The 19th annual Oneida County History Center Telethon presented by Bank of Utica surpassed its $45,000 goal, raising a record-breaking $46,935 to preserve and share the rich history of Oneida County. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who watched, participated, joined, renewed their memberships, or donated.
The event was broadcast live on WUTR-TV and CNYHomepage.com from the History Center’s main gallery on May 15, 2024. More than a dozen behind-the-scenes volunteers, sixteen phone bank volunteers, and the dedicated WUTR crew all played pivotal roles in ensuring the event and broadcast ran smoothly. Hosts Joe Kelly, Rebecca McLain, and Morgan Mielnicki welcomed special guests throughout the evening, including public officials, community leaders, partners, donors, and volunteers who all share a deep passion for and unwavering commitment to local history. The event also featured artifacts from the History Center’s collection of vignettes about Historical Hall of Fame inductees.
Community support has an incredible impact because the History Center relies on the generosity of its community and does not receive annual government funding. Donations sustain its annual operating budget and allow staff and volunteers to provide engaging programs, exhibits, and research opportunities. Pledges received during the 2024 telethon are vital to the organization’s success and directly support mission-driven initiatives including:
- Monthly, public programs including lectures, films, story hours, and workshops
- Special and temporary exhibits in the History Center’s 5,000-square-foot gallery
- Preservation and care of growing archival, artifact, and genealogical collections
- Free access to the research library for students and low-cost access for non-members
- Internship opportunities and educational outreach to area schools and organizations
History Center staff and Board of Directors would like to extend a special thanks to the Naming, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Star sponsors.
Naming Sponsor
Bank of Utica
Platinum Sponsors
Adirondack Financial Services; DBJ Wealth Management; The John Brown Team at Coldwell Banker Faith Properties; Alfred and Elizabeth Duffy Fund at the Community Foundation; Coleman B. Harding; Chris & Virginia Kelly; Oneida County History Center Board of Directors
Gold Sponsors
Caruso McLean & Co. Inc.; DeIorio Foods Inc ; Dennis & Susan Dewey; Denyse & Greg Evans; Catherine & John McEnroe; Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig; Kathleen Sinnott; Staffworks; Village of Clinton Historian Richard Williams
Silver Sponsors
Mary Briggs-Beha; Joan & William Blanchfield; Carl Dziekan; Michael Fischer Advocacy; Mary Hayes Gordon & Dean Gordon; Drs. Cynthia Parlato & Doug Hurd; MARCH Associates F.X. Matt Brewing, Co.; Mercurio’s Automotive & Collision; Charlene Morris; New Hartford Eye Associates; Joe Silberlicht & Sandy Fenske; Alex Sisti; UFA Alumni Association
Bronze Sponsors
Richard T. Brown; Janice Collier; GPO Federal Credit Union; Jon MacDonald; William Manfredo; Jay-K Lumber; Louise Kelly; Oneida Chapter NSDAR; Jeff Owen; Frank Przybycien; Earle Reed; Jacquelyn R. Schmidt; Kay Sinclair; Standard Heating, Cooling, & Insulating; Elizabeth & Richard Tantillo; Towne Engineering; Wurth NSI
Media Sponsors
WUTR; Daily Sentinel
In-Kind Sponsors
Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina’s; Mark DiOrio & Momentworx Photography; Northland Communications; Oneida County Tourism; BondarTech
