Two local nonprofits benefit from Taste of Syracuse fundraising

SYRACUSE — Two local nonprofit organizations benefitted from the fundraising effort at this past June’s Taste of Syracuse event that generated more than $24,000. Galaxy Media, which organizes Taste of Syracuse, on Sept. 3 presented checks totaling just over $12,000 to both David’s Refuge and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central New York. The money collected for the two charities was a joint effort between two Taste of Syracuse sponsors, including The Summit Federal Credit Union and Tops Friendly Markets. “We can’t thank our partners enough for their tremendous support of the festival and for their generosity in regard to giving back to local charities,” Carrie Wojtaszek, COO of Galaxy Events, said in the announcement. Taste of Syracuse — described as Central New York’s biggest food and music festival — attracted an estimated 200,000 people over two days. “Being a caregiver can be incredibly rewarding, but it also comes with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. We are thrilled that we were able to highlight the work of these two organizations that do so much to support families and caregivers in Central New York,” Twanda Christensen, VP of marketing and community engagement for The Summit Federal Credit Union, said. “Every year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and grateful for their willingness to give back to those in need,” Courtney Mailhot, community relations manager of Tops Friendly Markets, added. “Being able to shine a light on these two amazing organizations, who do so much for our neighbors each and every day, while helping to raise much-needed funds for their cause, truly embodies our Neighbors Helping Neighbors philosophy.”