United Way plans harvest gala to thank supporters, highlight successes

File photo by Tom Rivers: Jimmy Mazz performs his “Legends and Laughter” show on May 18, 2019 at the Quality Inn and Suites in Batavia during a fund-raising gala for the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern. Mazz will be performing for a United Way benefit on Oct. 9. Mazz is a Las Vegas-style entertainer who performs songs by Rob Stewart, Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Elton John, Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks, Bruce Springsteen and many others.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 30 August 2022 at 1:55 pm

LYNDONVILLE – The Orleans County United Way is planning its second annual Harvest Gala to highlight successes in the past year and thank supporters.

The event will be from 5 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 9 at White Birch Golf Course in Lyndonville. The event will include a performance by singer Jimmy Mazz, who will be performing his “Legends and Laughter” impressions and comedy show featuring Three Dog Night.

Last year the debut event was held at Maison Albion and raised about $33,000 for the United Way.

“It is a fundraiser for the United Way, but it’s really a thank you to our supporters and people in the community,” said Dean Bellack, United Way executive director. “This is celebration for everyone in the community.”

Dinner and dessert will be included with a cash bar. The event will also include a wine wall, silent auction and live auction. Tickets are $75 each or $600 for a table of eight. They are available for purchase at OrleansUnitedWay.org. Special seating options and sponsorship opportunities are also available. For more information, contact Bellack at 585-283-4224 or director@orleansunitedway.org.

The United Way will also highlight successes in the past year. The agency took the lead on a Digital Divide computer literacy initiative and has been working with other agencies and government officials to address community challenges.

“We want to recognize that we get tremendous support from local businesses,” said Nyla Gaylord, the United Way’s executive director. “We will be celebrating our successes and sharing with the community the return on their investment in the United Way, including with grant writing and capacity building.”