Write a commentPhoenix, N.Y. - Community members, former NFL players, and local leaders came together June 14 &15 for the NFL Alumni Upstate New York Chapter Charity Golf Classic and Celebrity Meet & Greet, during which Erin's Angels of CNY was presented with a $15,000 check from the NFL Alumni Association CNY Chapter.
Combined with personal donations from former NFL players and golfers, the total raised reached $15,937 to support children facing food insecurity through Erin's Angels of CNY.
The two-day event opened with a Celebrity Meet & Greet at the Collegian Hotel in Syracuse, where guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, live music, a silent auction and the opportunity to connect with former professional athletes and notable community figures.
The event continued at Drumlins Golf Course, where participants competed in a captain and crew-style tournament alongside NFL alumni and celebrities, all united by a shared commitment to giving back.
Funds raised will directly support Erin's Angels of CNY's mission to fight childhood food insecurity while also contributing to a charitable effort in memory of Arthur Jones, honoring his legacy of service and impact.
"This event showed what's possible when people come together with purpose," said Gene Mills, event coordinator for the NFL Alumni Society Central New York Chapter. "We saw incredible generosity from this community, and every dollar raised represents hope and opportunity for children and families across Central New York."
"This weekend was about more than football and golf, it was about impact," said Leroy Collins, NFL Alumni Upstate New York Chapter President. "We are proud to stand alongside Erin's Angels and help support their work ensuring that no child goes without the food they need."
"Because of this community, children will have access to the food they need to grow, learn and succeed," said Lindsay "Lu" Hart, president of the Erin's Angels of CNY Board of Directors. "This event is a powerful reminder that when people show up with compassion, they change lives."
"The success of this event reflects the heart of this community," said Sheila Dion, Founder and Executive Director of Erin's Angels of CNY. "Every sponsor, volunteer and participant played a role in making a meaningful difference for local children and families."
A wide range of former professional athletes, coaches and local sports figures participated in the weekend's events, creating memorable experiences for attendees while helping drive support for a critical local cause.
Participants also had the opportunity to compete for prizes and contribute to charitable giving, reinforcing the event's purpose of combining community engagement with meaningful impact.
Erin's Angels of CNY, founded in 2017, provides weekend meal bags to students in need in Phoenix, NY, with a vision to expand support across Central New York so that no child goes hungry.
Erin's Angels of CNY, founded in 2017, provides weekend meal bags to students in need in Phoenix, NY. While Erin's Angels currently serves children in the Phoenix Central School District, the long-term vision is to expand their reach and provide food to kids experiencing food insecurity across Central New York through its Community Outreach program ensuring that no child goes hungry. For more information or to donate, visit www.ErinsAngels.com.
