In Corinth, the Fredette Family Foundation, founded by Glens Falls basketball star Jimmer Fredette and his family, has donated money that allows the district to provide free lunch to needy students on Fridays throughout the school year. District officials announced last week that the foundation had extended its gift to provide students free lunch every day for the rest of the school year. The foundation’s stated goal is to promote and strengthen families through strong schools, education, better communities and a more proactive role in society. Among the activities in which the foundation is involved is providing supplemental school meals, supporting anti-bullying efforts, collecting and donating clothes, prom dresses and filling other student needs, and promoting character-building efforts through what they call “Jimmerocity.” To learn more about the foundation and to make a donation, visit jimmerocity.org.
In East Greenbush, students are collecting money to support an Albany dog rescue group through a community service fund-raising effort. Students from the Student Advisory Council held a dog wash and walk at the East Greenbush Town Park in which they washed and walked dogs for in exchange for a $5 donation to the Peppertree Rescue, a local animal shelter that finds homes for abandoned dogs. Under the guidance of Superintendent Jeff Simons, students in grades 5-12 solicited donations, created a website for the fundraiser, created promotional materials and did the actual dog walking/washing. The community service project is an outgrowth of the Advisory Council, which features specially nominated students in the district, who meet regularly to promote leadership in the school and the community.
In Rotterdam, the Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub on West Campbell Road is raising money for the Scotia-Glenville All Sports Booster Club and the Schalmont Athletic Association by auctioning off local sports items displayed in the restaurant. The silent auction began a week ago and ends Wednesday. Among the items up for auction are plaques and other memorabilia from area schools. The restaurant is “refreshing” its decor by making room for new items. All proceeds from the silent auction will go toward the two school sports programs.
In Schenectady, a local car dealer/repair shop and a national auto parts supplier donated services and parts to repair vehicles used by the City Mission of Schenectady and Catholic Charities’ Meals on Wheels program. The service team at Wedekind Motors on State Street, with parts donated by ACDelco, performed necessary repairs and maintenance of safety features on six vehicles used by the charitable organizations in their work helping the needy in our area. Among the work, valued at about $5,000 total, was the replacement of brake pads and rotors. They say they hope to do the same again next year.
In Niskayuna, local Girl Scout Caroline McGraw helped collect nearly 2,500 pairs of shoes that will be donated to the YWCA-NorthEastern NY to help support the organization’s programs. Caroline, a member of Niskayuna High School Girl Scout Troop 2383 and a member of the YWCA board, last year collected 1,000 pairs of shoes. The effort involves inviting members of the community to clean out their closets and dropping off lightly used shoes for men, women and children at the Niskayuna Town Hall. Next year, Caroline’s mother said, her goal is to top 3,000 pairs of shoes.
High Notes is a feature of The Gazette Opinion section that appears every Monday to spotlight the many good works being done by individuals and organizations in our communities. If you have a suggestion for High Notes, please send it to Editorial Page Editor Mark Mahoney at [email protected].
