Fulton Polish Home Supports Fulton Block Builders

Thank you to the Fulton Polish Home for their generous $500 donation to Fulton BlockBuilders2026 fundraising campaign! Their support continues a long tradition of community involvement, dating back to their founding in 1911.

We were also proud to host our 2025 Kick-Off Event at the Polish Home—an incredible space that brings people together and strengthens our city.

This donation moves us closer to our $50,000 goal for 2026!

Donate: www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate/

Together, we’re building a stronger Fulton.

Fulton Block Builders Campaign is Strong for 2026

Universal Metal Works launched the first business support for the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) grass- roots revitalization project in 2017 and have continued with strong support each year since.  John Sharkey was impressed to learn that there has been five million dollars invested by residents since FBB began. John IV said, “Each year brings more inspiration and makes the city of Fulton a great place to do business. I am happy to see this kind of excitement in the city and am pleased to support further growth.”

Universal Metal Works is a leading metal fabrication facility, with knowledgeable trained staff that have over 300 years of combined fabrication experience. Universal Metal Works specializes in design and engineering assembly. They stand behind Quality, Strength, and Reliability to get any job done with craftsmanship. The Sharkey’s are all active members in the community.

Become a part of this exciting piece of Fulton’s history by donating to the 2026 Campaign today. What is even more exhilarating is that every dollar you donate is once again matched by the Richard S. Shineman Foundation.  Remember all donations are tax deductible and go directly to the Block Challenge grants and promotion of the program.

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

Or by mail, send checks to:

CenterState Development Foundation-Fulton Block Builders; 115 West Fayette Street; Syracuse, NY 13202

John Sharkey IV, owner of Universal Metal Works has pledged strong support for Fulton Block Builders.

Eastern Shore Presents Fulton Block Builders with Check for 2026 Program

“It’s truly an honor to continue to support FBB and all their accomplishments in the Fulton community,” said Kim Allen, Director of Operations. Eastern Shore is a 100% employee-owned organization with over 70 insurance professionals who live and work in the same communities as their clients, in a six-office span across CNY. As an independent agency, Eastern Shore works with many insurance companies, giving them the ability to find the best solution to each of their customers' specific insurance needs.

FBB is celebrating its tenth year of grants in 2026. As such, an enlarged Pride Grant is being offered in addition to Block Challenge and Paint Fulton Grants. The fundraising goal for 2026 is $50,000. If FBB is successful in raising the full amount, the Richard S. Shineman Foundation will match us 2-to-1.

“Fulton Block Builders is extremely grateful to Eastern Shore Insurance Agency and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation for their support of this program and encourages others to follow their lead. Whether you are an individual, a business, or a community group, FBB asks that you help support this energizing program by donating today. Every dollar helps FBB reach its goal” said Linda Eagan FBB Founder.

To support FBB make checks payable to:

CenterState Development Foundation, Inc.

Fulton Block Builders

115 W. Fayette Street

Syracuse, NY 13202

or donate on line at https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate

For more Fulton Block Builder information follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fultonblockbuilders/ or go the website at https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/

Melissa Calverase and Kimberly Allen, of Eastern Shore Insurance Agency are seen here after presenting a check to Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Founder, Linda Eagan.

Fulton Block Builder Pride Grant Brings Basketball Back to the Neighborhood

Neighbors on Baldwin and Ridge Streets remember when the sound of kids playing basketball filled the air. When the old hoop fell into disrepair and was removed, that energy faded.

In 2024, Kasey Coe brought neighbors together to apply for a Fulton Block Builders (FBB) Pride Grant to bring it back. With support from Fulton Parks & Rec, Fulton DPW, and volunteer Tommy Schiff, a new adjustable hoop and pad were installed.

Now, the laughter is back.

“It’s heartwarming to see kids playing here again—we’re very grateful,” said Coe.

FBB Director Tina Eusepi noted that Pride Grants continue to make a big impact across the city. In celebration of FBB’s 10th Anniversary, even bigger and better grants are available this year.

 Learn more: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/pride-grants

Brynlee and Revson enjoy their new basketball hoop, made possible by a 2024 Fulton Block Builder Pride Grant.

Fulton Savings Bank Pledges Corporate Support for Fulton Block Builders

As the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) program continues its Fundraising Campaign, businesses and individuals have again been showing their ongoing support. Recently, one of the city’s oldest financial institutions, Fulton Savings Bank, stepped up, for the 10th year in a row, to help assure FBB’s success.

In 1871, a group of civic leaders organized Fulton Savings Bank to receive deposits from tradesmen, clerks, mechanics, laborers, minors, servants and others. Since then, Fulton Savings Bank has been serving the greater Fulton community and continues to Build Trust for Generations.

Linda Eagan, FBB Founder, said “Fulton Savings Bank’s donation to FBB is another commitment to their philosophy. Since FBB’s start in 2017, we have seen this community come together in so many positive ways and the corporate support of Fulton Savings Bank is one of those ways. From the very beginning, the bank has supported FBB’s unique approach to community revitalization, which strives to generate neighborhood pride and help homeowners and property owners recover part of the cost of their exterior property investment”.

Once again, the Richard S Shineman Foundation is matching our fundraising 2-to-1. This year FBB will use this $10,000 donation to support the 10th Anniversary Pride Grants. A 10th Anniversary Pride Grant is a request for funds between $1,000 and $10,000 to enhance life in the city of Fulton. All projects should benefit the community, be visible, and must be maintained over time.

“Fulton Savings Bank is proud to be an ongoing Corporate Sponsor of this exciting initiative,” said Pamela Caraccioli, President & CEO. “Thanks to all of those involved with Fulton Block Builders for their continued work to revitalize our community.”

Tina Stephens, Vice President of Branch Administration and Laurie Smith, Vice President of Human Resources and Marketing for Fulton Savings Bank, present Fulton Block Builders, with a check for $10,000 for the organization’s 2026 Fundraising Campaign.

Pathfinder Bank Continues to Support Fulton Block Builders

Pathfinder Bank continues to make a difference in our community! Fulton Block Builders is grateful for the ongoing support from Pathfinder Bank and the Richard S. Shineman Foundation as we work toward our 2026 fundraising goal of $50,000.

“Every dollar helps us strengthen neighborhoods and build community pride,” said Founder Linda Eagan.

Join them in supporting this energizing program—donate today or learn more:

Follow them on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/fultonblockbuilders/ or go the website at https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/donate

James Dowd, Pathfinder Bank Fulton CEO, presents Fulton Block Builder Founder, Linda Eagan with a $10,000 donation.

Fulton Block Builders receive support from Fulton Sunrise Rotary

Fulton Block Builders (FBB) is proud to receive continued support from Fulton Sunrise Rotary. Patrick Waite shared, “I am honored to support the Fulton Block Builders program. The work this group has accomplished is outstanding. I believe the potential for year ten will exceed expectations once again. It is my understanding that FBB has supported over 1,700 properties and inspired more than $5 million in resident investment. That is a lot to be proud of! I encourage businesses and individuals to learn more and support this momentum.”

Fulton Sunrise Rotary has been a strong advocate for the City of Fulton and its growing grassroots efforts. “Sunrise Rotary has supported FBB every year since we began. I am so proud of this collaboration and their continued commitment,” said Linda Eagan, founder of Fulton Block Builders. Sunrise Rotary meets Fridays at 7:00AM at Mimi’s diner.

Patrick Waite of Fulton Sunrise Rotary presents Linda Eagan of Fulton Block Builders with a donation from Fulton Sunrise Rotary.

Fulton Block Builders + Fulton Garden Club = A Beautiful 2026

After last summer’s heat, one thing stood out—Fulton was blooming! 🌼

For 2026, Fulton Garden Club volunteers are stepping up again to keep flowerpots and gardens thriving all season long. With support from a Fulton Block Builders PRIDE Grant, they’re planning to make watering easier and more efficient with new equipment.

“Keeping Fulton beautiful makes the city a more pleasant place to be,” said Deb Patterson. John Iorio added, “Research shows that beautification with flowers and plants creates greater pride in the community.”

Want to get involved? Visit the Fulton Garden Club on Facebook and join the effort!

Plus—Fulton Block Builders is celebrating its 10th Anniversary in 2026! PRIDE Grants are open all year.

John Iorio and Deb Patterson of the Fulton Garden Club recently met with Linda Eagan to plan for summer garden and flowerpot watering.