Eastern Shore Insurance Agency Presents Fulton Block Builders with Check for 2025 Program

Supporting Fulton Block Builders (FBB) is a natural for Eastern Shore Insurance Agency, a valued, community minded organization.  Eastern Shore, a 100% employee-owned organization with over 70 insurance professionals, operates from six branch offices throughout Central and Upstate New York. They work with over 30 insurance companies, giving them the ability to find the best solution for each of their customers' insurance needs. The employee-owners live and work in the same communities as their customers and are dedicated to helping protect the insurance risk of our neighbors.

FBB is a volunteer grass roots organization within the city of Fulton dedicated to community revitalization one block at a time. Their fundraising goal for 2025 is $50,000. If FBB is successful in raising the full amount, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation has committed $100,000 to the FBB program. “It’s our pleasure to support the FBB and be a part of its success” said Kim Allen, Director of Operations at Eastern Shore. 

Fulton Block Builders is extremely grateful to Eastern Shore Insurance Agency and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation for their continued support of this program and encourages others to follow their lead.  Since FBB’s start in 2017, both Eastern Shore and the Shineman Foundation have been continuous supporters. As a result, Fulton has seen a 4.5-million-dollar investment in city properties.

Melissa Calverase & Kimberly Allen, of Eastern Shore Insurance Agency are seen here after presenting a check to Fulton Block Builders

Support continues to grow for the Fulton Block Builders

“Oswego County Federal Credit Union is proud to be a Corporate Sponsor of Fulton Block Builders (FBB) a transformative initiative” Khadijah Malone, said. “FBB is a program that generates neighborhood pride and helps homeowners and property owners recover part of the cost of their exterior property investment. At Oswego County FCU, the credit union motto of ‘People Helping People’ is not some fancy slogan; it’s something we believe in and practice every day! Supporting the Block Builder movement is a perfect partnership for us.”

Founded in 1975, Oswego County FCU is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative association dedicated to providing quality financial products and services delivered in a professional, courteous and timely manner. They currently serve the financial needs of approximately 11,000 members throughout Oswego County. Those who live, work, worship, or attend school in Oswego County, are eligible to join the Oswego County FCU’s family.

 “This generous donation from the Oswego County Federal Credit Union moves FBB $5000 closer to our fundraising goal,” Eagan said. “This means we will have the funds available for 2025 Block Challenge grants. Many people have asked how they can get involved with FBB. Interested homeowners in Fulton can go the FBB website for help.”

Connie Chrisman, Recovery Specialist and Khadijah Malone, Fulton Branch Manager of the Oswego County Federal Credit Union, present Fulton Block Builders with a check for the 2025 program

Pathfinder Bank continues to support Fulton Block Builders

“Pathfinder Bank supports the community in countless ways” said Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builder (FBB) founder.  “This year’s donation to the program is critical in helping us reach the Fundraising goal for 2025. What’s equally important is the bank inspires its employees to be civically engaged- several employees are FBB volunteers” continued Eagan. If FBB is successful in reaching its goal, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation has committed $100,000.00 in 2 to 1 matching funds.

Pathfinder Bank has been serving the Central New York Community since 1859. It is both their customer-focused approach to providing financial services and their innovative philosophy that have made them successful. Pathfinder Bank’s aim is to provide all the advanced conveniences the national banks have to offer, without the hassles. At Pathfinder Bank, the decision makers are dedicated local people and eager to serve the communities in which they live, work, and play.

“Our success is intertwined with the success of the communities we serve. For that reason, and because it is the right thing to do, we invest our resources, time, and talents in those communities. We want to serve our local communities for another 150 years; therefore, we must earn the trust of our customers every day. We do that by being ethical, capable, honest, reliable, and responsive. Pathfinder Bank is proud to be a corporate sponsor of the highly impactful, community driven Fulton Block Builders program” said Brooke Fralick, Assistant Branch Manager.

Adam Kemp, Customer Service Specialist, Tyran Rogers, Universal Banker and Brooke Fralick, Assistant Branch Manager, are seen with Linda Eagan after presenting the Fulton Block Builder donation

Fulton Block Builders Kicks Off Pay-It-Forward Campaign

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) has heard from many participants about how good it feels good to be part of something that’s improving their neighborhood, bringing neighbors together, and lifting up our city. In 2019, one block started a Pay-It-Forward and the idea caught on!

 As a result, the FBB fundraising committee announced the 2025 Pay-It-Forward Campaign, which asks former recipients to help others take advantage of the program by contributing back. If a property owner has received funds from FBB in the past year, they have received a letter discussing Pay-It-Forward. “I love this program, I have had such wonderful experiences being a part of it” said Mary Elliott.

 “This is all of us, Fulton,” said FBB Founder, Linda Eagan. “It’s us taking care of each other and it’s us helping each other. Every little bit helps reach our $50,000 goal so that we can receive the matching $100,000 Richard S. Shineman Foundation grant. No donation is too small. We are asking everyone to donate something, because 100% participation sends a very strong message of commitment to our community! Thank you, Fulton. Together we are doing amazing things. Let’s keep the momentum going.”

 FBB donations can be made on the website at: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/

 or by mail, send checks to:

CenterState Development Foundation- FBB

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, New York 13202

Mary Elliott supports the Fulton Block Builder’s Pay-It-Forward campaign

Fulton Block Builders Receives Support from Legislator Karasek

The Fulton Block Builders, now in its ninth year, receives support from Legislator Karasek. “I am impressed with the positive energy the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program is bringing to our residents,” Legislator Karasek said. “I make a point of supporting and sponsoring initiatives that I think are good for my District, so this decision was an easy one for me.”

 In 2017, the Oswego County Legislative body received a pay increase, but rather than keep this for himself, Legislator Karasek decided to donate his entire raise to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB). His support has continued each year.

Jim Karasek represents the 22nd District, that has part of the city of Fulton in it. Mr. Karasek serves on two Legislative Committees.  County Health Committee which deals with public health, environmental protection, preventive health, public nursing, the education for handicapped children, and serves as liaison between Board of Health and the Legislature. Jim also serves on the Human Services Committee, which deals with matters in the Departments of Social Services, Office for the Aging, Veterans' Services and the Youth Bureau. Jim announced in January that he will be running for another term in 2025.

The Fulton Block Builders are dedicated to revitalizing Fulton neighborhoods one block at a time.“Because of people like Legislator Karasek,we are able to fund more Grants and are energized by the success we are seeing,” said Linda Eagan, FBB Founder. “In 2024 Fulton Block Builders (FBB) awarded 197 Block Challenge, Paint Fulton and Pride Grants. Since its inception in 2017 FBB has awarded 1,583 grants. Awards were given to 22 blocks of neighbors in all Wards of the City of Fulton. Participating FBB property owners have invested four and a half million dollars in exterior improvements in the past 8 years.”

Legislator James Karasek, shown with his guide dog Isabell, recently presented Fulton Block Builders Founder, Linda Eagan with a check for the upcoming 2025 program.

Operation Oswego County supports Fulton Block Builders

Recently, Operation Oswego County, Inc. contributed $3,000.00 to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB). Operation Oswego County is a not-for-profit economic development organization whose mission is to establish and implement sound economic development strategies to enhance the economic vitality of Oswego County's businesses, industries, and citizens, which leads to an overall better quality of life.

“To accomplish our mission, we need strong communities that can support and improve housing for our talented workforce which in turn helps to retain, expand and attract new industries to Oswego County,” said Wheelock, Operation Oswego County's Executive Director. “The Fulton Block Builder project is a great partner in helping us to fulfill our mission.”

“Fundraising for the 2025 Grant Challenge is just getting started” said Linda Eagan, FBB Founder.  “The generosity of so many is inspirational. Our community has amazed me since the launch of Fulton Block Builders in so many ways. Operation Oswego County's donation is one more example of that amazement! FBB is hoping to meet our 2025 goal and receive the 2-to-1 match from the Richard S. Shineman Foundation, which will allow FBB to have a full and robust program again this year.”

Operation Oswego County Executive Director Austin Wheelock presents Fulton Block Builders Founder, Linda Eagan with a check for $3,000.

Fulton City Council Learns about the Fulton Block Builder Program

On Tuesday March 4th the Fulton City Council heard a presentation about the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program. Highlights included successful fundraising, community participation and partnerships with the city.

In 2024 Fulton Block Builders (FBB) awarded 197 Block Challenge, Paint Fulton and Pride Grants. Since its inception in 2017 FBB has awarded 1,583 grants. Awards were made to 22 blocks of neighbors in all Wards of the City of Fulton. For every one-dollar FBB awarded, homeowners spent 4.2 dollars, demonstrating the confidence that their investment will pay off. Participating FBB property owners have invested four and a half million dollars in exterior improvements in the past 8 years. Community support continued to exceed expectations. Thanks to local businesses, civic groups and individuals FBB raised $53,000 and received a Richard S Shineman Grant for $100,000. Notably the Foundation has been a consistent supporter contributing grants totaling $966,000 since 2017.

“The city’s support has significantly impacted FBB’s success. We ask that you continue that support by encouraging members of your Wards to apply by March 17th for this year’s grants, Thank You” concluded Tina Eusepi, FBB Administrative Director.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2025 Fulton Block Builders

Pre-Qualification Forms due by Monday, March 17, 2025

Final applications due by Monday, April 28, 2025

Awards announced Friday, May 16, 2025

Kick off Dinner for Sponsors and Awardees Wednesday, June 4th, 2025

Improvement projects must be completed by October 31, 2025

Alissa Viscome, Linda Eagan, Tina Eusepi and Shannon Sawyer share information about the Fulton Block Builder program with the Fulton City Council.

Fulton Block Builders Accepting Applications Through Monday March 17th

You’ve seen the improvements throughout the city and thought you would like to be a part of “that”! Well NOW is the time.

 Fulton Block Builders (FBB) invites ANY block in the city to apply for its 2025 Block Challenge, a program that offers matching funds to each participating homeowner for exterior home improvements. The program encourages and rewards neighborhood groups to work together and reinvest in their own community.  The Block Challenge Grant’s Applications must be submitted by Monday, March17.

 To complete the Application, city residents must first form a neighborhood cluster with 5 to 15 property owners in proximity. The group can include homeowners or landlords. The closer the clusters are grouped and the larger the number of participants, the more competitive the application becomes. In addition to the matching grant funding, participating homeowners have access to discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. If you are interested in painting your house there is a separate “Paint Fulton” application

 Applications for the 2025 program can be found here: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/ or call 315-529-9181

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