Race for Equity Raises More Than $27K to Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Posted On
August 22, 2023

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Certificates presented to Race For Equity drivers are displayed on a table.

CenterState CEO recently hosted the second annual Race for Equity event at the Pineview Run racetrack, in Lafayette, New York. Leading up to the event, seven local “celebrity” drivers raised funds through the CenterState CEO Foundation. Collectively, the event raised more than $27,000 to expand access to the DEI initiatives, led by CenterState CEO’s Racial Equity & Social Impact (RESI) team.

Additionally, this event highlighted the community’s deep commitment to fostering equity and inclusion and building a more welcoming and prosperous region for all.

“Our Syracuse and CNY community is growing in such beautiful ways. We have people from all over the world with vast histories, cultures and differences. Through the work that we’re doing everyday with my amazing colleagues at CenterState CEO, and with our community partners and business leaders, we are thinking about how we can help this community to continue to grow in a way that provides opportunity, access and possibilities to all residents, all members of society,” said Dr. Juhanna Rogers, CenterState CEO senior vice president of RESI.

Funds from last year’s Race for Equity supported an Equity Day for Nonprofits  earlier in 2023 and will also support a follow-up gathering for Equity Day participants. This event, hosted by CenterState CEO’s RESI team, engaged nonprofit leaders in a day focused on incorporating inclusion, equity and leadership strategies in community organizations.

While this year’s Race for Equity is complete, there is still time to give. It’s not too late to show your support for this year’s drivers and their efforts to raise funds for this initiative.

Thank you to all those who have already made a donation to support equity work in the Central New York community!

Congratulations to the event’s standout drivers:
  • Most money raised – Susan Crossett, CPS Recruitment
  • Fastest driver – William M.X. Wolfe, Esq., Harris Beach PLLC
  • Safest driver – Franklin Fry, Redhouse Arts Center

 

Thank you to all the drivers who participated in the 2023 Race for Equity!

Ben Sio, CenterState CEO

Franklin Fry, Redhouse Arts Center

Maarten Jacobs, Allyn Family Foundation

Meg Tidd, VIP Structures

Simeon Etta, Above the Rest Consulting, LLC

Susan Crossett, CPS Recruitment

William M.X. Wolfe, Esq., Harris Beach PLLC

 

Thank you to all of our event sponsors!

Pit Crew Sponsors

    Visions Federal Credit Union
    Excellus BlueCross BlueShield

Checkered Flag Sponsors

    Burdick BMW
    Haylor, Freyer & Coon, Inc.
    OneGroup
    Wegmans Food Markets, Inc.

Winners Circle Sponsor

    Black River Systems

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Spectators watch drivers at the 2023 Race For Equity.
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All seven drivers that participated in the 2023 Race For Equity pose for a picture.
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One of the cars used for the 2023 Race For Equity.
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Attendees listen to opening remarks from Dr. Juhana Rogers at the 2023 Race for Equity,

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