Erin’s Angels and the Upstate Foundation are now partners into perpetuity. The Erin’s Angels Endowed Fund at the Upstate Foundation will ensure that our important mission of addressing childhood food insecurity will serve generations of schoolchildren
in the future. “Erin” is Erin Maxwell, of Palermo, who suffered from unimaginable abuse and was starved
regularly. “We’re dedicated to feeding children,” confirmed Sheila Dion, who founded the organization in 2017 and is its
current director.
“We began with the goal of turning the tragic death of Erin Maxwell into a powerful way to
create lasting change. We first approached the Phoenix Central School District because Erin was a student at
Maroun Elementary School.” She added that Erin’s Angels recently partnered with the West Genesee School District, and offer an outreach
program to help students in need in the Syracuse City School District through partnerships with various other
nonprofits in Central New York.
Dion explained that the topic of an endowment frequently arises when she applies for grant funding. “Grantees
are concerned about the futures of organizations they choose to support. It is important to me and our board of
directors to demonstrate our financial stability and long-term sustainability, so I always knew this was the
direction in which Erin’s Angels needed to head.”
An endowment is a lifelong fund that is invested permanently through the Upstate Foundation and generates
market earnings that can be spent in support of the endowment’s purpose.
“The Upstate Foundation is pleased to partner with Erin’s Angels,” said development director Carolyn
Hendrickson. “Included in our fourfold mission is community and health and well-being. We look forward to
growing this endowment to ensure the financial resources to fight childhood food insecurity will always be
available for this organization.”
For more information, visit erinsangels.com and UpstateFoundation.org.
Photo caption:
Carolyn Hendrickson, Upstate Foundation and Sheila Dion, Erin’s Angels (foreground) and Erin’s Angels board
members Maryann D’Addio, Erica Ward and Lisa Woodard.
At Erin's Angels of Central New York, we are immensely grateful for the generosity and foresight of individuals who have chosen to leave a lasting impact on our mission to combat hunger and food insecurity. We are honored to announce the creation of the Angel's Legacy Circle, a special recognition for donors who have committed to supporting us through legacy giving.
By including Erin's Angels of CNY in their wills or estate plans, members of the Angel's Legacy Circle ensure that future generations will continue to benefit from essential nutrition and support. Their legacy of compassion and generosity will forever shine bright, illuminating the path towards a hunger-free community.
To all our Angel's Legacy Circle members, thank you for your unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. Your kindness and foresight will leave a legacy of hope and nourishment for years to come.
Sheila Dion
Lisa Woodard
Dave & Carolyn Hendrickson
Dean Ripley
Angie Neiss
Marcia Grylls
Jackie Flint
Call Sheila Dion to learn more! (315) 399-6602
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No child should ever go hungry, feel unsafe, or be left without opportunity.
Yet right here in our own communities, too many children are falling through the cracks.
That’s why we’re fighting to enact a Children’s Bill of Rights—to protect their health, safety, education, and dignity. But we can’t do it alone. Add your name to the petition today and help us demand a brighter, fairer future for every child in New York State.
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