Write a commentErin's Angels of CNY brought together more than 100 guests for an evening of recognition, celebration and community spirit at its annual Community Appreciation Dinner, celebrating the incredible volunteers and generous donors who help make the mission of feeding the future of CNY possible.
This year's event was hosted by local popular media personality Skip Clark and retired News Channel 3 award winning reporter Jim Kenyon. The event, which included dinner, heartfelt stories of impact, and special recognition for those who have gone above and beyond in supporting Erin's Angels of CNY, took place on Thursday, March 26th at The Pier in Central Square and was proudly sponsored by GROW Wealth Partners.
"Tonight, we celebrate the community that makes our mission possible. Your generosity ensures children feel supported, nourished, and cared for. Thank you for standing with us and making hope tangible for the kids we serve," stated Lu Hart, President, Board of Directors, Erin's Angels of CNY.
The evening began with recognition of the event presenting sponsor Grow Wealth Partners and the ongoing dedication of Erin's Angels employees, volunteers and board members by Founder and Executive Director Sheila Dion.
"GROW Wealth Partners is committed to strengthening our community by supporting organizations that create real, lasting change and Erin's Angels of CNY is a perfect example of that," said Dean Ripley, presenting sponsor and partner at GROW Wealth Partners. "From day one, we've been honored to walk alongside Erin's Angels from assisting with their incorporation to collaborating with the Upstate Foundation to help ensure strong financial stewardship. Seeing their growth and the profound impact they're having on children across Central New York has been truly inspiring. We're proud to stand with them as they continue feeding the future of our community."
The evening's highlight was the presentation of awards celebrating those who are helping to fight the war on food insecurity faced by children in our community.
"What breaks your heart becomes your purpose, and our purpose is ensuring no child goes hungry. We are deeply grateful for every person who supports our mission and offers a sense of hope to the children that we serve," added Maryann D'Addio, Vice President, Board of Directors, Erin's Angels of CNY.
Erin's Angels proudly recognized the following 2026 award recipients:
- No Kid Hungry Award: Food Bank of Central New York
- Corporate Sponsor Award: GROW Wealth Partners
- Outstanding Leadership in Community Service- Maryann D'Addio
- Heart of Gold Award- Melissa Shipman
- Corporate Sponsor Award: Oswego County Federal Credit Union
- Corporate Sponsor Award: In Motion Media
- Corporate Sponsor Award: Scott Northrup State Farm
- Corporate Sponsor Award: Diana Plue Sheats & Bailey
- Corporate Sponsor Award: Flexhose Joanna Carter
- Community Partnership Award: Tones Cones
- Community Partnership Award: Lock 1 Distilling Company
- Community Partnership Award: VFW Post 5540*
- Community Partnership Award: Altman A Storage
- Community Partnership Award: Trask Embroidery
- Junior Samaritan Award: Evelyn Prior
- Leader of the Pack Award: Bob Cunningham
- Captain Bob's Sweet Treats: Bob Schug
- Foundational Leadership Award- Presented to Jackie Flint
- Community Volunteer of the Year – Chuck Gorman
In addition to presenting sponsor Grow Wealth Partners, other sponsors and contributors include:
- Constellation – Platinum Sponsor
- Pathfinder Bank – Gold Sponsor
- Small Town Girl Marketing – Promotional Sponsor
- Ashley Nicole Photography – Photo Sponsor
- Jennifer & Dan Dubovik – Desserts Sponsor
- Sweets by Sarah – Dessert Provider
- Missy Shipman – Invitation Sponsor
- Dan Frawley – Music Sponsor
- Graphics Warehouse Signs & Designs – Signage Sponsor
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.
About Erin's Angels of CNY
Erin's Angels of CNY is a nonprofit organization dedicated to feeding children in need through school-based programs. Since its founding, the organization has given thousands of meals to Oswego County students. The mission is to unite Central New York to ensure that children in need have access to the food they deserve. Together, with the community's support, they are making a meaningful difference, one meal, one child, one act of love at a time.
