From left, Auburn Z-Club member Skyler Bishuk, club advisor Julie Liccion and member Luke Fallat. Bishuk and Fallat are recipients of scholarships from the Zonta Club of Auburn.
On May 13, the Zonta Club of Auburn held its annual awards ceremony.
Over $8,000 was awarded to local service organizations, local women-owned businesses and scholarship recipients.
A special thank you to Jessica and Joe, owners of Curley’s Restaurant, for their many donations to this event. Guests enjoyed a warm and welcoming atmosphere and a delicious buffet.
The service grants, mini-grants and scholarships would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our members to fundraising. The Zonta Club of Auburn would like to thank our community and sponsors the Katie Socci Memorial Foundation, Nucor, Bouley Associates, Aversa Agency (Cindy Bouley), Moochler Physical Therapy, Savannah Bank and the Knights of Columbus, who helped to make our Lady Luck fundraiser a success.
Service awards were presented by Karen Macier, Jessica Cosentino and me.
The first service award was presented to Gary Mann, division director of housing for the Auburn Rescue Mission. Funding will be used to provide professional clothing, training fees and other needs that arise to support women entering, maintaining and excelling in the workplace.
Evelyn Noden, the Sexual Assault Victims Advocate Resource’s director of victim services, accepted the award for Cayuga Counseling’s Services. SAVAR is Cayuga County’s state Department of Health-certified rape crisis program. Funding will support the organization’s work with survivors of rape and sexual violence, including much-needed services like haircuts, material items and food.
Amy Hutchinson, board treasurer, and Carol Bryant, board secretary from the SCAT Van, also accepted an award. Funding will be used for the upkeep and maintenance of the vans. The SCAT Van ensures independence, employment and the ability to attend/make appointments without having to rely on family or friends.
Gina Amico, early childhood director, accepted the award for Community Action Programs Cayuga/Seneca’s Early Head Start program. Funding would be used to support seven pregnant and new mothers with essential baby items to ensure newborns have a healthy start.
Cyndi Vasile, family and victim services director, accepted an award for CAP’S Domestic Violence Intervention Program. Funding would be used to purchase 13 pre-paid cellphones along with 36 monthly talk and text prepaid cards for women escaping abusive and violent situations. These phones enhance safety, break the cycle of control, increase access to services, reduce isolation and promote independence and stability.
Mini-grants were awarded to local women business leaders/entrepreneurs to help them grow and/or expand their business.
Cherrelle Brooks, owner of Exhale Childbirth & Doula Services, will use funding to assist her in renewing liability insurance and purchasing business cards, brochures and CPR certification for adults and infants.
Amber Gansert-Dagnesi, owner of Authentically Amber, creates handcrafted charcuterie boards and classes. Funding will be used to help improve packing, storage and overall presentation. This will also help her to scale production and expand customer reach.
Rose Hooper, owner of Happy Paws, a dog grooming business, will use funds to help purchase a new hydraulic grooming table and professional bathing station.
Elaine Ferrier, owner of Combgrown Mead, will use funds to increase indoor seating and replace an outdoor patio table destroyed in a storm.
Teresa Hoercher, owner of The Postcard Project, will use funds to hire a professional photographer to create a new 12-packet postcard book that celebrates this community and utilizes the skills of The Citizen’s Kevin Rivoli.
The Scholarship Committee of Kathy Barnard, Maryellen Moochler and Carol McNeill presented the scholarship awards.
Luke Fallat accepted the Jean M. Coon scholarship. Jean M. Coon graduated cum laude from Syracuse University in 1951 and received her law degree in 1953. Jean was a member of the Zonta Club of Saratoga and served as governor of District 2, and upon her death the Jean M. Coon Humanitarian Award was established.
Skyler Bishuk received the Young Women In Leadership Scholarship, which recognizes young women, ages 16-19, for their leadership skills and commitment to public service and civic causes, and encourages them to continue their participation in public and political life.
The Zonta Club of Auburn welcomes new members — join us, and see the difference we can make together.
For more information regarding our club or membership, please reach out to Membership Committee members Mimi White at mcw729@gmail.com or Terry Mahoney at terembe@verizon.net.
Or check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/zontaclubofauburn or email us at zontaclubofauburn@gmail.com.
Kathy Stenard is president of the Zonta Club of Auburn. For more information, visit zonta.org or zontadistrict2.org, or email auburn@zontadistrict2.org.
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From left, Auburn Z-Club member Skyler Bishuk, club advisor Julie Liccion and member Luke Fallat. Bishuk and Fallat are recipients of scholarships from the Zonta Club of Auburn.
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