United Way of Northern New York (UWNNY) is pleased to announce a new event coming to the Lewis County Fair: Cow Kissing for ALICE, presented by Marks Farms and CDPHP.
A group of local personalities are ready in waiting to kiss a prize-winning cow at the Lewis County Fair, seeking votes from community members in the form of donations. The individual who raises the most funds will smooch a cow on Saturday, July 20 at the Fair. Event proceeds will be used to support under-resourced, working families in Lewis County, defined as ALICE.
United Way partners with numerous organizations to provide support to ALICE families by connecting them to resources to address barriers and assisting with financial literacy, education, and workforce readiness. But who is ALICE? ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) is the term used to help us define and understand the struggles of households that earn more than the federal poverty level but less than what it takes to make ends meet. ALICE represents hard-working members of the community dealing with the pressures of economic instability that can often jeopardize their ability to maintain employment, particularly when a hardship or unplanned expense arises.
“This initiative allows us to recognize – and contribute in some small way to – the progressive work being done in Lewis County around poverty. We are committed to supporting the strong foundation established and are ready to support where we can,” said Dawn Cole, UWNNY President and CEO. “This event also allows us to strengthen our connection to the Lewis County community and build greater awareness around ALICE, while giving a nod to the dairy industry, a key economic driver in the region.”
The cow kissers for this inaugural fundraising event are: Emily Griffin of Channel 7 News, Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli, Chris Peck of Marks Farms, Doug and Jennifer Premo, Superintendents for South Lewis and Carthage CSDs, Todd Green, Superintendent for Beaver River CSD, and Dawn Cole, UWNNY CEO. Throughout the fair, July 16 – 20, United Way will host a table in the pavilion promoting the event leading up to the big day on July 20 to find out who will do the honors. Click here to cast your vote and make a donation in support of under-resourced, working families.
United Way is monitoring the status of the Avian Influenza and is working with key stakeholders to ensure precautions are in place to protect the health and safety of those involved in this initiative.
Click here to email us for more information or call (315) 788-5631.