Lowes 100 Hometown Project Selected Mary Nelson Youth Center out of over 2k applicants
So many prominent community stakeholders, too numerous to mention. These individuals are working in their respective neighborhoods committed to similar causes.
On July, 20th Lowe’s revealed all 100 grant recipients of its nationwide centennial celebration 100 Hometowns. Syracuse’s Mary Nelson Youth Center is one of those 100 impact projects. Several days later, on July 23rd an event was held announcing the award hosted by the Mary Nelson Youth Center. Representatives from Lowes, community members, Jim Boeheim, Mayor Ben Walsh, Common Councilor and Mayoral Candidate Khalid Bey, Assemblymember Pamela Hunter, Otis Jennings, Alfonso Davis, Onondaga County Legislature Chairman David H. Knapp, David Rufus and many more. So many prominent community stakeholders, too numerous to mention. These individuals are working in their respective neighborhoods, committed to similar causes.
There were more than 2,200 qualified submissions to Lowe’s 100 Hometowns, the final projects span 36 states and help thousands of people from coast to coast, each of them with a unique story to tell.
Mary Nelson Youth Center’s award from Lowes includes $75,000 to renovate and repair its current space so it can continue to combat poverty through a wide range of programs and resources focused on education, mentorship, health, career and life-skills services.
This is a national effort by Lowe’s; Former Lowe’s associate and award-winning country music star Kane Brown—Lowe’s 2021 Home Team players including legendary quarterback Drew Brees, Travis Kelce, Najee Harris and Matt Light—will also help with their own hometown projects.
Lowe’s will partner with their local associates, construction pros and the community to develop project-specific timelines and complete project by the end of this year.
Introductions and short statements were by several individuals and organizations connected to the center, then Ms. Nelson took to the microphone. In a heartfelt and at times emotional speech, Mary Nelson paid homage to those in attendance and others unable to attend. While gracious and complementary to all of those in attendance, Nelson revealed a special friend as she said, “a significant member of the political world and someone who has had my back, not matter what. Who else other than a good friend can you talk to at 5 in the morning?” Congressman Katko has been quietly helping the Mary Nelson Youth Center, without fanfare or recognition.
After the initial award was announced by Lowes, one, by one individuals, organizations and local governments stepped forward from the dais to offer their support for the upcoming project. So many prominent community stakeholders, too numerous to mention. These individuals are working in their respective neighborhoods committed to similar causes. announced to those gathered, the Jim & Juli Boeheim Foundation will match the award presented by Loews 100 Hometown. What followed was like a church revival and someone passed an impromptu connection plate. County Legislature Chairman David Knapp pledged $25,000 to the center from Onondaga County. Mayor Ben Walsh said congratulatory words. Followed by Council Member, Khalid Bey who pledged to bring the issue before the Syracuse Common Council for funding. While making the announcement, Bey reached back making direct eye contact with Mayor Walsh, who nodded in agreement. Nelson also spoke of her center being embraced by Assemblymember Pamela Hunter and how those contributions meant so much to the center.
This funding announcement is historic as the gathering generating as much as $200,000 perhaps the most funds raised at a media event for the not-for profit; Mary Nelson Youth Center—a grassroots, community-run youth center is dedicated to empowering the lives of children and their families.
In an emotional event ending move, Nelson reflecting on years’ operating the center on a shoestring, recognizing the eclectic collection of supporters who’ve been there for the center when there was no money. After thanking everyone associated with the operation of the center, a clearly surprised Mary Nelson had everyone associated with the center to pose for a group photograph. That said it all. By keeping political conflicts out, Nelson has been able to assemble supporters from different political backgrounds, all united by the mission of providing services for an underserved community she’s decided to embrace.
