Join Us...

11:00am to 3:00pm

Owasco Town Shelter - 7194 Owasco Rd., Auburn

 

Food Trucks: Between Your Buns, Dugan’s Country Grill and Classic Cones/Petes Treat. 

$5 Kid Haircuts, Raffles, Playground, Games, Music and More!

 

PRESS RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 8, 2025

Auburn, New York, September 8, 2025 – The United Way of Cayuga County is announcing the launch of the 2025-26 Campaign Kickoff Food Truck Rodeo & Member Agency Fair event at the Town of Owasco Shelter on Saturday, September 20th from 11:00am – 3:00pm with music by Perform 4 Purpose. The Kickoff event will also serve as Countywide Personal Care Drive drop-off to support Cayuga County food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters.

This year, the United Way is partnering with Classic Hits 99.3 for United Way Week with Lisa Cruz and Julisa Stone-Szpaicher starting Monday, September 15. At both 7:00am and 8:00am, tune into Classic Hits 99.3 to hear from nonprofit organizations about how your United Way gift creates positive change. For a full schedule, check out the United Way blog: https://www.unitedwayofcayugacounty.org/news/united-way-week-classic-hits-993

 

Food Truck Rodeo:
A portion of proceeds from all food truck vendors will support the 2025-26 United Way Campaign—come hungry and enjoy delicacies from across Cayuga County…

 

Member Agency Fair:
Learn about the nonprofit agencies and the programs your United Way dollars support at our Member Agency Fair while enjoying family friendly activities. Again, this year, the United Way is hosting a passport program so that those who visit each agency will turn in their booklet to be entered to win one of three Passport Prize Packages containing branded items from the United Way and many of the Member Agencies.

Member Agencies you’ll meet and their activities:

Follow the United Way of Cayuga County on Facebook for an up-to-date list of
Member Agencies attending and their planned activities!   

 

Raffles, Raffles, & More Raffles!
Many of the 2025-27 Member Agencies are donating amazing raffle baskets to help jumpstart the annual fall campaign and there are three ways you can get raffle tickets:

  1. Purchase tickets: $2 each, $10 for 6, or $20 for 25
  2. Answer United Way trivia questions and earn up to 50 tickets
  3. Donate hygiene items—each full sized, new, unopened item gives you 5 tickets

While more baskets may be added to our raffle line up—below is a list of raffle baskets and items known to-date:

  • “It’s time to READ” from Literacy Volunteers of Cayuga County: children’s books
  • “Ready for Camp” from the Auburn YMCA-WEIU: $100 credit to 1 session for 2026 Camp Y-Owasco and swag
  • “Date Night Basket” from Perform 4 Purpose: Lasca’s gift card and wine
  • “Fall for Wellness” from Cayuga Community Health Network: TBD
  • “Variety of Lottery Tickets” from Booker T. Washington Community Center
  • “A Night at the Theater” from Auburn Public Theater: 2 tickets to Calamari Sister’s 12/6 @ 7pm performance and a gift card
  • “Kitchen Basket” from SCAT Van: kitchen items
  • “Heart & Home Goodies” from Westminster Manor Adult Home: seasonal home items
  • “Bonnie & Clyde Tickets” from The Rev Theatre Company
  • “Sip & Savor” from Matthew House: wine, glassware, and chocolate
  • “Creative Memories” from CHAD: card making kit
  • “Glow & Glam Getters” from The Salvation Army: fragrance, make-up, and pampering essentials
  • “I Am The Batman” from United Way of Cayuga County: team registration for up to 4 adults (21+) to golf at the super hero themed Tim Morrison Mini-Golf Tournament for the 6-6:30pm flight on Thursday, March 19, 2026
  • TBD baskets from Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways, E. John Gavras Center, and Child Care Solutions

Raffles and Member Agency registration is on-going and there may be more items when you arrive to Kickoff.
 

Countywide Personal Care Drive & Other Events:
The United Way of Cayuga County is partnering with CAP to collect 3,000 hygiene items to distribute to food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in our community. Items will be collected at the Kickoff in exchange for raffle tickets. You can also donate items at locations throughout all regions of Cayuga County. For a full list of needed items and drop-off sites, please visit:

The Coin Snake is back! Last year, community members donated more than 60 feet worth of pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters for a total of $94.15. Help the United Way grow their Coin Snake to 75 feet by donating your loose change at the Kickoff.

Vote for your favorite Personal Care Box design! Visit United Way volunteers to cast your vote and the following week a Facebook Live will be held at the winner’s location.

The Campaign Kickoff Food Truck Rodeo & Member Agency Fair is an opportunity to learn more about the Member Agencies and your United Way of Cayuga County and jumpstart the 2025-26 Campaign drive. United Way volunteers will announce this year’s fundraising goal during the event. Stay up-to-date with all the Kickoff happenings by following the United Way of Cayuga County on Facebook and checking their website frequently.

You can jumpstart their efforts and make your gift today by mailing a check made payable to United Way of Cayuga County to 2 State Street, Suite 2, Auburn, NY 13021. Or make an online gift now through their secure, GiveSmart platform: https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/TIqm2Q