Government Employees Raise Money for Hurricane Sandy Relief

Employees from the City of Binghamton, Broome County and New York State raised $1,788 for Hurricane Sandy relief December 12th during a basket raffle held at the State Office Building in Binghamton.

Gloria Poff, Executive Assistant to Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell), and Tammy Witteman, Treasurer of CSEA Local 002, came up with the idea while holding a jewelry fundraiser to raise money for the American Cancer Society.

“We wanted to do something for the people affected by the storm and we decided on a basket raffle,” said Poff. “It was a huge success and we thank all those who donated baskets and bought tickets.”

Government Plaza employees had twenty-three baskets to choose from including one donated by the Broome County Arena worth $600. Other baskets included items that ranged from an Amazon Kindle to 35 lottery tickets.

Shelley Bierwiler, Chapter Executive at the Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross, drew the winning tickets and collected the proceeds.

"Thanks to the public's generous support, the Red Cross has been able to provide food, shelter, relief supplies and comfort to thousands of people impacted by Sandy,” said Bierwiler.  “We truly appreciate our local government employees extending a helping hand during this time of need".

PEOPLE IN PHOTO (left to right): Tammy Witteman (Treasurer of CSEA Local 002), Shelley Bierwiler (Chapter Executive at the Southern Tier Chapter of the American Red Cross) , Gloria Poff (Executive Assistant to Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo)