The Summit FCU Taste of Syracuse raised more than $22K for two local charities

Organizers and sponsors involved with the annual Taste of Syracuse gathered at Clinton Square in Syracuse in early September to announce the fundraising total for the events beneficiaries, Paige’s Butterfly Run and Griffin’s Guardians. Pictured here are (from left to right) Chris Arnold, board president, Paige’s Butterfly Run; Twanda Christensen, VP of marketing and community engagement, The Summit Federal Credit Union (FCU); Jennifer Huntley, development director, Paige’s Butterfly Run; Erin Engle, founder of Griffin’s Guardians; Christin Vincent, Syracuse regional director, The Summit FCU; Kathleen Allen, senior manager of community relations at Tops Friendly Markets; and Carrie Wojtaszek, COO of Galaxy Events. PHOTO CREDIT: THE SUMMIT FCU WEBSITE

SYRACUSE — The Summit Federal Credit Union (FCU), which helps sponsor Galaxy Media’s annual Taste of Syracuse, says the event raised $22,500 for two local charities. The Taste of Syracuse, Central New York’s biggest food and music festival, welcomed an estimated 200,000 people over two days this past June. Representatives from The Summit FCU and […]

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SYRACUSE — The Summit Federal Credit Union (FCU), which helps sponsor Galaxy Media’s annual Taste of Syracuse, says the event raised $22,500 for two local charities. The Taste of Syracuse, Central New York’s biggest food and music festival, welcomed an estimated 200,000 people over two days this past June. Representatives from The Summit FCU and Tops Friendly Markets on Sept 4 gathered at Clinton Square in downtown Syracuse to present a check for $11,308.36 each to the two festival beneficiaries: Griffin’s Guardians and Paige’s Butterfly Run. “These two organizations do so much to make a difference in the lives of young cancer patients and their families in Central New York,” Twanda Christensen, VP of marketing and community engagement at the Summit Federal Credit Union, said in the announcement. “We know that the funds raised at our tent during the Taste of Syracuse and proceeds from our ATMs at the festival will help these two groups to further their missions and honor the lives and legacies of the children for which they are named.” Funds collected were a joint effort between the Summit FCU and Tops Friendly Markets, both of which sponsor the Taste of Syracuse. All funds collected from both organizations were donated to the two beneficiaries. Since 2017, The Summit FCU and Tops Friendly Markets have helped to raise nearly $150,000 for Central New York charities. “Every year, we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community and grateful for their willingness to give back to those in need,” Kathleen Allen, senior manager of community relations for Tops Friendly Markets, said in the Summit’s announcement. “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.” Produced by Galaxy Media, the festival featured hundreds of eateries and food trucks and non-stop music with over 30 bands including the Zack Brown Tribute Band and Hanson. “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 Summit FCU announcement.
Eric Reinhardt: