Join, renew, or donate! The History Center Telethon presented by Bank of Utica is Wednesday, May 17, 2023, from 5 – 8 p.m. The goal is to raise $35,000 or more to support the organization’s mission to protect and preserve central New York history for present and future generations. The telethon is broadcast live on WUTR-TV and CNYHomepage.com, and viewers are encouraged to call 315-735-3642 during the event to show their support. The first 40 callers to pledge $50 or more will be eligible to receive a limited-edition, surprise gift sponsored by Oneida County Tourism.
This signature fundraising event celebrates local history and the community partnerships that make implementing the History Center mission possible. Hosts Joe Kelly, Rebecca McLain, and Shelby Pay will welcome special guests throughout the event including historian Frank Tomaino, musician Monk Row, OCHC Volunteer of the Year Dennis Dewey, members of the Utica Fire Department, and many others. The event will also feature artifacts from the History Center collection and vignettes about important individuals in local history.
Community support has an incredible impact because the History Center is largely funded by private sources and relies on donations as a primary source of income. Pledges received during the 2023 telethon are vital to the organization’s success. Membership and donations sustain its annual operating budget and directly support numerous mission-driven initiatives including:
- Free monthly, public programs including lectures, story hour, and workshops
- Special and temporary exhibits in the History Center’s 5,000-square-foot gallery
- Preservation and care of our growing archival, artifact, and genealogical collections
- Free access to the research library for students and low-cost access for non-members
- Internship opportunities and educational outreach to area schools and organizations
The History Center staff, volunteers, and board of directors would like to thank the following organizations, businesses, and individuals who have already pledged their support for the 2023 telethon.
Naming Sponsor
Bank of Utica
Platinum Sponsors
Adirondack Financial Services; DBJ Wealth Management; Chris & Virginia Kelly; Oneida Indian Nation Foundation
Gold Sponsors
The John Brown Team at Coldwell Banker Faith Properties; Caruso McLean & Co. Inc.;
Greg & Denyse Evans; Coleman Harding; Earle C. Reed; Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig
Silver Sponsors
MARCH Associates; Drs. Cynthia Parlato & Doug Hurd; Jay-K Lumber; F.X. Matt Brewing, Co., New Hartford Eye Associates; Dick Williams; UFA Alumni Association
Bronze Sponsors
Janice Collier; GPO Federal Credit Union; Highlander Communications; Leigh Baldwin & Co; Northern Safety & Industrial; Oneida Chapter NSDAR; The Roman Agency LLC; Joe Silberlicht & Sandy Fenske; Elizabeth & Richard Tantillo; Nancy Robinson & C Lewis Tomaselli
Media Sponsors
WUTR; Daily Sentinel
In-Kind Sponsors
Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina’s; Oneida County Tourism; Northland Communications; Utica Coffee Roasting Company
Cover photo: 2022 Telethon Phone Bank, photo by Mark DiOrio
