Grand prize for Today’s Options competition given at state fair

By Jason Emerson

editor

Cazenovian Donna Denison yesterday won a $1,000 donation to local charity MS Resources as part of the Today’s Options Champions Competition, a contest designed to recognize everyday champions who are making a difference in the lives of older Americans in Central New York.

Denison, one of five competition finalists, appeared on stage at Chevy Court at the New York State Fair on Aug. 30 for the announcement of the contest’s grand champion winner of $10,000 charitable donation, as determined by popular online voting. All five finalists were introduced and thanked by Today’s Options Senior Vice President of Sales, James McKenzie, and had their finalist videos played on the large screens for the thousands of people at Chevy Court to watch.

Ralph Rotella, of North Syracuse, was named the Grand Champion, and the donation will go to Rescue Mission Alliance of Syracuse.

“I’m happy because all of us do a lot of good things for our communities, not just me — we’re all champions; we’re all winners,” Rotella said.

McKenzie said this year there were more votes in the competition than ever before — and the company plans to run the contest again next year.

“This is not a promotion for the company, this really recognizes people who do these things and helps them help their charities,” McKenzie said. “These are all amazing people in their own ways.”

Denison, who chose Multiple Sclerosis Resources of Central New York as her designated charity, works with the older adults at MS Resources to help them maintain a dignified identity, and runs a support group in Chittenango to help people face the disease. Denison herself was diagnosed with MS 30 years ago.

Denison has been a volunteer for MS Resources since the organization was founded 18 years ago. She performs numerous duties for the organization, including talking to newly diagnosed individuals to help them learn about their condition, understand how to live with it and get support when they need it. At her monthly support group meetings in Chittenango, Denison said she conveys the latest research, information and seminars to members.

Previously, Denison volunteered for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. She is also a leader at the First Presbyterian Church of Cazenovia. She is in the hand bell choir and serves on the women’s committee and the Edwards Circle Group.

Denison said she has a motto that she lives by: “Keep a positive attitude and do as much as you can for as long as you can, and you’ll find your happiness.”

Denison was named a finalist in the Today’s Options competition in late July, along with Rotella and three other local volunteers:

Mary Beth Anderson, of Fayetteville — designated charity: YMCA of Greater Syracuse.

Mary Anne Corasaniti, of Fayetteville — designated charity: Elder Abuse Program at Vera House.

John Ryan, of East Syracuse — designated charity: James Square Health and Rehabilitation Centre.

While Rotella received the grand prize of a $10,000 donation to his designated charity, the other four finalists also were awarded $1,000 donations to each of their respective charities.

Visit TodaysOptionsChampions.com to read the Champions’ full stories or watch their videos on YouTube.