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. The funds are raised through annual events, such as the Alex G. Kogut Golf Tournament, as well as community donations.

The funds have supported the following community organizations through grants:

Arrowhead Beach
Arrowhead Beach in the Town of Inlet received a grant to purchase necessary equipment, including buoy ropes and line floats for the swim area.

City of Utica
The City of Utica offers free swimming lessons to local children during the summer at Addison Miller pool, located in West Utica and Seymour pool, located 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.

Thea Bowman House
This grant will be used for books and supplies for the Reading Rockets Soaring Summer Program. The program aims to improve literacy among elementary children in Herkimer and Oneida counties by focusing on reading, writing and spelling.

United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica
A grant was made to support Ready 4 Kindergarten (R4K), an initiative that improves school readiness and helps determine services needed to prepare children for kindergarten. In partnership with local schools, R4K family school coordinators engage resources to ensure children start school ready to learn and continue their education fully engaged, paving the way for career and life success.

Grants are awarded to programs and organizations that reflect Alexandra’s passion, including swimming and her love for children.