Skidmore Cares marks milestone anniversary

Dec. 14, 2015

The 10th anniversary celebration of Skidmore Cares—the annual campuswide initiative to help neighbors in need—was a milestone moment in terms of generosity and good cheer.

A decade ago, Skidmore Cares was launched as part of the annual open house for the Skidmore community hosted by President Philip Glotzbach and Marie Glotzbach at their North Broadway home. The program encourages Skidmore faculty and staff to donate items such as food, school supplies, personal-care items and cash for Saratoga agencies that serve people in need.

Skidmore Cares: The power of community  

The donations are distributed among 10 area organizations including the Corinth Central School District, Franklin Community Center, Latino Advocacy Program, Mary’s Haven, Salvation Army, Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Saratoga Springs City School District PATHS Program, Shelters of Saratoga, Wellspring and—new this year—Saratoga Center for the Family.

At the Dec. 4 open house, Skidmore faculty and staff donated 2,218 food items, 1,017 school supplies and 950 personal-care items. The items were delivered around the community on Dec. 7. Over 10 years, the Skidmore community has provided an eye-popping 14,718 food items, 9,017 school supplies, 1,500 personal-care items and $68,891.

Cash donations come from vendors and the popular Beatlemore Skidmania concerts. Student clubs that contribute to Skidmore Cares include Benef-Action and the Student Athlete Advisory Council.

Marie Glotzbach said, "The power of this community is remarkable. It was wonderful to visit with so many Skidmore people during the open house and to thank them personally for their support of Skidmore Cares. Phil and I are most grateful for the generosity of our colleagues, who have helped make the 10th year of Skidmore Cares a success."

President Glotzbach concluded, "Skidmore College has existed in Saratoga Springs for its entire history and has always tried to be a good neighbor to the city, which we value deeply. We see Skidmore Cares as a way of contributing in a direct and concrete way, during this special time of year, to help those citizens who are most in need. We are pleased to be able to make a positive difference in our community."