News
November 15, 2017American Red Cross Announces Honorary Chairs for Platinum Anniversary Fire + Ice Gala
The American Red Cross of Northeastern New York is pleased to announce that Paula Stopera, President and CEO of CAP COM Federal Credit Union, and Marcia White, President of Marcia White Consulting LLC, will serve as honorary co-chairs for the 20th Annual Platinum Anniversary Fire + Ice Gala.
“The Fire + Ice Gala is the Red Cross’ signature celebration in the Capital Region, and we are thrilled to be working with Paula Stopera and Marcia White as we plan our 20th annual event,” said Gary Striar, CEO of the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York.
Paula Stopera joined CAP COM Federal Credit Union in 1980 and was promoted through the organization to her current position of President/CEO in 2004. Paula also holds the position of Treasurer on the CAP COM FCU Board of Directors and serves on the Board of Managers of The CAP COM Group (subsidiaries of CAP COM Federal Credit Union).
With a passion for assisting those in need, by partnering with community organizations, Paula was instrumental in creating The CAP COM Cares Foundation whose purpose is to nurture our community by supporting community health and wellness, financial literacy and education, as well as children and underprivileged families. Since its inception in 2003, the CAP COM Cares Foundation has provided over $3.5 million dollars to organizations who are making a difference in the Capital Region.
Paula currently serves as a Board Member and Incoming Chair for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce. Paula was a recipient of the Chamber’s Women of Excellence Awards as well as the 2011 recipient of their Arthur Kapner Spirit Award. Paula is also a past recipient of The “Breaking the Glass Ceiling Award – Corporation” from Girls, Inc. as well as the Hudson Valley Community College Otto V. Guenther Career Achievement Award. Most recently she was awarded the YMCA’s President’s Award, as well as the Mary E. Brizzell Building a Senior Community Award. In addition, she was selected as Professional of the Year by The Credit Union Association of New York and began a term in October, 2017 to the Advisory Council to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Marcia J. White assumed the position of President and Executive Director of the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in March of 2005. With a strong leadership style developed during 20 years as a top-level political advisor and public relations strategist in the New York State Legislature, Ms. White ushered in a new era for SPAC characterized by a strengthened financial picture, historic capital improvements, a robust educational focus, and artistic excellence. She retired from SPAC at the end of 2016 and is now President of Marcia White Consulting LLC.
Ms. White has served on the Boards of several non-profit organizations within the Capital Region, including the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce. She was also a member of the Saratoga 150 Committee which led the planning and execution of the 150th Anniversary Celebration of Saratoga Race Course and is currently a member of the Saratoga Springs Commission on the Arts. She has served as a Trustee for the College of St. Rose since 2005.
Ms. White’s awards include the “Woman in the News Award,” from the Women’s Press Club of NYS; the Alumni Hall of Distinction from the Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities; the NYS Senate’s “Woman of Distinction;” the Albany-Colonie Chamber’s 2011 “Women of Excellence;” the Capital District Business Review’s 2013 “Women Who Mean Business” Award; and most recently, Saratoga Arts 2017 Community Arts Leadership Award.
“Paula and Marcia are both incredible women who’ve done a tremendous amount of good for our community,” added Striar. “We are honored to be able to celebrate them at our Fire + Ice Gala, and we are grateful for their support.”
The 20th Annual Platinum Anniversary Fire + Ice Gala will be held at Albany Capital Center on Saturday, February 3. Guests will enjoy gourmet cuisine, open bar and specialty drinks from Mazzone Catering, live music from the New York Players, spirited live and silent auctions, and the return of the Frank Adams Jewelers “Ice Bar”. NewsChannel 13 anchor Benita Zahn will serve as Master of Ceremonies for this black/red-tie affair. CAP COM Federal Credit Union is the Platinum event sponsor. 100% of proceeds from the Fire + Ice Gala support local Red Cross programs and services.
For more information, including ticket options and sponsorship opportunities, please visit redcross.org/NENYgala or contact Kaitlyn Van Dyke at (518) 458-8111, ext. 5108.
