On December 14, the Daniel J. Patterson Campus in Niagara-on-the-Lake came alive with festive cheer during the Holiday Celebration, an annual event that commemorates the NC community and its collective achievements this year.
Surrounded by decorative lights and glowing firepits, the NC community gathered in the courtyard for an evening filled with delicious food, delightful company, and joyful holiday spirit.
A highlight of the evening included the eagerly awaited conclusion of this year’s NC Cares United Way Workplace Campaign.
“This gathering is a great example of NC’s deep care and connection toward our students, each other, and our communities,” said Kennedy. “I cannot express enough my gratitude and appreciation. The difference you make in the lives of our students and community is what makes Niagara College such a remarkable organization.”
United Way CEO Frances Hallworth accepting the $60,300 donation from Niagara College.
United Way Workplace Campaign Co-Chairs Ali Weir and Becky Sciliberto joined President Kennedy and United Way’s CEO Frances Hallworth and Development Officer Jill Reid to announce the College’s outstanding fundraising total of $60,300, marking the third consecutive year NC has surpassed its fundraising goal ($50,000) and set a record. This achievement reflects the College’s enduring commitment to making a meaningful impact on the community it proudly serves.
“Thank you for always making Uniteed Way feel part of your family here,” said Hallworth. “This is Niagara College’s best-ever United Way campaign, and I want to give a special thank you to every person who donated or volunteered making it such a success.”
Funds were raised through a combination of payroll deductions, e-pledge donations, and various fundraising activities organized by NC teams including Athletics, School of Culinary Arts, NC’s Teaching Greenhouse, and NCSAC. Gift donations were also provided by NC’s Health Sciences team, International, Health, Wellness & Accessibility, along with several small, local businesses including, Stacked Pancake House, Mr. Mike’s, Peller Estates, Cole Haan, and Tim Hicks.
Sciliberto and Weir were also praised for their exceptional leadership in guiding the NC Cares Campaign Committee as this year’s Co-Chairs. Throughout the campaign, the pair, alongside this year’s dedicated NC Cares committee members, played a pivotal role in inspiring and motivating colleagues to get involved and contribute to the fundraiser.
“The tremendous success of this year’s workplace campaign truly would not have been possible if it weren’t for the collective efforts of so many,” said Sciliberto. “The biggest, boldest, brightest thank you goes to each and every one of you who made a contribution to our campaign, donated a prize, hosted an initiative, or participated an event. Every little bit has made a meaningful impact, and we are truly grateful.”
A heartfelt thanks is extended to the 2023 NC Cares Committee members: Becky Sciliberto, Ali Weir, Jennifer Murphy (Employee Campaign Coordinator), Lindsey Hendriks, Rachel Brown, Shelley Panetta, Michele O’Keefe, Gary Torraville, Jennifer Babin, Leah Neamtu, Nimisha Sumanthi and Stephanie Ireland.
The College looks forward to a new year of supporting United Way in 2024. Stay tuned for details that will be available on the NC Cares website later next year.
For more information on United Way Niagara, visit unitedwayniagara.org.
