News

April 30, 2026:

United Way of the Southern Tier celebrated local individuals and organizations at its “Every Drop Counts” Community Awards Dinner, presented by Kennedy Valve, on Thursday, April 30 at the Corning Museum of Glass.

“We don’t always get to see the full impact of our actions, but the impact is real and powerful,” said United Way of the Southern Tier CEO Maleaha Smith. “Every act of caring adds up. Every drop counts and creates ripples of change that impact our community. That is what we celebrate with these awards.”

Awards were presented to the following:

• John G. & Bobbie Ullman: The Ullmans have had an extraordinary and sustained impact on the community. Over the past three decades, they have contributed more than $1.8 million to initiatives focused on youth development, education and science, arts and culture, and overall community well-being.

• Patty Howe: Patty Howe, a retired reading specialist from the Horseheads Central School District, is a dedicated volunteer with United Way’s local chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Her hands-on involvement has helped strengthen the program, particularly by ensuring that children continue receiving books even as families relocate.

• Corning Credit Union: Corning Credit Union has been a steadfast supporter of United Way of the Southern Tier. Whether through employee giving campaigns, donation drives, special events, Day of Action, or participation in the Tour de Keuka bike ride, the CCU team consistently shows up and makes an impact.

Corning Incorporated received a special honor, the Community Impact Legacy Award, in recognition of its 175th anniversary and the employees who have demonstrated a deep commitment to the community through generous financial support, engagement and volunteerism.

Special recognition was given to Corning Incorporated employees Kristine Dale, Charles Gardiner, and United Steelworkers Local 1000 for their leadership and dedication to giving back, getting involved, and driving meaningful changes in the community.

“We are honored to receive the Community Impact Legacy Award during our milestone year,” said Millicent Ruffin, Division Vice President, Corning Community Impact. “This recognition reflects both Corning’s long-standing commitment to the communities where we live and work and a strong legacy of employee giving that has spanned generations. We are grateful to partner with organizations like the United Way, whose work helps build a more vibrant future for the Southern Tier.”

United Way is grateful to our dinner sponsors, including: Kennedy Valve, Wegmans, The Hilliard Corporation, Chemung Canal Trust Company, Corning Credit Union, Socha Financial Group, Gough Holding Corporation, Angela and Tymon Daniels, Hale Roofing Inc., First Heritage Federal Credit Union, MMB + CO, and John G. Ullman & Associates.

For more information, please contact United Way Coordinator of Community Engagement Hope Howell by email or at 607-377-5836.