Write a commentEvent raises more than $6,000 through raffles and auctions to fight childhood food insecurity in Oswego County
Erin’s Angels of CNY announced that its Friendsgiving fundraiser at Home Team Pub in Liverpool, raised approximately $6,500 to help fight childhood food insecurity in Oswego County, where 20.3% of children, nearly 5,000 kids, struggle with hunger according to Feeding America.
The event, held on Sunday November 23rd, drew about 100 supporters and featured a 50-50 raffle, silent auction, lottery board raffle and a raffle for a wagon filled with holiday spirits. Guests were welcomed by Josh Amidon, an award-winning social media personality and former owner of Gino’s Steak & Onion, who recently earned the title of “Best Local Media Celebrity” in Central New York. Community impact contributing partners included Home Team Pub, Burdick BMW, Bagel-Bagel, Small Town Girl Marketing and Grow Wealth Partners.
Through meals, scholarships, outreach, and advocacy, barriers are broken down, so every child is nourished, supported, and empowered to thrive.
“Friendsgiving is more than a fundraiser, it’s a celebration of community and compassion,” said Lu Hart, vice president of the Erin’s Angels board of directors. “Every dollar raised helps us ensure that no child goes hungry.”
Jack Pflanz, director of fund development and communications, said the turnout exceeded expectations. “The support we received at Home Team Pub was overwhelming,” Pflanz said. “From our donors to our volunteers, every contribution makes a tangible difference in the lives of children.”
MaryAnn D’Addio, chairperson of the Erin’s Angels Fundraising Committee, praised the team’s dedication: “Our committee poured their hearts into this event for months. From planning every detail to securing donations and organizing raffles, they remained dedicated every step of the way. For me, what breaks your heart becomes your purpose, and ensuring no child goes hungry is mine. This success shows what’s possible when passionate people come together for a mission that truly matters,” said D’Addio.
Contributors included:
- AK Liquors
- Avicolli’s Pizza
- Aztecca Mexican Grill
- Bagel-Bagel
- Chalking About Stein Art Studio
- Chick-fil-A
- Children’s Museum of Oswego
- Classic Style Salon
- Cooley Group
- Designs by Dubovik
- Elite Island Resort
- Forge Gone Conclusion
- Garafolo’s Importing
- Gino’s Steak and Onion spices
- Goodman’s Christmas Tree Farm
- Hampton Inn
- Home Team Pub
- Onondaga County Parks
- Oswego Candle Company
- Permanent Stranded Jewelry
- Rescue Mission
- Rivers End Bookstore
- Syracuse Crunch
- Syracuse Mets
- The Lake Ontario Broom Riders
- WonderWorks
- Ruth Nodecker
Erin’s Angels of CNY, founded in 2017, provides weekend meal bags to every student in need in the Phoenix Central School District and has an outreach program to help other school districts and community programs. While Erin’s Angels currently serves children in the Phoenix Central School District, the long-term vision is to expand their reach and provide food to kids experiencing food insecurity across Central New York, ensuring that no child goes hungry. For more information or to donate, visit www.ErinsAngels.com.
