United Way of Northern New York’s ‘Cow Kissing for
ALICE’ Fundraiser Returning to Lewis County Fair
Published: July 05, 2025 at
11:00 a.m.
By: Press Release from United Way of Northern NY

Cow Kissing for ALICE Returning to Lewis County Fair
Event raising money to support under-resourced
working families in the area

LOWVILLE — United Way of
Northern New York is udderly excited
to announce the return of Cow Kissing for ALICE to the Lewis County
Fair, presented by O’Brien Family Dairy and North Star Health Alliance,
with support from AmeriCU.
After raising
over $10,000 at last year’s inaugural event, United Way hopes to top that
success in support of local families. Once again, local personalities will
compete for the honor of kissing a prize-winning cow at the Fair, with
community members casting votes through donations. Voting is now underway
online and will continue until 4 PM on July 19 when the top fundraiser will
pucker up and make good on their promise at the Fairgrounds.
All proceeds will
support under-resourced working families in Lewis County, known as ALICE
(Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed).
These are households earning above the federal poverty level but still
struggling to meet basic needs. ALICE represents hard-working members of
the community dealing with the pressures of economic instability that can
often jeopardize their ability to maintain employment, particularly when a
hardship or unplanned expense arises. United Way partners with local
organizations to connect ALICE families with resources to overcome
barriers, build financial stability, and strengthen workforce readiness.
“This fun and
lighthearted event has a serious purpose — helping ALICE families in Lewis
County build stability,” said Dawn Cole, United Way President and
CEO, who was part of the inaugural cow kissing roster. “Every dollar raised
helps our neighbors access the resources they need to thrive.”
This year’s
contenders include Dan O’Brien (O’Brien Family Dairy), Brittany
Davis (Naturally Lewis), Peter Ostrum (Countryside Veterinary
Clinic, formerly of Willy Wonka fame), Mel Busler (7 News),
and Jeremiah Papineau (Volunteer Transportation Center).
United Way will
host a table at the Fair July 15-19 where fairgoers will also be
able to vote in person for their chosen kisser(s). To vote or learn more
about this moo-velous event, visit: https://givebutter.com/KISS2025 or
call (315) 788-5631.
About United Way
of Northern New York, Inc.
United Way of
Northern New York is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting
communities, resources and partners to collaboratively address local needs,
foster impactful programming, and enhance quality of life across the North
Country. Our offices are located at 167 Polk St., Suite 300, Watertown, NY
13601. For general inquiries, call (315) 788-5631 or email info@unitedway-nny.org
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