Elmcrest Children’s Center Presents:
The Child @ Heart Awards
Join us in celebrating the remarkable dedication and generosity of this year’s Child @ Heart honorees:
These extraordinary individuals and organizations have profoundly impacted the lives of children and families in our community. Through their unwavering support and philanthropic efforts, they have uplifted countless individuals, embodying the spirit of compassion and commitment that Elmcrest stands for.
This evening will feature delicious food, live music, and a silent auction with 8 exclusive luxury getaways (click here for details).
Date: Thursday, October 3, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Marriott Syracuse Downtown, 100 E Onondaga St, Syracuse, NY 13202
Sponsorship and Ad Opportunities
Make a meaningful impact on children in need by becoming a sponsor or by placing an ad. Your contribution helps provide essential services for children facing emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. Click here to learn more.
The Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation
Jim and Juli Boeheim have become one of the most formidable fundraising teams in Central New York. Jim, the Hall of Fame college basketball coach and Juli, his wife of 26 years, have devoted their efforts to giving back to the community they call home. They are long-standing champions in the fight against cancer and the quest to improve the lives of children in need.
The Boeheims started the Jim and Juli Boeheim Foundation in 2010. Among the Boeheim Foundation initiatives have been the “Basket Ball,” an annual black-tie event; Courts 4 Kids, which funded the refurbishment and built basketball courts in the area; The Hoops For Hope Dinner benefitting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Syracuse; and, the Ms. Orange Fan Luncheon which raised funds for the Make A Wish Foundation. The Boeheims are founding donors of the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital and created Kelly’s Comfort Zone in the hospital in recognition of Jim’s former administrative assistant, Kelly Seubert, who passed away in 2017.
The Boeheim foundation has granted more than $8.7 million to more than 300 organizations since its inception.
Jim Boeheim received his undergraduate degree in social science from Syracuse University, where he was also a key member of the men’s basketball team. After serving as an assistant coach at his alma mater, Boeheim was named head coach in 1976. He spent 47 years at the helm and retired in 2023 with the second-most coaching triumphs in Division I history. He guided the Orange into 35 NCAA Tournaments, including five Final Fours and the 2003 NCAA Championship. Boeheim was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2005.
A graduate of Bradshaw High School in Florence, Al., Juli went on to receive her undergraduate degree from the University of Kentucky in merchandising, apparel, and textiles with an emphasis in. After moving to Syracuse, she earned a master’s degree from Syracuse University in child and family studies with a focus on infant and young children with disabilities.
Juli has served on several organizational boards in the community.
Jim and Juli are parents of Jimmy, and twins Jack and Jamie. Jim also has a daughter, Elizabeth.
Jodi Bobbett, Prudential
Jodi Bobbett is a newer member of the Elmcrest Board, joining in June 2022. However, she was introduced to Elmcrest and the impactful work over a decade ago by her husband’s grandfather and mentor, Gary Bobbett. Gary has been an avid advocate for Elmcrest for 33 years, recruiting numerous board members and starting the Kimber’s Golf Invitational, which has brought in more than 1 million dollars of support over 33 years. Jodi and the Bobbett family hope to continue Gary’s legacy of support for Elmcrest.
In her professional life, Jodi is a Regional Vice President with Prudential Retirement Solutions and a serial entrepreneur. Jodi and her husband Tim have multiple ventures, including a landscaping and plowing operation, a pizzeria, and an equine training and boarding facility. They are members of St. James Church in Cazenovia.
When they’re not pursuing new opportunities, Tim and Jodi enjoy spending time outdoors with their four children. Colton, 7, is an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, following in his dad’s footsteps. Madison, 4, was running the household by the time she was 2. Rylie and Rosalie, their 4-month-old twins, are just coming into their own.
Jodi is a graduate of Northwood School, Lake Placid, Ny. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Economics from Hamilton College and continued on for her MBA at the University of Rochester, Simon School. She remains a dedicated learner in her professional role, obtaining her CFP certification and constantly seeking new educational opportunities.
Jodi and Tim are grateful to be part of the Elmcrest community and for the staff and board members who continue to make a difference in the lives of children.
Brett VanAntwerp, Prudential
Brett VanAntwerp is a highly accomplished and respected individual within the financial services industry. As the Managing Director of The Empire State Financial Group, in collaboration with Prudential, Brett oversees the firm’s operations across Upstate NY, ensuring exceptional service and strategic guidance for clients. His leadership and expertise have earned him numerous accolades and recognition, including President Citations from Prudential, as well as qualifications for prestigious conferences recognizing the nation’s top Financial Advisors and Firm Leadership.
Beyond his professional achievements, Brett is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the community. He actively supports the Upstate Elite Soccer Academy, a youth soccer club that provides opportunities for young children from diverse backgrounds to grow both personally and athletically. This invaluable program, under the guidance of renowned soccer player Gale Agbossoumonde, empowers these aspiring athletes to develop their skills and reach their full potential.
In his leisure time, Brett enjoys pursuing various recreational activities. He finds great pleasure in golfing, skiing, and playing basketball, embracing the physical and mental challenges that these sports offer. These activities not only provide a source of relaxation and enjoyment but also serve as outlets for personal growth and self-expression. Above all, Brett values his family deeply. He is happily married to his beloved wife, Tara, and together, they have been blessed with three wonderful sons named Collin, Jace, and Juan. Their loving and supportive bond strengthens them as they navigate the various facets of life, bringing joy and fulfillment to their shared journey.
Mary Anne Winfield, Winfield Ink.
Mary Anne Winfield is President and CEO of Winfield Ink., a marketing and public relations firm she launched in 1984. She has been a member of the Elmcrest board for more than two decades. and managed the agency’s Marketing Communications for 23 years. She is known to all at Elmcrest as M.A.
From 1977 to 1982, Mary Anne served as founding Publisher and Editor of The Syracuse Magazine, a monthly city magazine of business profiles, entertainment, and new developments in the Central New York Community. After her sale of the magazine, she became the first Director of Publications for the Greater Syracuse Chamber of Commerce. She also served as founding President of Axxess Communications, a Syracuse-based advertising firm. In 2006, she received the “Women in Business Award.”
Mary Anne has served on several boards in the Greater Syracuse area, United Way of CNY and United Way of New York State, St. Camillus Foundation, U.S. Small Business Administration, Loretto Foundation, Bishop Grimes Advisory, Onondaga Citizen’s League, and currently is on the Elmcrest Advisory Board. She has been a creative force in helping to launch many important community initiatives and special events, such as the tribute to County Executive John Mulroy, the United Way Centennial, Everson Festival of Trees, Loretto 75th anniversary, 25th anniversary of Thursday Morning Roundtable, 15th Anniversary of Transitional Living Services, Six Sigma Award for Nixon Gear, opening of headquarters for Blasland Bouck Company. She planned and implemented all groundbreaking ceremonies and dedications of alternate energy projects for Hydra-Co, a subsidiary of Niagara Mohawk.
As part of the Chamber’s Greater Syracuse program, she produced award winning publications for their newsletter and tourism. She created successful marketing plans and collateral materials for major businesses in CNY including initial communications materials to build the new Ronald McDonald House. Developing the materials to introduce Elmcrest’s Children’s Mental Health Respite Center, Mary Anne considers among the most rewarding projects of her Elmcrest years. Mary Anne received her education at Nazareth College, University of Michigan, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies and Theology from Le Moyne College. She is married to Donald Winfield, and the couple has three daughters and five grandchildren.
