AOW was a Diamond level sponsor for the 31st Annual celebration of Dancing in the Woods held by Albany Medical Center.  Proceeds benefit the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital at Albany Med.  The black tie event was held this year at the Armory at Sage in Albany.  For a number of years AOW has been a proud sponsor of Dancing in the Woods and many other Albany Medical Center events.  For more information on the Melodies Center go to  http://www.amc.edu/Patient/services/childrens_hospital/pediatric_hematology_oncology/

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Each year, AOW partners with the AIDS Council of Northeastern NY to sponsor a family for Christmas  living with HIV/AIDS.  It is always a very rewarding experience for us to provide gifts for Christmas to all members of the family.  Each year, we are surprised to see the limited number of items that each member of a family requests; we make it our mission to go above and beyond their requests and provide a Christmas our sponsor families will not soon forget.  The AIDS Council is a not-for-profit human service agency whose mission is to reduce the impact and incidence of HIV/AIDS and other serious medical and social conditions.  For information on how you can help at any time of the year, or for information about their holiday sponsorship program, go to http://www.aidscouncil.org/Home.aspx  

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AOW Associates recently sponsored the Evening in Winter Wonderland Event held at Taste in downtown Albany, raising funds for the Homeless and Travelers Aid Society.  HATAS, founded in 1924, works to meet the immediate needs for shelter, food, and clothing and assists with long-term needs for affordable housing and employment for our local citizens seeking assistance. Some of the services HATAS provides includes backpacks for hungry students, 24/7 emergency shelter, mental health assistance, veterans housing, and employment assistance.

Information on this annual event can be found at  http://www.hatas.org/Gingerbread.php  and for more information on HATAS and how you can help, go to http://www.hatas.org/index.html

AOW Associates was thrilled to serve as a major sponsor of the Valley Health Services Fund Raising Concert Event.  This year’s event began with dinner at the Fort Schuyler Club House followed by an amazing performance by Martina McBride at the beautiful Stanley Theater.martina-300x250

AOW recently completed an assisted living facility for the Valley Health organization, working closely with Lisa Betrus, the CEO of Valley Health Services.  AOW is not only values the partnership between or organizations, but the friendship that has developed between AOW, Lisa and her wonderful staff.  Congrats Lisa on an exceptional event!photo-270x270

heroes-for-health-logoAOW has historically supported Whitney Young Health in a variety of ways including our sponsorship of this year’s Heroes for Health 2 mile obstacle course run.  This year, AOW’s team consisted of 8 runners and one of our runners, Gretchen Oliver, won first place among the women participating.

This is a fun team event for us and a great way to spread the word about Whitney Young Health and the tremendous job they do in providing affordable and accessible healthcare to thousands of Capital District residents.  To find out more about Whitney Young Health, visit them on the web at www.wmyhealth.org .

"AOW team"

“AOW team”

food-pantries-logoAOW was proud to sponsor the Harvest Evening Celebration held by our next door neighbor, the Food Pantries of the Capital District.  All funds raised stay within our community and help to provide nourishment to people in Albany, Rensselaer, and Saratoga Counties.  For some, pantries serve a source for emergency assistance and for others, as a regular supplement.

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At this time of the year, the needs are much greater and we would encourage our website visitors to go to www.thefoodpantries.org and learn how you can make a difference. Just $1 can help provide up to 6 1/2 pounds of food for those in need.

 

Five local chefs provided small plate dishes made from common items found at Food Pantries which were all amazing.  Click on the links below for the Chef’s recipes.

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“Four participating chefs.”

Moroccan Meatballs with Spiced Pear Rice Salad – Chef Rachael Mamane, Stewardship Farms

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Stuffed Tomatoes – Chef Jennifer Hewes, The Point Restaurant and Lounge

Turkey Albondigas with Yellow Rice – Chef Brian Bowden, Mingle on the Avenue

West African Peanut Stew – Chef Michele Youngs, Honest Weight Food Co-op

Turkey Meatballs over Spaghetti – Chef Michael Niccoli, The Century House