Autumn of Giving

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In a community as generous as Saratoga Springs, Mary Gavin was surprised to find it didn’t have a general fund, a single place for people to donate that gets dispersed to a variety of worthy local causes. “That was one of the critical reasons for starting the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund,” said Gavin, one of the founding members and Chair of the Fund’s advisory committee. The ATC Community Fund started meeting in 2008, and in 2011 issued its first 9 grants, totaling $10,250. So far this year, the Fund has received over 40 applications requesting a total of more than $100,000. “I have been shocked over the years by how many nonprofits you never hear of because they don’t have big galas,” said Gavin, who is also a Certified Public Accountant and a principal of Gavin and LaVigne, Inc., “and that is one of the areas where we have been able to make a tremendous amount of difference – those smaller nonprofits.” Gavin said she’s especially appreciative of local business partners, such as Saratoga Juice Bar, for helping to raise funds throughout the month of October, and participating in the fundraising event at Longfellows, and especially grateful to Steve Sullivan, owner of Longfellows, for underwriting the event every year. The ATC Community Fund’s “An Evening of Autumn of Giving” takes place on Wednesday, October 19, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Longfellows Hotel and Restaurant at 500 Union Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Tickets are available at www.atccf.org/events. Christel MacLean, owner of the Saratoga Juice Bar, said this is the third year she and her husband Colin have been involved. “We just love it,” said MacLean. “The Juice Bar is the perfect business to run this through [donations toward the Community Fund]. It’s a little hub where people pop in and we talk about what the funds benefit. Every year we come up with the smoothie. Last year it was an Autumn Chai-based smoothie, but this year, I have to say, the Pumpkin Pie smoothie is a runaway hit.” The Autumn of Giving Pumpkin Pie Smoothie was created by Juice Bar employee Amanda Thibodeau and is made up of fresh house-made pumpkin puree; cinnamon; pumpkin spice; vanilla; banana; and almond milk. The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund’s fourth Autumn of Giving Match Campaign began October 1. All donations made by October 31 will be matched dollar-for-dollar by The Adirondack Trust Company. Online donations can be made at www.atccf.org