Many teams will create “mini fundraisers” to help meet their Run~Walk donation goals. Family and friends, veteran organizations, businesses, and philanthropic individuals have all created unique third-party events throughout the years. These have included golf tournaments, garage sales, wine tastings, chicken barbecues, biking, cornhole, and much more.

These activities are open to the community, with all proceeds supporting Sitrin’s Military Program. Combined, the teams have raised more than an astonishing $500,000!

These are their stories:

MVAR GOLF TOURNAMENT

Since 2015, the Mohawk Valley Association of REALTORS (MVAR) golf tournament has raised more than $120,000 for Sitrin. MVAR's dedicated golf tournament committee works tirelessly every year, coordinating  nearly 30 teams, countless raffles and donations for this event, while also joining their team on the greens.

CROWLEY-BARNUM AMERICAN LEGION POST 25

The Mohawk American Legion hosts multiple events throughout each year in support of Sitrin. The organization has hosted fall fundraisers, spaghetti dinners, golf tournaments, legion member motorcycle rides, and other community events since 2014. Collectively, members have raised more than $54,000 for the program.

FLAGS FOR HEROES

The Good News Center is a local organization committed to spiritual enrichment, community, and service. Since 2017, the Good News Center has selected Sitrin as the recipient of its Flags for Heroes annual event. Each Veteran’s Day, the Utica Parkway is adorned with more than 1,000 7-ft. flags, posted in honor/memory of all heroes: veterans, active military, first responders and the families who love them. To date, this event has raised more than $130,000 for the program. 

SOA LEGION 1448 GOLF TOURNAMENT

For many years, the Oriskany Sons of the American Legion 1448 has sponsored golf tournaments to support veteran care at Sitrin. The tournament hosts 18 teams of four at the Shamrock Golf Country Club. The day consists of 18 rounds of golf, with lunch in the afternoon, silent auction, and a steak dinner after the golf outing. The event has raised more than 30,000 for the program.

SOA LEGION POST 229 GOLF TOURNAMENT

The Utica Sons of the American Legion Post 229 has also held golf tournaments to support Sitrin. The Captain & Crew-style outing typically consists of 36 teams. The day includes a rousing round of golf, as well a 50/50 cash raffle and basket raffles. In the evening, golfers also enjoy a banquet dinner. The event has raised nearly $25,000 for the program.

ILION ELKS LODGE NO. 1444

The Ilion Elks Lodge No. 1444 hosts an annual spaghetti dinner and golf tournament as a way to help feed and entertain the community, while also contributing to Sitrin. The dinner includes spaghetti, meatballs, salad, and a beverage, in addition to a bake sale. The golf tournament takes place at Pine Hills Golf Course. Together, the events have raised more than $25,000 for the program.

STARS & STRIPES BIKE-RUN-WALK

The Boonville VFW Post 5538 hosts its annual Stars & Stripes Bike-Run-Walk, open to riders of all ages. Participants can choose from a challenging 30-mile round trip, 20-mile tow path ride, 5-mile run, or scenic walk. Those who raise $200 or more also receive an official Stars & Stripes biking jersey. Vietnam veteran Paul Fortin, organizer of the event, has raised more than $60,000 for the program, in conjunction with his Mount Kilimanjaro climb fundraiser.

PIRATE 5K RUM RUNNER

Sylvan Beach Post 1153 and the American Legion Post 1153 Auxiliary have donated proceeds from the Sylvan Beach Pirate 5K Rum Runner, which brings in runners and walkers from all over Central New York. Over the years, this event has raised more than $15,000 for the program.

RUSTIC RIDGE HARVEST FESTIVAL

The Rustic Ridge Winery hosts its annual Harvest Festival with wine tastings, live music, hayrides, pig roast, and a cornhole tournament. The picturesque setting provides a great spot for sipping wine while enjoying the scenery. A portion of the proceeds go to Sitrin. To date, this event has raised more than $15,000.

STARS & STRIPES BARREL RACE

The Oriskany Creek Farm in Clinton hosts an exciting rodeo-style event, known for quick turns and high speeds. The Barrel Race features riders and horses competing for the fastest time as they run a cloverleaf pattern around three preset barrels set up in a triangular pattern. Riders must turn each barrel as fast as they can before heading across the timer line. Festivities also include a chicken barbecue and basket raffles. The event has raised more than $20,000 for the program.

HERKIMER LIONS CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT

Since 2016, Rudy Scialdo II, President of the Greater Herkimer Lions Club, has hosted a charity golf tournament. Teams tee off at the Stonebridge Golf & Country Club, enjoying a warm weather day of golf and dinner. The Lions Club donates $500 each year to Sitrin, raising more than $3,500 for the program.

AYERS & ABEL GOLF TOURNAMENT

In 2017, family members of Charles “Charlie” Ayers and Richard “Dick” Abel, two American veterans, put together a small community golf tournament to raise funds for Sitrin. The event now takes place annually during the summer at the Oriskany Hills Golf Course, with teams of four chipping to see who will be the champion. The event has raised more than $2,400 for the program.