The Women’s Fund Celebrates 25th Anniversary, Baird Honors Local Women

Celebrating 25 years of supporting women in the Mohawk Valley, members of The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties gathered with recipients, donors and community members at the Fort Schuyler Club in Utica, New York on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. The event was also marked by presentations of Baird Private Wealth Management awards to successful women in the community who were recognized for achieving their dream and inspiring others.

The Women’s Fund a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit, is funded by donor contributions. In their 25 years of service to women in the community the organization has gifted more than $600,000 to individuals and organizations in Herkimer and Oneida Counties. Most recently, The Women’s Fund awarded $25,000 in grants to women-owned businesses. Five grants of $5,000 each were awarded to five women with businesses in Rome, Herkimer, Frankfort, Clinton and Utica. The $25,000 was in recognition of their 25th anniversary and gifted with partners from Baird Private Wealth Management and Griffiss Institute.

The evening’s celebration was capped by an extraordinary gift of $30,000 to The Women’s Fund from Baird Utica, Baird Foundation and “A Remarkable Man”.
“We are honored to work with Baird Utica and their team,” noted Diane Wolfe, president of the Board of Directors of The Women’s Fund. “Their generosity to our organization and the area helps to build and grow a better community. Their support empowers each of us to lift up women in our area. We are thankful for their incredible and heartfelt gift.”

It was an evening of thanks and celebration with several local women recognized by Baird. The awards and a financial gift to the charities of their choice were given by Michele Sheridan, CFP® and Director at Baird and Theresa Flemma, CFP® and Managing Director at Baird in Utica, New York.

“Our firm strongly supports the unique needs of women in all fields and stages of life,” said Theresa Flemma. “The Baird ‘Dream, Achieve, Inspire Award’ is being given to six successful women who were nominated for inspiring others. With so many talented women in our communities the final selection was not an easy one.”

The Award Winners:
Andria Heath, Utica Zoo
Andria’s professional career has been one of service. From the YWCA of the Mohawk Valley to the American Red Cross and currently as the Executive Director of the Utica Zoo, she has mentored and encouraged women and girls to thrive and grow. Baird donated to the Utica Zoo in her honor.

Dr. Camille Dillard, Osteopathic Physician
Currently practicing at Osteopathic Manual Medicine, Dr. Dillard advocates for a holistic approach to medicine. She has served as a health columnist in local papers and authored several publications, she also serves as President of the Zonta Club of Rome whose mission is to “build a better world for women and girls.” Baird donated to the Zonta Club of Rome in her honor.

Cassandra Harris-Lockwood, For the Good Inc.
An area activist she has worked extensively to support communities of need and helped to be a voice for those who need support. She started the not-for-profit For the Good Inc. and publishes the monthly newsmagazine, Utica Phoenix which also operates the Study Buddy Club. A donation by Baird was made to For the Good Inc.

Joanne Jones, Lincoln Davies Building Supply
Joanne works alongside her husband in the family-owned business of Lincoln Davies. She is part of a fifth-generation business, which was established more than 145 years ago. Past-President of the Lions Club of Sauquoit and still active, Joanne started the annual Fall Festival of Sauquoit five years ago, and its annual proceeds go to charity. Baird is donating to the Lions Club of Sauquoit in her honor.

Kathleen Rutishauser and Denise Flihan – Daughters for Hire, LLC
The two women own and operate the business which provides companion care services to seniors in the Mohawk Valley and Capital Region of New York, and assists them with aging in place and maintaining their independence. The company was established 2012 by Ms. Rutishauser. Ms. Flihan joined in 2014. The organization continues to grow and expand with 70 employees serving seven counties. Their mission to support seniors inspires all of us. Baird is donating to the Alzheimer’s Association in their honor.

For more information contact Debra Altdoerffer, Board Member of The Women’s Fund of Herkimer and Oneida Counties at (315) 404-9130