New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the Northeast Kidney Foundation, Inc. has received a check in the amount of $10,000 as a result of its work as the charity partner for the 2022 Summer at the Plaza series of events. Volunteers from the foundation poured beer and served wine during concerts and festivals at the Empire State Plaza in exchange for a portion of the net profits of the beverage sales.

 

“Since 2013, this amazing partnership has benefitted not only the Northeast Kidney Foundation but the thousands of people who learned about kidney disease and the great need for organ donation while attending events this summer at the Empire State Plaza,” Commissioner Moy said. “Together, the Kidney Foundation’s volunteers and Team OGS have proven the good that can be achieved when a State agency joins forces and develops strong ties with our local communities.”

 

Northeast Kidney Foundation President and CEO Melissa Mantei said, “The Northeast Kidney Foundation is incredibly appreciative of this opportunity because not only does this series of events help raise critical funds to support our mission of improving the quality of life of those affected by kidney disease, but it also raises awareness about the work we are doing in the local community. Every week, we would meet individuals who were either affected themselves or knew someone living with kidney disease. Thanks to the Summer at the Plaza events, we are able to spread the word about the programs, services, and assistance we provide. We want to thank New York State Office of General Services for partnering with us and providing this platform in which we raise crucial funds and awareness of kidney disease.”

 

As OGS’s charity partner, the Northeast Kidney Foundation made its trained volunteers available to assist at eight Summer at the Plaza events in 2022, including New York State’s Fourth of July and Hispanic Heritage celebrations. Many of the volunteers are the friends and family members of patients who want to support the foundation's valuable programs and services.

 

A special thanks goes to Barbara Palmer, the Northeast Kidney Foundation’s volunteer coordinator, who was instrumental in making this year’s partnership a success.

 

For information and updates on Empie State Plaza events and exhibits, visit empirestateplaza.ny.gov and follow @EmpireStatePlaza on Facebook, and @plazaevents on Twitter, or call (518) 474-4759.