Storytelling is a powerful act that brings values and experiences to life and often inspires greater levels of understanding and generosity. Telling your own story allows you to reflect on the meaning and impact of important events, to uncover the causes most important to you and to leave a written account of your journey that can be shared with friends and family now or after you are gone. And let’s be honest – if someone is going to tell your story, wouldn’t you rather have that someone be you?

Many people even find the process of recording their story helpful prior to deciding on the focus of their charitable giving or legacies. Oftentimes, the process uncovers passions for causes they had not yet considered. And we know that capturing stories makes our community stronger, builds pride in our region and keeps the memories of generous people alive forever.

Below, you can view some of the beautiful giving stories captured and retained by the Community Foundation over the years.

Giving Stories

Erie Canal
Stories June 23, 2023

Building Bridges of Opportunity

John Winter's legacy as a devoted father, philanthropist, and advocate for marginalized communities lives on. ...

Woman standing in front of statue
Publications May 2, 2023

Gwen Webber-Mcleod

Gwen's parents grew up in the Jim Crow South and met while studying at North ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog
Stories November 21, 2022

Giving With Energy & Heart: Pamela Kip Reisman Monaco

It was an “a-ha” moment for Pamela Kip Reisman Monaco when she read another woman’s ...

Angel Winfield and Lance Lyons stand in front of the Rev Theatre Company in Auburn
Publications November 21, 2022

Forging Pathways for the Future: Angela Winfield & Lance Lyons

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Donor Story

Aerial view of houses
News Releases September 6, 2022

New Report Discovers Opportunity for Local Charities' Future

Per household, the average value of assets set to transfer over the next 10 years ...

Caragh Fahy and her two sons stand in from of a playground
Stories August 29, 2022

Caragh Fahy: Giving for Generations

Caragh believes that building a financial plan is like putting together a puzzle and charitable ...

Bob Vitkus stands outside
Stories April 5, 2022

Tomorrow's Neighborhood's Today in Action

Dr. Robert J. Vitkus adored the outdoors, and Tomorrow's Neighborhood's Today seeks to continue his ...

Stories January 31, 2022

Mayor Anthony Henninger | Syracuse Legend

Despite never attending college himself, his dedication to education and the improvement of local school ...

Erie Canal
Stories June 23, 2023

Building Bridges of Opportunity

John Winter's legacy as a devoted father, philanthropist, and advocate for marginalized communities lives on. ...

Woman standing in front of statue
Publications May 2, 2023

Gwen Webber-Mcleod

Gwen's parents grew up in the Jim Crow South and met while studying at North ...

Headshot of Rhoda Sikes along with a photo of Onondaga Lake
Blogs February 21, 2023

A Lifetime Commitment to the Community: Rhoda Sikes

Even well after her tenure ended at Heman Street Elementary School, Rhoda Sike's passion for ...

Pamela Monaco sitting with her dog
Stories November 21, 2022

Giving With Energy & Heart: Pamela Kip Reisman Monaco

It was an “a-ha” moment for Pamela Kip Reisman Monaco when she read another woman’s ...

Angel Winfield and Lance Lyons stand in front of the Rev Theatre Company in Auburn
Publications November 21, 2022

Forging Pathways for the Future: Angela Winfield & Lance Lyons

Giving Voice Fall 2022: Donor Story

Aerial view of houses
News Releases September 6, 2022

New Report Discovers Opportunity for Local Charities' Future

Per household, the average value of assets set to transfer over the next 10 years ...

Caragh Fahy and her two sons stand in from of a playground
Stories August 29, 2022

Caragh Fahy: Giving for Generations

Caragh believes that building a financial plan is like putting together a puzzle and charitable ...

Bob Vitkus stands outside
Stories April 5, 2022

Tomorrow's Neighborhood's Today in Action

Dr. Robert J. Vitkus adored the outdoors, and Tomorrow's Neighborhood's Today seeks to continue his ...

Stories January 31, 2022

Mayor Anthony Henninger | Syracuse Legend

Despite never attending college himself, his dedication to education and the improvement of local school ...

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