Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope.
Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada raising more than $200 million so far, funding over 1,000 research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) and Northwestern Mutual are working together to make an impact — investing in accelerating the search for a cure for childhood cancer while providing support to families facing the disease and survivors struggling with treatment late effects. During this 8 year partnership, nearly $18 million has been contributed by Northwestern Mutual funding over 270 research grants and 360,000 hours of research.
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Established nationally in 1904, and in 1964 in the Capital Region, Big Brothers Big Sisters is one of the oldest mentoring programs. BBBS has worked in the Capital Region for over 50 years, partnering with colleges and universities, school districts and the community at large to provide children facing adversity with strong, enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one mentoring relationships. Spring Street Financial Partners, Peter Mortka and Dan O’Connor are both proud members of the Board of Directors of BBBS of the Capital Region and are devoted to supporting its mission to help Capital Region children realize their potential and build their futures while strengthening the community in which we live and work.
In 2019, Partner, Peter Mortka was a Northwestern Mutual Community Service Award recipient for his support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and presented the organization with a $15,000 grant at their annual Bowl for Kid's Sake Fundraiser.
Folds of Honor
Since 2007, Folds of Honor has carried forth this singular, noble mission- to close the gap, providing educational support to spouses and children of America’s fallen and disabled service members. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to the families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States armed forces. Their educational scholarships support private educational tuition and tutoring for children in grades K-12, as well as higher education tuition assistance for spouses and dependents.
Founded in 2007 by Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney, a PGA Professional and F-16 fighter pilot in the Air Force Reserves who served three tours of duty in Iraq, Folds of Honor is proud to have awarded approximately 24,500 scholarships in all 50 states and some US territories, including over 4,500 in 2019 alone. Since 2018, Spring Street Financial Partner, Ryan Hungershafer has served as a proud member of the Board of Directors of the New York Chapter of Folds of Honor. Ryan donates his time and talent to ensure that the FOH mission and scholarships have been brought to the families of our country’s military men and women to the Capital Region.
Albany Medical Center
Albany Medical Center is northeastern New York’s only academic health sciences center and incorporates the Albany Medical Center Hospital which offers the widest range of medical and surgical services in the region and Albany Medical College which trains the next generation of doctors, scientists and healthcare professionals.
The Massy Family Children’s Emergency Center is the only pediatric emergency department in northeastern New York and western New England. The facility provides emergency care exclusively to children and teenagers to age 18.
The Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders is the only childhood cancer center in the region, offering highly specialized pediatric cancer care and a lifeline to more than 1,400 families a year. In addition to cancer, the Center cares for children with sickle cell disease, hemophilia and other blood disorders.
SIENA
Spring Street Financial Partners Peter Mortka, Ryan Hungershafer and Dan O’Connor are all proud alumni of Siena College, located on Spring Street Road in Loudonville, NY. Their love of their alma mater was the inspiration behind the formation and naming of the Spring Street Financial Team.
The Spring Street Financial Team remain active with the college both financially and with their time. Peter Mortka is a past member of the Siena Board of Advisors and SSF Lead Advisor and fellow Alumni, Eric Hungershafer currently serves as a member of the Board of Advisors and a founding member of the School of Business Advisory Council. Eric also volunteers for the School of Business Mentoring Program and is Chairman of the Siena Mens Lacrosse Fundraising Committee.
Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar
Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar (CRSAS) inspires and empowers promising, underserved students to succeed in high school, college and life. The CRSAS vision is that all high school students will have access to the services and networks of support they need to succeed in college and pursue the future of their dreams.
Capital Region Sponsor-A-Scholar was founded in 1996 as a response to concerns about opportunities for local young people to develop the skills and experience to meet the growing need for an educated workforce in the region. Over the years, CRSAS has developed key partnerships with local organizations and businesses to develop programs and opportunities that enhance the lives of our students and strengthen our community. Spring Street Financial Team Lead Advisor, Eric Hungershafer is proud to serve on the mentor council as a mentor for the organization while helping to connect students in our business community.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society’s Real Men Wear Pink (RMWP) Campaign gives men a leadership role in the fight against breast cancer. Community leaders around the nation use the power of pink to raise awareness and money for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer initiatives, including innovative research, patient services, and education around screenings and risk reduction. Spring Street Financial Partner- Peter Mortka has participated in this campaign since 2019- personally raising more than $35,000. 2021 was the Capital Region RMWP Campaign’s best year yet raising the more money than any other campaign in the United States for the 2nd year in a row!!