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News from the Mohawk Valley Charity Lunch Club: Q1 - 2021
A Message From the Mohawk Valley Charity Lunch Club President
On behalf of the Mohawk Valley Charity Lunch Club (MVCLC) I want to wish you a happy new year and
share with you some of the exciting plans we have in store for 2021.
I am honored to take the helm of this great organization. Dave Olney set a great example and I clearly
have big shoes to fill. I have been a “member” of the club for the past five years and have participated in
many of the outstanding MVCLC events. I am a marketing consultant with over 30 years in the branding
and strategic marketing industry experience both locally and in Boston. Many of my clients are non-
profits and I sit on several other non-profit boards as an officer. But the most important thing you
should know about me is that I love cars, driving, and helping others.
Ralph has put together and amazing board this year full of talented, enthusiastic and passionate
individuals. Together we plan on having more events, increasing our membership and most importantly,
raising more money for the charities we support. In fact, in 2021 our goal is to DOUBLE our charitable
contributions.
How are we going to do that? By making this year the most exciting and event-filled year for the club
ever. Check out the article below for details on some of what the club has in store. Save those dates in
your calendar and stay tuned to the Club’s Facebook page for details on these events at:
www.facebook.com/mohawkvalleylunchclub. Or on our website at: www.mvlunchclub.com.
I look forward to working with the membership, our charities and the community in 2021. Not only will
we have a lot of fun, but we will also make a difference in the lives of many individuals and families in
need.
Take care and drive safe,
-Kirk Evans
President, MVCLC
2021 EVENTS:
This year the MVCLC has some amazing events planned. We are still busy planning all the details but
encourage you to save the dates in your calendar. As the details for each event are finalized we will send
out emails and post to our Facebook page.
Kickoff Luncheon at Harpoon Eddies
Saturday May 22nd (COVID dependent)
Enjoy a fun cruise up to Sylvan Beach and have lunch with the club at this iconic restaurant. Following lunch will be a unique tour of a private automobile collection.
Rally To Saratoga – Saturday, June 19th
Join the club for a cruise to the Saratoga Auto Museum. There will be a box lunch and a viewing of two unique collections: Porsche Rare Air, and the Antique Automobile Club of America Eastern Spring Nationals exhibit.
Watkins Glen Ride and Drive – Lapping sessions and luncheon – Monday, July 19th Drive with the Club to the Glen and take some paced laps on the track followed by lunch. After lunch, explore Watkins Glen on your own or join us for a tour of the Corning Glass Museum. Return to the track at 5pm to finish the day with a few more laps of the track.
Clambake at the Roselawn – Sunday, August 29th
No explanation Needed – Clams, mussels, lobster and more! Have fun, talk cars, hear from some of our charities and meet new members!
Fall Cruise to Norwich Auto Museum – Saturday, October 2nd
The Fall Cruise is the club’s signature event. Hosted by Phaeton Motors, this annual event involves a great group ride through the twisty back roads of CNY. This year we will take a brisk, scenic drive to the Norwich Car Museum and possibly view another private collection.
FEATURED CHARITY:
The MVCLC supports a dozen charities every year. In each issue of the newsletter, we will feature one of
the charities so you can get a better understanding of the important work they do and the contribution
they make to our community. This month’s featured charity is The Kelberman Center.
The Kelberman Center, an affiliate of Upstate Caring Partners, Inc., located in Utica and Syracuse, New York, is a regional center for excellence for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). With 1 in 54 children in the United States currently born with autism, the need for autism services within our community is crucial. The Kelberman Center provides state-of-the-art programs and services to more than 1,000 children, adults and their families each year throughout Central New York. We are dedicated to excellence in service through prompt evaluation and diagnosis, individualized education and services, social and life skills enhancement, innovative practices, training, and research. Specialized staffing is highly trained to meet the needs of individuals with ASD and includes psychologists, social workers and educational and behavior specialists. Our team of professionals addresses the unique needs of both individuals and their families through various programs and services.
Autism not only affects the children and adults who are diagnosed, but also their family, friends, co-workers and communities. Throughout this Pandemic, The Kelberman Center has continued to support our families with in-person and telehealth services. As our signature fundraising event, The Walk for Autism, will be held virtually in April 2021, it is generous donors that truly make the difference. Thanks to donations from community members and friends, The Kelberman Center will be able to continue providing these pivotal programs and services to our community, helping children and adults with autism reach their full potential.
PLEASE REMEMBER
to follow MVCLC on Social Media
Stay current with all the activities of the club and enjoy great content, member cars, driving routes and more!
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mohawkvalleylunchclub
Instagram: #mohawkvalleylunchclub
MEET THE CHARITIES WE SUPPORT
Abraham House
Abraham House provides our terminally ill guests and their families a safe and loving home, with all the support needed for dignified end of life care, free of any financial burden.
Feed Our Vets
Feed Our Vets is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to help Veterans in the United States, their spouses and children whose circumstances have left them on the battlefield of hunger, and to involve the public in fighting Veteran hunger.
Herkimer Humane Society
The Herkimer County Humane Society is a non-profit, 501c3 charitable organization dedicated to providing shelter and safe haven for stray dogs and cats, until their forever homes are found.
Joseph's Experience
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life of children, adults, and their families who are affected by severe medical conditions such as Cancer & Leukemia.
Kelberman Center
The Kelberman Center bears the name of a family committed to excellence. Dr. Michael Kelberman and his family are dedicated to the advancement of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Kurt Wyman Park
It is the mission of our organization to assist the Town of Whitestown in the construction of a memorial park honoring the life of Oneida County Deputy Sheriff Kurt B. Wyman who was killed in the line of duty on June 7, 2011.
Pathfinder Village
Pathfinder Village is a community where people who have Down syndrome and other developmental disabilities discover their own value and talents, and share these gifts with others. Here, residents are valued for their abilities and contributions.
Rescue Mission Of Utica
The Rescue Mission serves individuals overcoming homelessness, abuse, addictions, and disabilities. Our programs provide safe lodging, food, clothing, case management, counseling, advocacy, education, referrals, spiritual and other supportive services.
Shalamar Foundation
The Shalamar Foundation is a 501(C)3 developed to instill confidence and hope in at risk youth in rural New York. Through monthly mentoring programs culminating in College Scholarship opportunities, we'll foster social and academic growth in children while providing the path to a brighter future.
Steven Swan Humane Society
The present day Stevens-Swan Humane Society evolved from a combination of efforts of hundreds of people before us. Taking care of animals that are surrendered, lost or unwanted is a large task, and the burden is overwhelming.
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Ride For Missing Children
What started as a small group of bicyclists that hoped to raise awareness for the plight of one missing child has grown into the biggest annual fundraiser for The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children.
Our Mission is to provide financial assistance to volunteer firefighters, EMT's and members of ladies auxiliaries in Oneida and Herkimer Counties who suffer from a life-threatening illness, such as cancer.