Cazenovia woman in running to win $10K for charity of her choice
By Jason Emerson
editor
Cazenovian Donna Denison is one of five finalists in the Today’s Options Champions Competition, which is designed to recognize everyday champions who are making a difference in the lives of older Americans in Central New York. The final winner of the contest, which is determined by online public voting, will have $10,000 donated to the charity of their choice.
Denison has chosen Multiple Sclerosis Resources of Central New York as her designated charity.
“I was quite thrilled to be nominated and quite surprised to be chosen as one of the finalists,” Denison said. “It’s been quite exciting for one thing, been a new experience for me.”
Last week, the five finalists were officially announced at the Aug. 4 Syracuse Chiefs baseball game, where each was given an award and threw out a first pitch.
Annette Simiele, associate director of MS Resources, who nominated Denison for the competition and also attended the ceremony, said, “I’m thrilled she made it to the finals and now I’m excited for people to vote and hopefully bring that check to MS Resources.”
The other four Today’s Options Champions finalists are:
- Mary Beth Anderson, of Fayetteville—designated charity: YMCA of Greater Syracuse.
- Mary Anne Corasaniti, of Fayetteville —designated charity: Elder Abuse Program at Vera House.
- Ralph Rotella, of North Syracuse —designated charity: Rescue Mission Alliance.
- John Ryan, of East Syracuse —designated charity: James Square Health and Rehabilitation Centre.
The full stories for each finalist, including brief videos on YouTube, can be found on the competition website at TodaysOptionsChampions.com.
Online voting is now underway at TodaysOptionsChampions.com and runs through Aug. 25. People may vote once a day from any electronic device (so multiple votes can be cast as long as each comes from a different device) for the finalist of their choice.
The finalist with the most votes will be named the 2016 Today’s Options Grand Champion. He or she will be honored at the New York State Fair’s Chevy Court on Aug. 30 before the Survivor concert at 2 p.m. The winner will present a $10,000 donation to his or her chosen charitable organization at that time.
Today’s Options Champions are Central New York residents who are examples of how one person can make a difference in the lives of older adults. The competition is a way to recognize people who share Today’s Options’ goals of improving quality of life and maximizing access to services for seniors and people with Medicare.