20th Annual History Center Telethon Raises $47,000!!!

The 20th annual Oneida County History Center Telethon presented by Bank of Utica raised $46,972 to preserve and share the rich history of Oneida County.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all those who watched, participated, joined, renewed their memberships, or donated.

The event was broadcast live on WUTR-TV and CNYHomepage.com from the History Center’s main gallery on May 14, 2025. This evening was dedicated to long-time volunteer and emeritus board member Frank Tomaino, who passed away in January 2025. His knowledge of local history, passion for journalism, and commitment to the community were unparalleled, and his contributions have left a lasting impact on both the History Center and Oneida County.

More than a dozen behind-the-scenes volunteers, along with sixteen phone bank volunteers and the dedicated WUTR crew, played crucial roles in ensuring that the event and broadcast ran smoothly. Hosts Joe Kelly, Rebecca McLain, and Morgan Mielnicki welcomed special guests throughout the evening, including public officials, community leaders, partners, donors, and volunteers, all of whom deeply value and are committed to local history. The event also featured programs presented by the History Center, artifacts from its collections, and vignettes about Historical Hall of Fame inductees.

Community support is invaluable

Community support is invaluable, as the History Center relies on the generosity of its supporters and does not receive annual government funding. Donations are essential for sustaining its operating budget and enabling staff and volunteers to provide engaging programs, exhibits, and research opportunities. The pledges received during the 2025 telethon are vital to the organization’s success and directly support its mission-driven initiatives including:

• Monthly, public programs including lectures, films, story hours, and workshops
• Special and temporary exhibits in the History Center’s 5,000-square-foot gallery
• Preservation and care of 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 and Board of Directors would like to extend a special thanks to the Naming, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Star sponsors.

Naming Sponsor

Bank of Utica

Platinum Sponsors ($2,000+)

Adirondack Financial Services; DBJ Wealth Management; The John Brown Team at Coldwell Banker Faith Properties; Alfred and Elizabeth Duffy Fund at the Community Foundation; Coleman B. Harding; Chris & Virginia Kelly; Oneida County History Center Board of Directors

Gold Sponsors ($1,000-$1,999)

Caruso McLean & Co. Inc.; Denyse & Greg Evans; Catherine & John McEnroe; Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig; Staffworks; Richard Williams

Silver Sponsors ($500-$999)

Berkshire Bank; Mary Briggs-Beha; DeIorio Foods Inc.; Dennis Dewey; F.X. Matt Brewing Co.; Drs. Cynthia Parlato & Doug Hurd; MARCH Associates; Charlene Morris; New Hartford Eye Associates; Oneida County Tourism; Joseph Silberlicht; UFA Alumni Association

Bronze Sponsors ($250-$499)

Janice Collier; CNY Chapter 490 Military Order of the Purple Heart; James Dimbleby; Anne Dunn; Mary Hayes & Dean L. Gordon; GPO Federal Credit Union; Dean Kelly; Carrie Nicholas; Oneida Chapter NSDAR; Jeff Owens; Frank Przybycien; Earle C. Reed; Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War; Stewart’s Shops; Elizabeth & Richard Tantillo; C. Lewis Tomaselli Architects, DPC; and Ed Welsh

Media Sponsors

WUTR; Daily Sentinel

In-Kind Sponsors

Bondartech; Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina’s; Mark DiOrio & Momentworx Photography; and Northland Communications