Cattaraugus Gives: In Their Own Words

When we talk about Cattaraugus Gives, we can share the numbers – the dollars raised, the organizations supported and the community that comes together each year to make it happen. But the true story of Cattaraugus Gives is best told by the people who experience it firsthand.

So rather than hearing it from us, hear it from the participants that make the day truly special.

From nonprofits that have grown their reach to scholarships that continue to make an impact on the educational futures of area students, these testimonials highlight the real impact Cattaraugus Gives has across Cattaraugus County. Their words reflect the spirit of generosity, collaboration and community that makes the day of giving so powerful.

“Cattaraugus Gives has helped the Olean Food Pantry raise significant funds, which are used to purchase food and other essential supplies, sustain its services and work toward a hungerfree community. It allows the Olean Food Pantry to leverage community support to meet the increasing demand for its services.”  —  Dave Potter, Olean Food Pantry President

“Generous community donations from Cattaraugus Gives helped the Genesis House expand our shelter for families who are homeless. Our shelter program provided 6,756 nights of shelter to residents in 2024 including families with children and single adults. Our community built the Genesis House and continues to play an important role in supporting our neighbors in need.”  —  Melissa Yaworsky, Genesis House Executive Director

“Interfaith Caregivers has come to depend on Cattaraugus Gives as an opportunity to spread our mission and message in hopes of serving more community residents in need, onboarding new volunteers and connecting with donors who share our mission and want to support the work we do. Funds raised through Cattaraugus Gives are directed back into the community through all of our programs, which are offered free of charge.”  —  Julie Hall, Interfaith Caregivers Executive Director

“Operation Warm Hearts, Inc. has been able to fulfill our promise to support children in need in our community thanks to the generous financial backing we’ve received each year during Cattaraugus Gives. Many children have felt the effects of this generosity each time they put on their new warm coats and boots.”  —  Ann Marie Sitter-Tompkins, Operation Warm Hears co-founder and President

“Cattaraugus Gives makes it possible for us at Twin Tiers Disc Golf Club to grow our mission of youth development, healthy living and community connection. It’s more than just donations – it’s an investment in creating opportunities for the next generation.”  —  Joe Henton, Twin Tiers Disc Golf Club Vice-President

“Cattaraugus Gives is such a meaningful day for HomeCare & Hospice Foundation. Last year, the generosity of our community raised nearly $5,000, helping us provide comfort, care and support to local patients and their families. This day remind us how powerful it is when neighbors come together to lift each other up.”  —  Melissa Sullivan, HomeCare & Hospice CEO

“Every year, Cattaraugus Gives serves as a meaningful testament to the impact we can achieve through collective support of our community and the many incredible nonprofit organizations across the county. For the Olean City Schools Foundation, it provides vital resources that enhance educational experiences and broaden opportunities for every student in our district. This day of giving reflects the generosity, pride and shared commitment that make our community stronger.” —  Kaitlyn Anastasia-Caya, Olean City Schools Foundation board member

“Donations from Cattaraugus Gives will allow us to keep giving the wonderful gift of music to all the deserving kids waiting to get their start with instrument lessons. The kindness and generosity of everyone who donated to the scholarship will provide youth in the surrounding communities something to believe in – themselves. You can’t put a price tag on something like that, and we are beyond grateful for the continued support.”  —  Christie Reynolds, Rock on Reikin Memorial Music Scholarship founder