Building a Better Tomorrow: Our Year in Giving

ALBANY, NY | As we reflect on the past year, TLF takes pride in the meaningful strides we’ve made in giving back, recognizing that contributing to our community isn’t just a responsibility but a powerful catalyst for positive change. The Towne Law Firm, P.C. (TLF) believes in making a difference in the world in which we live and the communities that we serve. The members of our practice donate time, funds and support to community investment in our hometowns, across the country and abroad. We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to make a positive impact, recognizing that each contribution, no matter how small, has the potential to create a ripple effect of meaningful change in the lives of those we aim to support. Join us as we reflect upon the various organizations that we are involved with across many different categories.

Education

In the past year, our firm took great pride in championing education within our community through various initiatives including scholarships and internships in collaboration with Skidmore College.

Skidmore College is a highly ranked, residential, liberal arts college situated on 1,200 acres of natural beauty in Saratoga Springs, New York. In the current year, much like in the preceding years, Sue and Jim Towne have not only contributed financial support but also dedicated their time to fortify the educational journey of college students at Skidmore. Their commitment extends beyond mere monetary contributions, as evidenced by the development of impactful programs and the provision of scholarships, all aimed at elevating the academic success of the students. While their efforts span several years, the spotlight this year shines brightly on their continued and unwavering dedication to Skidmore’s students, a commitment that originated as early as 2013. In 2013 Mr. Towne and his wife Sue Towne, founded and funded the John B. Moore Documentary Studies Collaborative (“MDOCS”) at Skidmore College. MDOCS is an interdisciplinary program collecting, collating, assembling, and presenting stories of the human experience in documentary media and technologies as well as a variety of artistic mediums. Designed to expose faculty and students to documentary mediums for critical inquiry, discovery, civic engagement and exposition, MDOCS has become a national leader in embedding and advancing documentary arts within a liberal arts curriculum. To expand MDOC’s reach, in 2014 Mr. Towne and his wife Sue Towne, founded the Storyteller’s Institute at Skidmore. The Institute offers a 5 week summer residency program hosted by the college allowing visiting professional documentary practitioners and student interns to explore and advance their crafts. Interested in giving to Skidmore College. Click here.

Promoting Health and Well-being

This year, we had the privilege of supporting a diverse array of impactful organizations that promote health and well-being, such as Camp Good Days, Make-A-Wish, Tour de Cure, LLS, Joy Us, Alzheimer’s Association, Shriners Hospital, Kelly’s Angels, and To Life!, each embodying a commitment to positive change in our community.

Camp Good Days strives to improve the quality of life for families affected by cancer or sickle cell anemia through residential camping programs and year-round recreational and support activities. At Camp Good Days, participants have the opportunity to regain some of what cancer has taken away from them. While a vast majority of participants reside in NY, Camp Good Days has no geographical boundaries and accepts children from all 50 states and all over the world. This year, as a firm, we were able to travel to the Rochester location and help the staff prepare for camp this year, helping clean and prep the grounds. Interested in giving back to Camp Good Day? Click here to help make a difference.

Make a Wish creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. Among the various ways TLF contributed to this organization, firm members attended this year’s gala. Click here to help make a wish come true.

Tour de Cure is the premier cycling fundraising event of the American Diabetes Association® (ADA) that creates a sense of unity and shared purpose in the fight to end diabetes. Associate Attorney Megan Bassler’s Father, Darren Bassler, cycled in the race and the firm was happy to support him in his efforts. Click here to make a difference.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) exists to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients. “We are the voice for all blood cancer patients and we work to ensure access to treatments for all blood cancer patients.” This year the firm was proud to be the ‘Bright Lights’ Sponsor for their annual Light The Night Event. Learn more about LLS and donate here.

The Joy US Foundation’s mission is to restore Joy and Serenity in the lives of cancer patients/survivors and their families by providing access to FREE outdoor excursions. The firm was proud to be a partner sponsor of their Stronger Than Cancer Event this year. Make a contribution by clicking here.

Alzheimer’s Association, leading the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. This year we were able to sponsor their “An Evening to End Alzheimer’s” event. Click here to donate.

Shriners Hospitals for Children specializes in pediatric care and is committed to reaching as many children as possible, wherever they may live, and offering them unique, patient-centered, wrap-around care. Our firm holds Shriners Hospitals for Children particularly close to our hearts. The remarkable work they do in pediatric care resonates deeply with us, as they have played a pivotal role in supporting the well-being of one of TLF’s Partners children. This year, the firm took meaningful action by extending our support to Shriners Hospitals for Children, contributing to their noble cause and furthering our commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children in need. Click here to help provide life changing care to a child.

Kelly’s Angels, a charitable organization that provides grants to benefit children in the Capital Region of New York State whose lives have been forever changed by the loss of a parent or sibling to cancer or other illness. This year the firm was able to sponsor and participate in their Mother-Lovin’ 5k run/walk as. Click here to make a contribution.

To Life! serves as a welcoming setting in which women can obtain information necessary to make informed medical decisions, learn how to explain things to their families, and thereby enlist their support and assistance and go for support and ancillary services such as wig and prostheses fittings and makeup. This year the firm was able to sponsor and attend their Pink Ball. Click here to learn more about what To Life! does and help make a difference.

Empowering Local Communities

This year, we took pride in making a meaningful impact by empowering diverse local communities, including St. Catherine’s, BH-BL Giving Tree, Shelters of Saratoga, Wildwood , Yaddo, Center for Disabilities, Soroptimist International of Saratoga, and Community Action of Green County, Inc.

St. Catherine’s Center for Children addresses the needs of children and youth in communities throughout the Capital Region, offering a wide range of services designed to preserve family life and equip at-risk families with the skills they need, and offers shelter and support for the homeless or for families or individuals who are at risk of becoming homeless. This year our team came together to donate funds to help two families in need this Christmas. With the Firm matching the dollar amount collected from employees and staff, we were able to provide gifts for 6 children. Click here to help make a change.

The BH-BL Giving Tree Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that helps foster community outreach for strengthening student equality within the Burnt-Hills Ballston Lake School District. This year the firm was able to sponsor and attend their Big Give Gala. Click here to learn more about BH-BL Giving Tree.

Shelters of Saratoga assists individuals who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness by offering a path to self-sufficiency. This year the firm was able to sponsor their One Fine Day summer luncheon. Click here to view the list of goods that can be donated.

The Wildwood Foundation advocates for people with developmental disabilities and works toward creating an awareness of how their goals and needs can be met through philanthropy. This year firm members Jim Towne and Kate Gagnon actively participated in select boxing classes to provide assistance to their ‘Undisputed Champions’ Boxing Program. Donate now by simply clicking here.

Yaddo is a nonprofit retreat for artists in Saratoga Springs, New York. Their mission is to nurture the creative process by providing an opportunity for artists to work without interruption in a supportive environment. This year TLF sponsored the Inaugural Yaddo Golf Invitational and Dinner. Click here to donate.

Center for Disability Services, empowering people with disabilities to lead healthy, happy and productive lives.  TLF Associate Megan Bassler proudly serves on the foundation’s board of directors for this organization. Among the firm contributing in various ways to the organization throughout the year, firm members participated in this year’s Capital Region Buddy Walk. Click here to learn more about how you to can make a difference.

Soroptimist Saratoga, consisting of over 65 professional women from all walks of life, they unite to fundraise, mentor and connect – taking action and educating local and global communities. This year we were able to Sponsor the Secret Garden Tour. Click here to donate.

Community Action of Greene County (CAGC) empowers disadvantaged individuals and families to grow and thrive through advocacy and person-centered services. CAGC promotes collaboration to strengthen the community. The firm was proud to support CAGC this year and for years to come! Click here to help support CAGC.

Environmental Stewardship

This year, our law firm championed environmental stewardship through sustainable practices and active support for local conservation initiatives such as Saratoga Plan.

Saratoga P.L.A.N’s mission is to preserve the rural character, natural habitats and scenic beauty of Saratoga County so that these irreplaceable assets are accessible to all and survive for future generations. Partner James Towne serves on the board for Saratoga P.L.A.N and in its land use efforts to preserve and expand open spaces for Saratoga County residents. Click here to help contribute to land preservation efforts.

Legal Advocacy

This year, our firm contributed to legal advocacy programs, reinforcing our commitment to advancing justice and supporting initiatives that make a positive impact in the legal community. Some of the programs in the community we have given back to this year include, The Legal Project, Legal Aid Society, Warren County Bar Association, Albany County Bar Foundation and Capital District Trial Lawyers Association.

The Legal Project makes the law more accessible to those in need, increasing the legal community’s involvement in pro bono work; and serving as a resource on legal issues, with a special commitment to women and others who may have difficulty in obtaining legal assistance. In 2015, Mr. Towne was awarded the Legal Project’s Champion Award in recognition of his funding of the Legal Project’s William E. Byron Technology Center, founded by Mr. Towne and his wife Sue Towne, in honor of her father. The Center provides a location and platform for training service providers and connecting remote rural clients in need with attorneys thereby expanding the availability of much needed legal services. In addition to contributing to the organization throughout the year, TLF was a proud sponsor with firm members attending The Legal Project’s annual “Breakfast With Champions”. Click here to give to The Legal Project.

The Legal Aid Society provides free civil legal services to low income-people. Partner James Towne spent 19 years on the Board of the Legal Aid Society and was twice a recipient of the Legal Aid Society’s Distinguished Services Award, are a testament to Mr. Towne’s passion for affording access for all to the legal system. Throughout the year, TLF was able to sponsor and attend The Legal Aid Society’s Justice For All Event. Click here to donate.

Warren County Bar Foundation, a uniquely active bar association for its largely rural setting consists of both small and large-sized law firms, maintains an office, has a vibrant charitable foundation and has produced several prominent attorneys who have made their own unique contributions in our local community as well as throughout the State. Partner James Towne serves on the board of directors. This year the firm was able to sponsor the Warren County Bar Foundation’s March Mixer.

Albany County Bar Association, promoting professional collegiality among the bench and the bar; facilitating public service and access to justice for all; and offering programs, benefits and services to enhance the skills of its members. Partner Shalini Natesan is the President of the Albany County Bar Foundation, her position on the Foundation’s Board allows her to donate her time and expertise to the community and service people in need by being a part of the decision-making process. While the firm contributed in various ways, throughout the year, a highlight was our sponsorship and participation of the Law Day 5K! Click here to make a donation.

Supporting Veterans

This year, our firm proudly supported veterans through various initiatives, recognizing and honoring their service to our country through Albany Stratton VA Medical Center and F.A.V.O.R.

Samuel S. Stratton VA Medical Center provides services to Veteran’s including personal items, social work, homeless assistance, and more! This year we were able to support by donating clothing and personal items that the Veterans need. Learn more here.

Saratoga County F.A.V.O.R Veteran Discount Program is a merchant discount program for eligible veterans in Saratoga County. TLF is a proud business partner and honors those who served and sacrificed for our country with discounted services available for eligible veterans every year. Click here to learn more.

Albany County F.A.V.O.R Veteran Discount Program is a merchant discount program for eligible veterans in Albany County. TLF is a proud business partner and honors those who served and sacrificed for our country with discounted services available for eligible veterans each year. Learn more here.

As we reflect on the past year, The Towne Law Firm, P.C. remains steadfast in our commitment to making a positive impact. Whether through supporting education, promoting health and well-being, empowering local communities, championing environmental stewardship, advocating for legal initiatives, or honoring our veterans, our dedication to creating meaningful change is evident in every endeavor. We are grateful for the opportunities to contribute to the betterment of our community and look forward to continuing our mission of making a difference in the world we live in. Thank you for joining us on this journey of impactful giving and positive change.

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