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Cow Kissing for ALICE Fundraiser Returns to the Lewis
County Fair to Support Working Families; Vote for Candidates Now Through July
24th Event
Published: July 05, 2026 at
09:15 a.m.
By: Press Release from United Way of Northern New
York
Cow Kissing for ALICE Returns to the Lewis County
Fair to Support Working Families
Community leaders compete for votes to benefit United
Way's ALICE Program
 LOWVILLE, NY – The race is on!
Six well-known members of the Lewis County community are campaigning for
votes, not for elected office, but for the chance to kiss a cow.
United Way of
Northern New York's annual Cow Kissing for ALICE initiative returns to the
Lewis County Fair, combining lighthearted fun with a serious mission:
helping local working families facing financial hardship.
The winning
candidate will pucker up to a cow during a special ceremony at the Lewis
County Fair on Friday, July 24. Every
dollar donated equals one vote, and every vote supports United Way's
ALICE Program, which helps hardworking individuals and
families who are employed but struggling to afford basic necessities such
as housing, childcare, transportation, utilities, and food.
“Behind the
smiles and laughter is a very real purpose,” said Dawn Cole, President
& CEO of United Way of Northern New York. “Many families in Lewis
County are working hard every day but continue to face impossible financial
decisions. Cow Kissing for ALICE gives our community a fun way to come
together while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our
neighbors.”
This year's
candidates are:
- Mike Jackson, General Manager, Viking Cives
- Lee Hinkelman, creator of Eating in
Upstate New York and Beyond
- Tony “Long Toes” Levesque, radio personality
- Rachel Lisk, Lewis County Fair Manager
- Tonya O'Brien, O'Brien Family Dairy
- Tom Spaulding, State Farm Insurance Agent
Community members can support their favorite candidate by making an online
donation. Every dollar counts as one vote, and participants are encouraged
to vote as often as they like through the close of voting prior to the July
24 ceremony.
Funds raised will
remain in Lewis County to support United Way's ALICE Program, which
provides resource navigation, financial coaching, and short-term emergency
assistance to help families overcome unexpected barriers and maintain
stability.
During the past
year, proceeds from the 2025 Cow Kissing Contest helped 34 Lewis County
families, representing 78 neighbors, including 42 children and four seniors,
overcome unexpected financial challenges by providing
assistance with transportation, housing, childcare, utilities, and
other essential needs.
United Way of
Northern New York extends its heartfelt thanks to the people of Lewis
County for once again embracing Cow Kissing for ALICE with the generosity,
enthusiasm, and community spirit that make this event so special. The
organization is also grateful for the support of presenting sponsor O'Brien
Family Dairy and supporting sponsors: AmeriCU,
Countryside Veterinary Clinic, Tom Spaulding State Farm, Linking
Lewis County, and the Lewis County Fair. Their partnership helps
turn a fun community tradition into meaningful support for local families.
To learn more,
meet the candidates, or cast a vote, visit: https://givebutter.com/kiss2026
About United Way
of Northern New York
United Way of Northern New York works to improve lives and
strengthen communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties
by addressing critical needs related to financial stability, food
insecurity, youth opportunity, health, and community resilience. Each year,
UWNNY impacts more than 35,000 North Country residents through
partnerships, direct programming, and community initiatives.
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