Write a commentThe Greater Oswego Fulton Chamber of Commerce, local officials, and the team at iHeart Oswego attended two ribbon cuttings on Monday for two very different organizations in Fulton, both headed by Brandon Abassi.
The first ribbon, located at 624 Oneida Street, was cut to celebrate the Feed and Share Project. This faith-based food pantry offers bagged lunches and also has a small assortment of hygiene and personal care items. “Every donation counts,” one volunteer told iHeart Oswego during a tour of the facility, pointing to a shelf of hygiene items donated by students at G. Ray Bodley High School.
The non-profit has been operating for approximately nine months, and distributes 100 meals per week. Bag lunches are available from 12pm until 2pm on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays each week. In addition, there are a small number of toiletries and miscellaneous items available for those in need.
In his remarks, Fulton Mayor Jim Rice said, “Today is about more than opening a location—it’s about opening the doors of opportunity, compassion, and hope… Food insecurity is a very real challenge for many families across Oswego County, [and this effort] responds to it in a direct and tangible way.” Rice also applauded how the Feed and Share Project collaborates with other resources in the city to provide those who walk in with not just a meal, but ongoing support and dignity.
After celebrating such an important addition to the city, the crowd headed out to the Colossal Dipper & Market at 2672 County Route 3 for the second ribbon cutting of the day. Brandon Abassi is the new owner of the business, which had previously operated as the Big Dipper Ice Cream.
In addition to the gelato that the business has long been known for, customers can now also enjoy subs and soups, shop for basic grocery items, and of course, choose from a wide variety of hard and soft ice cream at the outdoor window. Market hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 12:30pm to 6pm. During “ice cream season,” patrons can stop at the outdoor window for ice cream Monday through Saturday, 11am to 7:30pm and Sunday from 12:30pm to 7:30pm.
In upcoming events, the Feed and Share Project will be hosting a chicken BBQ fundraiser at the Colossal Dipper & Market on Saturday, May 2, from 11am until sold out. Dinner includes a 1/2 chicken, beans, salt potatoes, and a dinner roll for $15.00.
Congratulations, Brandon and family, and thank you for choosing to make a difference in the City of Fulton!
