Alexandra G. Kogut Memorial Fund Awards Multiple Grants to Community

The Alexandra G. Kogut Memorial Fund was created by Becky and Mark Kogut in honor of their daughter, Alexandra, to support community organizations that share her passion and kindness. Each year, several grants are awarded through this donor-advised fund of The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, allowing Alexandra’s spirit to live on. Funds are raised through annual events, such as the Alex G. Kogut Golf Tournament, as well as community donations. Grants are awarded to programs and organizations that reflect Alexandra’s passion, including swimming and her love for children.

The fund has supported the following community organizations through grants:

Center for Family Life and Recovery (CFLR)

A grant in support of the Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) Diversion Program, a collaborative effort between CFLR staff, Herkimer County Probation Department and Herkimer County Department of Social Services to provide individual and group counseling in Herkimer County to youth and their families who are experiencing emotional difficulties. The PINS and IMPACT programs offered by CFLR work to decrease placement outside of the home, reduce aggression, and improve parenting skills. Funding was provided in memory of Grady Moyer.

City of Utica

The City of Utica offers free swimming lessons to local children during the summer at Addison Miller Pool in West Utica and Seymour Pool in North Utica. Funds will be used to purchase new safety equipment, including floatation devices and swim boards, as well as for a water safety instructor to oversee the program.

The House of the Good Shepherd

A general support grant made in memory of Josh Zbytniewski.

The Neighborhood Center of Utica

A grant made in memory of Grady Moyer to support The Neighborhood Center’s clinical and crisis services for youth, adults and their families.

Thea Bowman House
This grant provided books and supplies for the 2019 Reading Rockets Soaring Summer Program, which served approximately 100 local children. The program aims to improve literacy among elementary children in Herkimer and Oneida counties by focusing on reading, writing and spelling.

YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley

This grant will provide free swim lessons to 10 children from families that are unable to afford the registration fees.