Generous, caring, and compassionate.

That’s how those in the community who know them describe Rabbi Henry Bamberger and his wife, Sheila, whose professional and philanthropic impact has been profound over the last four decades. 

For the past 25 years, the Mohawk Valley Institute for Learning in Retirement (MVILR) has provided opportunities for local seniors to “learn, live, grow, move, think, socialize and create” as they transition from years of hard work to productive retirement.

For the Griffith family, it’s all about giving back to the community—from generation to generation.

A vital piece to this community’s puzzle, the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley (“the Y”) has served this area for 150 years. 

In many ways Charles A. “Chuck” Gaetano’s story is Utica’s story. This fund spotlight features how Charles A. Gaetano built a living legacy. 

Evelyn’s House provides a more homelike, less institutional setting for our community’s young mothers and moms-to-be facing extraordinary challenges.

We’ve come to think of some of our work as a series of “initiatives,” things that we’ve introduced or started, but the growing number of major projects are much more than the word’s definition suggests. 

For the late Earl Cunningham, it was one small act of kindness that transformed his life and legacy for the better.

The Center for Leadership Excellence (CLE) is dedicated to growth, community, collaboration, and awareness, connecting and inspiring people to work together, take action, and develop current and next-generation community leaders.