BPU’s “Cents for St. Susan’s” Campaign Sets New Fundraising Record

Sponsors and BPU employees gathered to celebrate a record-breaking, successful “Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities (BPU) is thrilled to announce that the 24th annual “Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign has achieved a record-breaking total of $32,508, surpassing last year’s $26,693.15. Since its inception in 2000, the campaign has raised a remarkable $340,119.54 in donations for the St. Susan Center.

“We are overwhelmed by this record amount raised in our 24th annual campaign to help St. Susan Center,” said BPU General Manager David Leathers. “Each year, we are amazed by the community’s response, and this year, the generosity has been exceptional with recurring gifts, new donations, and increased contributions.”

Leathers expressed gratitude to the campaign’s major sponsors, including Judy & Steve McAllaster, Chautauqua Chemicals Company, Robinson Law Office, PLLC, Asplundh, Boyles Motor Sales, Century 21/Turner Brokers, Dan & Connie Evans, Falconer Printing & Design, Inc., Kwik Fill, The Legend Group with Lou Deppas, National Fuel, Northwest, Robbins and Johnson Attorneys, Shults Auto Group, Slone-Melhuish Insurance, Weinberg Financial Group, and Wright, Calimeri, PLLC Attorneys. Special thanks were also given to Media One Radio Group and The Post-Journal for their extensive publicity as media sponsors.

The campaign saw strong support from the community, with highlights including a record-breaking $1,120.08 raised from a hot dog sale at the BPU’s Customer Service location, $1,400 from canister contributions, and $426.65 from redeemable bottles and cans.

BPU Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins, who organizes the campaign, expressed her gratitude: “We are deeply thankful to the entire Greater Jamestown community for their support. Whether it was a monetary contribution, a hot dog purchase, or a donation of redeemable bottles and cans, everyone came together to support St. Susan Center and its guests. Thank you.”

St. Susan Center Executive Director Cherie Rowland also extended her appreciation: “We are incredibly grateful to the generous sponsors of the 2023 BPU ‘Cents for St. Susan’s’ campaign. Many of these sponsors have been supporting us since 2000. Additionally, we thank all the businesses that allowed us to place our yellow coin canisters at their locations.”

Rowland shared that the St. Susan Center has already served nearly 24,000 meals this year. “We live in a community of people who care deeply and ensure that those in need have access to life’s necessities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this year’s drive and to the businesses that provided space for our coin canisters.”

The BPU is proud to be a part of such a caring community and looks forward to continuing this tradition of support for St. Susan Center.