Community Fund for Otsego County Raises $175,0000 and Awards First Five Grants For COVID-19 Relief

Community Fund for Otsego County Raises $175,0000 and Awards First Five Grants For COVID-19 Relief.The one-month old Community Foundation of Otsego County has raised $175,000 in donations through its first four weeks of operation. In a remarkable example of community spirit and support over 230 individuals and organizations have contributed thus far. Over the last ten days the Foundation’s COVID-19 Fund has also made five awards, and now has a total of 17 in revue or completed. Completed awards include:1. Helios Care – $5,000 to purchase PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for staff who make visits to patient homes. 2. Catholic Charities of Delaware, Otsego and Schoharie Counties -$5,000 to purchase PPE and supplies for child care providers in private homes.3. Bassett Medical Center – $7,500 to distribute gift cards for gas and food to employees who have been furloughed or had hours reduced due to clearing the facility for COVID related use.4. Fox Hospital – $3,000 for the same purposes as Bassett.5. Cooperstown Food Pantry – $3,000 to purchase farmers market vouchers to give to Pantry families to replace the shortage of food from grocery stores.In another instance of community support, Alex’s World Bistro dedicated “Well Spent Wednesday” on April 29 to the Fund, and made a generous donation of 15% of their day’s receipts. The Bistro will reprise this in the near future.In addition, the Town Boards of Worcester, Cherry Valley and Otsego have passed resolutions supporting the Fund; as have the Cooperstown Board of Trustees and the City of Oneonta Common Council. US Congressman Antonio Delgado, NY State Senator James Seward, and NY State Assemblyman John Salka have also announced support for the Fund.