The Hiscock Legal Aid Society was honored with the Campaign Excellence-United Way Partner Agency Award at the United Way’s Achievements in Caring Community Appreciation event on April 26th at the Palace Theater. The Campaign Excellence Category introduced the new United Way Partner Agency Award to recognize the support United Way receives from the organizations for which it provides funding.
The Society was recognized for its highly successful “campaign in a day” technique that resulted in 100 percent participation by their employees, generating its second-highest campaign total of more than $17,000.
“This year’s campaign theme was ‘Bikers for United Way,’ which included Harley cakes, posters and decorations at our staff luncheon,” said Joanne Sawmiller, Assistant Director of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society. “We were excited to show support to United Way by delivering a ‘Step-Up campaign’ to increase contributions from previous years.”
To encourage participation, Joanne visited local vendors and stores to get donations for more than 50 raffle prizes, including gift certificates and laptops, available to staff members who increased their pledges. Joanne was decked out in a biker-chick outfit to get the gears running.
“Joanne has run some of the most creative campaigns for the past few years. We wanted to acknowledge those agencies that go well above and beyond expectations and her dedication in running these stellar campaigns has truly defined their support for United Way,” said Kelly C. Gaggin, Director of Marketing and Communications of United Way of Central New York.
“We thank United Way for their years of support and we love doing the annual United Way staff luncheons. I can’t wait to start planning for next year’s theme!” said Joanne.
The Hiscock Legal Aid Society views their support for United Way as an extension of their commitment to improving the lives of those in need in our community and they plan to continue to actively participate in United Way events for years to come.
Members of the staff of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society gather in front of the Palace Theater on April 26th after receiving the Campaign Excellence- United Way Partner Agency Award (L to R): Michael J. Younis, Supervising Attorney, Civil Program; Susan R. Horn, President & CEO; Gregory B. Flynn, Senior Attorney, Parole Program; Kristen M. McDermott, Staff Attorney, Appeals Program; Elizabeth P. Siegel, Staff Attorney, Civil Program; Piotr Banasiak, Staff Attorney, Appeals Program, Bryce Therrien, Law Associate, Family Court Program; Nikia L. Trice, Receptionist-Secretary; Patricia L. Stuart, Staff Attorney, Civil Program. Missing from photo: Joanne Sawmiller
Joanne Sawmiller, Assistant Director of the Hiscock Legal Aid Society, revs up in preparation to kick off the United Way campaign staff luncheon.