A crowd fills Maison Albion for United Way of Orleans County’s first gala on Nov. 19, featuring renown entertainer Jimmy Mazz.

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 2 December 2021 at 6:56 am

Jimmy Mazz  belts out a song at United Way’s gala at Maison Albion.

ALBION – The dust has settled. The money has been counted and the bills are paid. The result is United Way of Orleans County’s first gala ever was a resounding success.

The event Nov. 19 at Maison Albion drew a crowd and, at the end of the evening, a profit of $33,976 was realized, all of which will stay in Orleans County to help those people and agencies United Way supports.

United Way’s director Dean Bellack said this is an example of how United Way of Orleans County is evolving.

During the past year, United Way has been responsible for securing more than a million dollars in grants for Orleans County – the majority of which is promoting digital literacy education to 3,000 people and paying for a grant writer who will benefit all non-profit organizations in the county, as well as several who are also connected with Genesee County.

The gala received extraordinary support from the community, from corporate sponsors to companies and individuals who donated items for a silent and live auction. Other donations paid for catering by Zambistro and the venue.

Bellack said the tremendous success of this gala insures United Way will be planning more such events in the future.

From left, United Way treasurer Chris Cappetta chats with Suzanne and Judge Jim Punch at the United Way gala at Maison Albion.