The holiday season is a time for having fun with friends and family while remembering those who are less fortunate.
Jill Connor / The Citizen
From left, Gina Lamannis, senior account manager with The Wall and WAUB radio; Kenneth Knight, executive director of Cayuga Health Associates; and Suzanne Hai, program coordinator with the Diabetes Prevention Partnership, are working together on a fund-raiser for the Meals on Wheels and a new diabetes care program in December.
From left, Gina Lamannis, senior account manager with The Wall and WAUB radio; Kenneth Knight, executive director of Cayuga Health Associates; and Suzanne Hai, program coordinator with the Diabetes Prevention Partnership, are working together on a fund-raiser for the Meals on Wheels and a new diabetes care program in December.
One local health organization is putting together an event that will allow locals to do both at once. The Cayuga Community Health Network is currently finishing up the final touches on an entertainment event that will raise funds for two service organizations.
The first-ever Neighbors Helping Neighbors will combine live music and food, and proceeds will go toward the local Meals on Wheels program and a new support group for those struggling with diabetes.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come out and support not-for-profit organizations,” said Irving Lyons, director of the community health network. “Especially during the holidays, we want to reach out for those who may not be able to help themselves out.”
The Finger Lakes Radio Group has been heavily involved in promotion, though organizers are still looking for sponsors to help support the event, Lyons said.
The evening will take place Dec. 10 at the Auburn Public Theater, and will feature music from seven groups - The Fabulous Ripcords, Kim Monroe, Dusty Pas'cal, The Siders, Fuse and the Auburn High School chamber singers and rent party performers. Food will be provided by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and there will be a silent auction and cash bar.
Lyons said the network is looking for creative ways to raise money for programs, as tight budgets have affected service organizations. And the need is not getting smaller, especially this time of year.
“We're constantly fund-raising,” said Ken Knight, who runs the local Meals on Wheels.
But for the clients, Knight said, “It's more difficult this time of year. Heating bills are going up. There tends to be more of a demand in the winter season.”
The program serves about 100 meals a day, five days a week. But Knight said people recognize Meals on Wheels more during the holidays.
“We're hoping to take advantage of that,” he said.
The diabetes support group is a once-a-month meeting that people can attend for free. It takes place on the third Monday of every month at Auburn Memorial Hospital, and offers attendees tips and training on ways to prevent and manage diabetes.
Suzanne Hai, who runs the program, also organizes workshops and other events for diabetes education.
Hai said proposed state budget cuts could affect the program, and private fund-raising is becoming more crucial.
“We really have a small amount of funds to use for a one-year program,” Hai said.
But even with the need for the two organizations, Lyons said the focus has been making the Neighbors Helping Neighbors event an entertaining night.
“In exchange for a $10 ticket,” Lyons said, “you're going to receive some high-quality entertainment.”
If you go
What: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
When: 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10
Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $10
To learn more: Call the Cayuga Community Health Network at 252-4212 or Finger Lakes Radio Group at 258-0937
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
The first-ever Neighbors Helping Neighbors will combine live music and food, and proceeds will go toward the local Meals on Wheels program and a new support group for those struggling with diabetes.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come out and support not-for-profit organizations,” said Irving Lyons, director of the community health network. “Especially during the holidays, we want to reach out for those who may not be able to help themselves out.”
The Finger Lakes Radio Group has been heavily involved in promotion, though organizers are still looking for sponsors to help support the event, Lyons said.
The evening will take place Dec. 10 at the Auburn Public Theater, and will feature music from seven groups - The Fabulous Ripcords, Kim Monroe, Dusty Pas'cal, The Siders, Fuse and the Auburn High School chamber singers and rent party performers. Food will be provided by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, and there will be a silent auction and cash bar.
Lyons said the network is looking for creative ways to raise money for programs, as tight budgets have affected service organizations. And the need is not getting smaller, especially this time of year.
“We're constantly fund-raising,” said Ken Knight, who runs the local Meals on Wheels.
But for the clients, Knight said, “It's more difficult this time of year. Heating bills are going up. There tends to be more of a demand in the winter season.”
The program serves about 100 meals a day, five days a week. But Knight said people recognize Meals on Wheels more during the holidays.
“We're hoping to take advantage of that,” he said.
The diabetes support group is a once-a-month meeting that people can attend for free. It takes place on the third Monday of every month at Auburn Memorial Hospital, and offers attendees tips and training on ways to prevent and manage diabetes.
Suzanne Hai, who runs the program, also organizes workshops and other events for diabetes education.
Hai said proposed state budget cuts could affect the program, and private fund-raising is becoming more crucial.
“We really have a small amount of funds to use for a one-year program,” Hai said.
But even with the need for the two organizations, Lyons said the focus has been making the Neighbors Helping Neighbors event an entertaining night.
“In exchange for a $10 ticket,” Lyons said, “you're going to receive some high-quality entertainment.”
If you go
What: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
When: 3 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 10
Where: Auburn Public Theater, 108 Genesee St., Auburn
Cost: $10
To learn more: Call the Cayuga Community Health Network at 252-4212 or Finger Lakes Radio Group at 258-0937
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net
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