United Way of the Greater Capital Region Celebrates 518 Day
As the Largest Single Day of Community Impact in the Capital Region, 518 Day brings together hundreds of volunteers from dozens of United Way’s corporate partners who pitch in at 40 community service projects across the region.
Albany, NY | Wednesday, May 18 – United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) is pleased to celebrate the return of its 518 Day on Wednesday, May 18. A play on the local area code, the day-long event showcases the region’s ability to bring together community partners and volunteers to make a positive impact in the neighborhoods where we all work and live.
"Every day United Way fights to improve the health, education and economic mobility of each person in our community," said United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR) President and CEO, Peter Gannon. "As the Largest Single Day of Community Impact, 518 Day uniquely showcases how we can harness the collective will and resources of the Capital Region to improve the wellbeing of everyone who calls "The 518" home. Without the generosity and support of our many partners and volunteers, it would be impossible to positively impact so many lives in the communities we serve."
This year more than 430 volunteers pitched in at 40 community service projects. A large contingent came on behalf of MVP Health Care, 518 Day’s Presenting Sponsor.
“Creating healthier communities is the foundation of MVP Health Care’s mission, and what better way to create healthier communities than to support our local nonprofits,” said MVP Health Care’s Vice President of Community Engagement, Ellen Sax. “The United Way’s 518 Day provides everyone in the region the opportunity to support our nonprofits and the important work they do to enhance our community. We are not only proud to be the presenting sponsor of this important community service day, but MVP employees will be out in force participating in 518 Day projects across the Capital Region.”
One of the signature projects was Women United’s Community-wide Baby Shower Drive. Outside of Crossgates Mall and at SUNY Empire State College in Saratoga Springs, CDTA invited residents to “Stuff the Bus” with food and supplies for new mothers and babies.
“As a longstanding partner of United Way, CDTA is proud to once again support 518 Day,” said CDTA CEO and United Way Board Chairman, Carm Basile. “As an organization that prides itself on connecting communities and being a community resource, it’s wonderful to use our buses as sites for the community-wide baby shower supporting new moms and families.”
To thank the hundreds of volunteers who played a part on 518 Day, UWGCR hosted a community celebration ahead of the evening’s Tri-City ValleyCats game outside Joe Bruno Stadium on the Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) Campus.
“Hudson Valley Community College is proud to again support 518 Day and the mission of United Way as it encourages our community to give back,” said United Way Board Member and HVCC President Dr. Roger Ramsammy. “As a college focused on serving the needs of our region and our community, the importance of civic engagement, volunteering and the mission of working to help others are topics that are near and dear to our hearts. Events like these demonstrate just how much of an impact we can make when we all come together to support our community and volunteer our time to serve others.”
Along with 518 Day Presenting Sponsor MVP Health Care, supporters include UPS, Beech-Nut, Lowe’s, American National Insurance, Honest Weight Food Co-op, Northwestern Mutual, Sunmark Charitable Community Foundation, Tri City Rentals, Albany ENT & Allergy Services, and Mercury Screenprinting.
ABOUT UNITED WAY OF THE GREATER CAPITAL REGION
United Way of the Greater Capital Region is an organization that fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. It unites donors, volunteers, and community organizations in a common mission to strengthen our community and improve social conditions in the Capital Region and beyond. Learn more at www.unitedwaygcr.org or
www.Facebook.com/UnitedWayGCR