Briefs: United Way campaign, Tompkins Financial AVP

United Way announces $200K stretch goal after successful campaign

United Way of Tompkins County extends a sincere thank-you to over 1,800 donors who contributed to meeting this year’s annual campaign goal of $1.5 million. The money raised this year will fund over 100 human services programs and support over 120 agencies through grants, programs and direct support to agencies of donors’ choosing. UWTC President and CEO James Brown (above, right in foreground, pictured with other United Way staff) extends his gratitude, stating, “In over 20 years of service as UWTC’s CEO, I have not seen members of our local communities step up the way they have the past two years.” Based on a recent assessment of local needs, United Way of Tompkins County has identified a stretch goal to raise an additional $200,000 by the end of March in order to meet the needs of local programs in the coming year. Brown shared, “An example of this need is the UW/2-1-1 ALICE Program that was developed with our funded partner Human Services Coalition. The program provides up to $500 per household to meet basic living needs when other resources have been exhausted. We’ve seen an increase of 56% over what was distributed in the previous 12 months. While our original campaign goal has been met, we forecast that more funds will be needed to meet the needs of local households in the coming year.” This year’s campaign is led by volunteer Campaign Chair Pat Wynn (above, center in foreground), who said, “The UWTC has a very refined needs-assessment process, which vets funded agencies and their programs to make an impact where it is needed most, efficiently investing donor dollars. We encourage people to give undesignated gifts so that UWTC can continue to invest based on these needs.” Wynn, who is also the assistant vice president of Student and Campus Life at Cornell University, emphasized, “Any gift is welcome and appreciated!” Gifts or pledges can be made online uwtc.org or by calling (607) 500-GIVE. Community members can also support the stretch goal by engaging in Cayuga Radio Group’s Wine & Dine Radiothon on Feb. 11, airing on Lite 97.3 with Dave & Jen.

 

Tompkins Financial Advisors welcomes Matthew Hedge as AVP

Tompkins Financial Advisors in Central New York, based in Ithaca, has added Ithaca native Matthew Hedge as assistant vice president and wealth advisor. In this post, Hedge is responsible for building and maintaining client relationships, as well as creating wealth plans and financial strategies for clients’ personalized goals. “Matthew has spent the last 15 years within the financial planning industry and will be an invaluable asset to the company, as well as his team members,” said Jennifer Green, vice president and managing director for the region. “We know he’ll continue to grow in this leadership position.” Prior to joining Tompkins Financial Advisors, Hedge served as vice president at BNY Mellon. He is currently preparing for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) series 7 and 66 exams to further his skill set in securities. Hedge holds a bachelor’s degree in applied economics and management from Cornell University. Active in his community, he is an annual participant in the Racker Rivals Big Red charity hockey game, an event that raises money for Racker centers, an organization that provides support for those with special needs. Tompkins Financial Advisors is the wealth management firm of Tompkins Financial Corporation, a leading New York-based financial services holding company. For more information, visit tompkinsfinancialadvisors.com or follow the firm on LinkedIn.