Palmieri Family and Make-A-Wish CNY Raise $53,350

UTICA--Mayor Robert M. Palmieri and Susan Palmieri announced that the 2023 Mayor’s Benefit Gala raised $53,350 for Make-A-Wish Central New York. The Mayor and his wife presented the check to the organization at City Hall on Thursday.  More than 600 people attended the Gala.

The money will help roughly six children from the City of Utica, who will now have their wish granted. Make-A-Wish CNY was chosen from a pool of 68 applicants to be the recipient of the Palmieri family’s final Mayor’s Benefit Gala. The Gala Committee chose Make-A-Wish CNY because of the positive impact the funds will have on children and families in the most difficult of circumstances.

Make-A-Wish is a charity organized to create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Wishes impact everyone involved—wish kids, volunteers, donors, sponsors, medical professionals, and communities.

The Gala took place on April 22 at the Delta by Marriott in Downtown Utica. Hundreds of people came to the event, and countless area businesses and organization came together to make the event special. Musical entertainment included Soul Injection and the Ladies of Soul and their Gentlemen.

The Palmieri family has hosted nine Mayor’s Benefit Galas that have raised more than $450,000 collectively for local organizations. This year’s event was the first Gala since the Covid-19 pandemic caused widespread event cancellations across the country.

Susan Palmieri said: “It was my honor to partner with Make-A-Wish Central New York. It was our goal to make memories for the children and families that deserve to have their wishes granted. The generosity of our community is unmatched, and the community came together for families that are struggling through tragic circumstances. I hope that we provide them the relief and joy they need to persevere."

Mayor Robert M. Palmieri said: “It’s always been our goal to help the people that needed it the most with the Mayor’s Benefit Gala. There’s no question that the families Make-A-Wish CNY will be helping deserve everything they’ll be getting and more. I want to thank my lovely wife, Make-A-Wish Central New York, and the great people of Utica for making this possible.”

Diane Kuppermann said: “It is difficult to find the words, enough words, to thank Mayor and Mrs. Palmieri and the Gala committee for choosing Make-A-Wish Central New York as the 2023 Mayor’s Gala beneficiary. The overwhelming support from area restaurants, retailers, vendors and media outlets, the gracious sponsorships we received from so many businesses, and the over 600 people in attendance at the Delta that night, are testament to Utica’s dedication to the critically ill kids we serve,” said Diane Kuppermann, President and CEO. “Together, you are making wishes happen and bringing hope, strength and joy to multiple families here at home,” concluded Kuppermann.