Local companies reach out to support non-profit

Through the month of July, patrons of Price Chopper on Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs have been invited to donate their bottle return slips to benefit Franklin Community Center, one of Saratoga Springs' non-profit human services agencies. Customers were simply asked to return their empty bottles and donate their returns at the customer service desk at
the store.

"We try to help out all of the organizations that reach out to us," said Tim McGee, co-manager of the Ballston Avenue Price Chopper. "We typically try to feature one cause or organization a month, but sometimes we let the current cause run for more than just the month because some places are really hurting right now with the economy."

According to Courtney Bissell, coordinator of development at Franklin Community Center, they rely on the help of community members and organizations to keep the center functioning.

"Right now we are seeing 25 new families a month using our food pantry and other services," she said. "We are in constant need of support and supplies so we are always grateful when companies host events to help us out."

This week through August 2, West Ave Pizzeria is hosting "Pizza for a Purpose." To participate, customers can print out a coupon from the Franklin Community Center Website or West Ave Pizzeria's Website and have 20 percent of the total bill donated directly to Franklin Community Center.

"We have a strong working relationship with West Ave Pizzeria," Bissell said. "When we were wrapping up Project Lift at the end of the school year, they donated a lot of pizzas for our wrap-up party. The next day the owners called back and told us they wished there was more they could do to help."

Franklin Community Center is more than just a food pantry. It is a center that provides essential services to the less fortunate of the Saratoga area. Some of the programs and services offered through the center include: affordable housing, furniture distribution, holiday assistance, parenting classes, alcoholics and narcotics anonymous groups and Project Lift, an after-school youth prevention group that aims on helping at-risk youth
make good decisions and practice life skills.

"Because we are a small, non-profit with a large group to serve, we really rely on the generosity of the community. We are always looking for assistance and are so grateful that we have been well received in the community," Bissell said.

Upcoming is the Franklin Community Center Gala presented by the Michelob Light Cup that will take place on August 7 beginning at 5 p.m. at Saratoga Polo. The event will feature polo matches, a silent auction, beer tasting and an unlimited tapas menu throughout the evening. Featured guest will be local artist Frankie Flores who will be painting on site and guests can purchase the paintings he creates at the event.

"We've got a great evening lined up between the polo matches and different events that will be taking place," Bissell said. "Companies have been very generous with their silent auction donations such as events by Downtown Susie Brown, dance lessons and local art. We are still looking for anyone who wishes to be a sponsor or donor."

Ticket prices are one for $85 and two for $150. Suggested dress is business casual.
"Our center is very lucky to be part of such a giving community. We wouldn't be able to continue our services if it wasn't for the support of the community. As members of the Saratoga Springs community, we all work together to make each program and business successful," Bissell said.

To learn more about Franklin Community Center or to find out what their current needs are, call (518) 587-9826 or visit www.franklincommunitycenter.org. The center is located at 10 Franklin St., Saratoga Springs.