UTICA — The 18th Annual Oneida County History Center Telethon presented by Bank of Utica surpassed its goal and raised $40,240 to protect and preserve Oneida County history, according to an announcement Thursday by the organization.

“Community support has an incredible impact because the History Center is largely funded by private sources and relies on donations and membership as a primary source of income,” the announcement said, adding “Thank you to everyone who joined, renewed, donated, or tuned-in and helped make the evening a success.”

The event was broadcast live on WUTR-TV and CNYHomepage.com from the History Center’s main gallery on Wednesday, May 17 with more than a dozen behind-the-scenes volunteers, and 15 phone bank volunteers. Hosts Joe Kelly, Rebecca McLain, and Shelby Pay welcomed special guests throughout the evening including local public officials, community leaders, partners, and volunteers that all share a passion for and commitment to local history, the announcement said.

The event also featured artifacts from the History Center collection and vignettes about Historical Hall of Fame members. 

Pledges received during the telethon are vital to the success of our organization, officials said, and membership and donations sustain its annual operating budget and directly support numerous mission-driven initiatives.

Event sponsors include — Naming sponsor: Bank of Utica. Platinum sponsors: Adirondack Financial Services; DBJ Wealth Management; Chris & Virginia Kelly; Oneida Indian Nation Foundation; Oneida County History Center Board of Directors. Gold sponsors: The John Brown Team at Coldwell Banker Faith Properties; Caruso McLean & Co. Inc.; Greg & Denyse Evans; The Goldmine Jewelers; Coleman Harding; Anonymous; Scalzo, Zogby & Wittig;

Silver sponsors: Mary Briggs-Beha; F.X. Matt Brewing, Co.; Greater Utica Magazine; Jay-K Lumber; MARCH Associates; New Hartford Eye Associates; Drs. Cynthia Parlato & Doug Hurd; Dick Williams; UFA Alumni Association. Bronze sponsors: Janice Collier; Dennis & Susan Dewey; Mark Diorio Photography; Carl & Andria Dziekan; GPO Federal Credit Union; Highlander Communications; Hilton & Powers, Cpa’s P.C.; Leigh Baldwin & Co; Northern Safety & Industrial; Oneida Chapter NSDAR; Nancy Robinson & C Lewis Tomaselli; The Roman Agency LLC; Joe Silberlicht & Sandy Fenske; Pat Sherman; Elizabeth & Richard Tantillo. In-kind sponsors: WUTR; Daily Sentinel; Lafa Mediterranean by Zeina’s; Northland Communications; Oneida County Tourism; Utica Coffee Roasting Company.