Eight community leaders are coming together to tell stories that reflect on the challenging year of 2020 and reflect on the spirit, intelligence, love and courage that illuminated our community. Audience members will leave inspired by the care, compassion, and cohesiveness of the people of Tompkins County.

Luvelle Brown, Ithaca City School District Superintendent
Shirley Collado, Ithaca College President
Greg Hartz, Tompkins Trust Company President/CEO
Leslyn McBean-Clairborne, GIAC Director and Tompkins County Legislature Chairwoman
Orinthia Montague, Tompkins Cortland Community College President
Svante Myrick, City of Ithaca Mayor
Martha Pollack, Cornell University President
Jennifer Tavares, Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce President/CEO

Hosted and produced by Gary Stewart, this special online production will enable community members to make gift, or pledge, to United Way of Tompkins County’s (UWTC) Community Care Fund and help to meet community needs heightened by COVID-19. By investing in the Community Care Fund, community members are able to support 50 local human service agencies and more than 80 programs providing resources and services to our neighbors throughout Tompkins County.

Utilize the care, compassion, and cohesiveness that we have all so brilliantly refined during this pandemic and help push UWTC's Community Campaign over the top of its $1.5 million goal and make 2021 a better year for many of our neighbors!

This event is free to the public. Donations are accepted in support of the United Way of Tompkins County's Community Care Fund. Suggested gifts are listed below.

$20 – Feed 4 people a hot nutritious meal.

$50 – Provide 2 youth a scholarship to a program they love and will teach them new skills.

$100 – Feed 10 people a hot nutritious meal & provide 2 youth a scholarship to a program they love and will teach them new skills.

$200 – Provide 2 underinsured individuals with vital health services, feed 10 people a hot nutritious meal & provide 2 youth a scholarship to a program they love and will teach them new skills.

$300 – Help 1 individual find living wage employment, provide 2 underinsured individuals with vital health services, feed 10 people a hot nutritious meal & provide 3 youth a scholarship to a program they love and will teach them new skills.

$600 – Help 4 individuals find living wage employment, provide 3 underinsured individuals with vital health services, feed 10 people a hot nutritious meal & provide 4 youth a scholarship to a program they love and will teach them new skills.

Other – Make a gift that works for you!

If you would like to make a gift without using the online system, we will happily assist you. Please call 607-500-GIVE to make a gift over the phone or ask any questions. Checks can also be made out to United Way of Tompkins County and mailed to to: 313 N. Aurora Street Ithaca, NY 14850. Simply place "One Compelling Ithaca Story" in the memo line. Thank you!

You may receive additional information on charitable organizations from the NY Office of the Attorney General on their website www.charitiesnys.com or by calling (212) 416-8401. You may also receive UWTC’s last financial report by going to www.uwtc.org/public-reporting.

One Compelling Ithaca Story: 2020 in Review

Team Members