A social gathering was held at Chautauqua Physical and Occupational Therapy in the Riverwalk Center to encourage younger area leaders to volunteer Thursday.
Patrick and Susan Green, Chautauqua Physical and Occupational Therapy owners, hosted the event to help raise money for the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County with complimentary wine and food provided by Bag & String Wine Merchants and Elegant Edibles.
''This month we're celebrating 15 years in Jamestown, and to mark the occasion, we wanted to give back to a community that has given us so much,'' Green said. ''We couldn't think of a more fitting way to do that than to give an organization that has all of our best interests in mind - the United Way.''
Article Photos
People gather at the Wine & Dine Soiree held at Chautauqua Physical and Occupational Therapy in the Riverwalk Center to help raise money for the United Way in Jamestown.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
The importance of volunteering was highlighted during the ''Wine & Dine Soiree,'' with 80 invited guests joining United Way and Chautauqua Physical and Occupational Therapy staff. The event was held to encourage the under-40 crowd to get involved in community service.
''This under-40 crowd is what we like to call our 'Emerging Leaders.' They need to understand how important they are in bettering this community through volunteerism,'' said Tory Irgang, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County director.
The event included a 50/50 drawing, which was matched by Green. The 2011 United Way Campaign is under way, with more than $430,000 donated so far. The organization's goal is $1.3 million.
''We want to thank Chautauqua Physical and Occupational Therapy for stepping up to the plate, and helping us reach our goal,'' Irgang said. ''Not only have they helped us financially, but equally important, they've helped us reach out to some potential volunteers.''
Money raised through the annual campaign goes to support 17 partner agencies, and 44 programs in Southern Chautauqua County. From making sure a child has a place to go after school to making sure a senior has a hot meal, every penny that is donated stays in the community.
For more information on the 2011 campaign, go to www.uwayscc.org or check out the group's Facebook page.
For more information on Chautauqua Physical and Occupational Therapy go to www.chautauquapt.com.