First Recipient of Community Foundation’s Ann Renzi Haynes Award Named

WATERTOWN — An Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence team member has been named the first recipient of the  Northern New York Community Foundation Ann Renzi Haynes Award. 

 Allyson Robinson, a General Brown High School graduate who is employed at the Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence  through its supportive employment program, was recently honored for the integral role she plays in helping the  team fulfill its Impacto contracts at its Bradley Street facility. 

 Allyson’s team describes her as a joy to work with every day, someone who approaches each task with a  smile, a positive attitude, and a deep sense of pride in her work. Her supervisors consistently praise her strong  work ethic, team spirit, and her ability to uplift those around her. 

 “Allyson’s journey is a testament to resilience, positivity, and personal growth. She embodies the very spirit  of this award — a spirit of kindness, determination, and joy,” Arc Jefferson-St. Lawrence Chief Executive Officer  Lynn Pietroski said. “We are honored to recognize her achievements and celebrate the bright light she brings to  those around her.” 

 Given by Dr. Eugene and Joyce Renzi and family, the Ann Renzi Haynes Award was established at the  Community Foundation in 2023 in Ann’s memory to honor her life and perpetuate her legacy of kindness and  positivity. Ann passed away in July 2023 at the age of 61. 

 Ann was a loving mother who cherished her family and brought joy to the world around her. She was a leader in her profession whose grace and kind demeanor earned the respect and admiration of others. Ann  worked for Teachers Insurance, now TIAA, before retiring to care for her daughter who lived with a seizure  condition. She lived most of her life in Rye, N.Y., where she was active in her community.  “The Community Foundation is very thankful, together with the Renzi family, to be part of this enduring tribute and remembrance to Ann,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “It was  clear to everyone at the presentation that Allyson is the perfect choice to be the first recipient, and that this award  is a fitting way to honor Ann’s life.” 

 The award is presented annually to support Jefferson County residents with developmental disabilities and  special needs and their families with assistance to enhance their quality of life. 

 Recipients will demonstrate a spirit of positivity, kindness, determination, perseverance and need. The award  embodies respect for people, their abilities, and dreams. Through their example, it is hoped that it will provide  inspiration and remind others to appreciate how precious life is and to always look for opportunities to make  others better people with joy and gratitude. 

 

About the Northern New York Community Foundation 

 Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching  the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.  Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families  and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and  collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable  objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy  while inspiring others. 

 The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors  and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New  York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen  the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.