CAPTION: Ambassadors for the Taste of Malone event, Mary Jo Carter-Codling, left, and Katie Chodat, right, welcomed community members at Bokie’s Drive-In who participated in the charitable event. Center is Amanda Tagliarino, Senior Director of the Fieldstone Foundation.
11 local restaurants play big part in community-wide event
The Fieldstone Foundation is thrilled to announce another successful Taste of Malone event, an annual community fundraiser to support the Backpack Program. The Backpack Program mission ensures no child in the region goes hungry on weekends when there isn’t access to school food programs.
The Taste of Malone event in April saw the community come together for an evening of food, fun and philanthropy. In total, $45,000 was raised, which included the sponsorship of 33 children as part of the Adopt-A-Child program. For $125, the Adopt-A-Child program secures one child’s participation in the Backpack Program for a school year.
In total, 11 restaurants participated, generously donating 20 percent of revenue from sales on April 27 to the Backpack Program. Participating restaurants included:
- Donovan’s Steak & Ale
- Riverside Steak & Seafood
- The Pines Tab & Table
- Mo’s Pub & Grill
- Bokie’s Drive-In
- Giuseppe’s Pizza
- Hosler’s Family Restaurant
- The Grille Room at Malone Golf Club
- Something Different Pizza & Delis
- Smokehouse Pizzeria
- Malone Lodge of Elks
“We’d also like to thank our Major Sponsors, Sid G. Spear Insurance Company and Adirondack for Kids, as well as our Corporate Sponsors, NBT Bank and Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation,” said Amanda Tagliarino, Senior Director of the Fieldstone Foundation. “Their generous support ensures the sustainability of the Backpack Program and positions us to expand this essential support to more children in need.”
In light of the escalating cost of food and other related expenses, the need for such a program has become more significant than ever. The Fieldstone Foundation remains resolute in its commitment to addressing the growing needs of our community and, in particular, the increasing rate of childhood hunger.
“The Taste of Malone is a testament to the power of a community coming together for a common cause,” said Ms. Tagliarino. “The funds raised are essential to providing children in our community with the nutrition they need to learn, grow and thrive.”
This year, the Fieldstone Foundation launched a new concept with an ambassador program. Ambassadors were in place at restaurants to welcome our community to the event, answer any questions about the Backpack Program and accept donations. Our team of dedicated volunteers included:
- Jacque Beach-Seguin
- Lori Burke
- Mary Jo Carter-Codling
- Katie Chodat
- Jenna Coronel
- Brady Dullea
- Emily Gokey
- Leah Hayes
- John Ianuzelli
- Edward Kirkpatrick
- Curt Lyon
- Christine Lenney
- Tampa Mallory
- Blake Pecore
- Sara Phelan
- Amy Rattee
- Heidi Visser
- Sonya Wells
“We believe that no child should ever have to go hungry,” said Ms. Tagliarino. “This event is a key part of our mission to eliminating childhood hunger in the region. Thanks to the success of this year’s Taste of Malone, we’re one step closer to achieving that goal.”
For more information about the Backpack Program or to support the Fieldstone Foundation’s efforts, please click here.