Sponsors and BPU employees gathered on the Riverwalk near the utility to celebrate a record-setting result for the 25th annual “Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign to provide local meals.

The Jamestown Board of Public Utilities Cents for St. Susan’s drive broke records this year.

On Tuesday, organizers invited major sponsors of the 25th annual drive to the utility to reveal that a record amount of $35,401.37 was raised to help the St. Susan Center soup kitchen.

This year’s gift total of $35,401.37 compares to $32,508 in 2024. The announcement means that the BPU’s 25 yearly campaigns have collected $395,520.91 in donations for St. Susan Center since 2000.

“Our annual “Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign is meaningful to us here at the BPU,” said David L. Leathers, BPU general manager. “This drive is one way in which we can help our community outside of our daily utility work. We thank the major donors to this campaign and all community members who contributed to help the BPU assist St. Susan Center.”

Major donors to the 2024 campaign include: Judy & Steve McAllaster, Chautauqua Chemicals Company, Robinson Law Office, PLLC, Asplundh, Boyles Motor Sales, Century 21/Turner Brokers, Dan & Connie Evans, Falconer Printing & Design, Inc., Kwik Fill, The Legend Group with Lou Deppas, National Fuel, Northwest, Robbins and Johnson Attorneys, R-Patti Excavating and Concrete, Shults Auto Group, Slone-Melhuish Insurance, Store-n-Lock Self Storage, Weinberg Financial Group and Wright, Calimeri, PLLC Attorneys. The Media One Radio Group and The Post-Journal contributed extensive publicity as media sponsors.

According to BPU Communications Coordinator Becky Robbins, who organizes the campaign, in addition to sponsorship gifts and mail-in or online gifts, $1,996.17 was contributed in the yellow coin canisters placed around the community. Residents also donated $300.35 in redeemable cans and bottles.

The hot dog sale, staffed by employee volunteers outside the BPU Customer Service Office during lunch hours, set a record profit of $1,313.85 this year.

“We can’t thank everyone enough for joining with the BPU in raising funds for the soup kitchen,” Robbins said. “Whether it was a financial gift by mail or online, a coin dropped in a canister, donated redeemable containers or a hot dog sale customer, we all joined to support St. Susan Center. Each gift counts.”

“The greater Jamestown community is comprised of people who care about others, especially about those individuals who struggle,” noted Leathers. “We are grateful to community members who supported our 25th annual drive and to all the businesses locally who permitted the drive to place coin canisters on their counters. We truly appreciate such help.”

“The support of the BPU Cents for St. Susan’s is beyond extraordinary!” stated St. Susan Center Executive Director Cherie Rowland. “Your dedication is not lost on the St. Susan’s Board, staff, and guests. We are so grateful. This has been a record-breaking 25th year for the BPU “Cents for St. Susan’s” campaign. The business sponsors and community donors who continuously support this event and our mission to feed the hungry and share tables every day, benefit 175 people, our guests, each day. Thank you all for your generosity.”