You're invited to Unity House's
You're invited to Unity House's
ANNUAL AWARD DINNER
ANNUAL AWARD DINNER
Monday, April 27, 2026
Hilton Garden Inn
74 State St., Auburn, NY 13021
Flow of Evening
- 5:30 p.m. - Cocktails and conversation, cash bar
- 6:15 p.m. - Buffet dinner
- 7:00 p.m.
- Opening remarks
- Guest speakers
- Coffee + dessert
- Award ceremony
- 8:30 p.m. - Conclusion
Tickets are $85 per person
RSVP by April 20, 2026:
- Online: Click here to register
- By phone: 315-253-6227 x358
- By email: nicole.hube@unityhouse.org
Guest Speakers
Terri and Bart Wasilenko
Co-founders of the Cayuga County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
"Hope Starts with You"
When their son began presenting with mental health issues as a teenager, the Wasilenkos were at a loss to find appropriate, helpful, local information and resources. In response, together they co-founded NAMI Cayuga County in 2002. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Bart and Terri are both NAMI New York State-certified facilitators and instructors, leading multiple family, friend and peer support groups across the region. Together, they'll speak about how various service providers in Cayuga County collaborate to bring hope and mental wellness to people in Central New York.
Co-founders of the Cayuga County Chapter of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
"Hope Starts with You"
When their son began presenting with mental health issues as a teenager, the Wasilenkos were at a loss to find appropriate, helpful, local information and resources. In response, together they co-founded NAMI Cayuga County in 2002. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Bart and Terri are both NAMI New York State-certified facilitators and instructors, leading multiple family, friend and peer support groups across the region.
Our 2026 Awardees
15th OPEN ARMS AWARDEE:
Julie Bennett of Aurora
Julie Bennett is a 12-Step recovery advocate and owner-operator of Town & Country Dog Grooming in Aurora and Ithaca. Drawing from her lived experience, Julie offers guidance grounded in empathy and authenticity, helping the residents of Grace House rebuild their lives after substance use disorder. Her approach emphasizes personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and reaching out for support rather than struggling alone. Julie was nominated by Grace House director Dorothy Radcliff. She also volunteers with the Cayuga County Youth Organization basketball league.
Julie currently sponsors seven women in recovery in the Auburn area. She provides transportation to A.A. meetings and appointments, remains available to those in crisis, and encourages women to grow in confidence through camaraderie and community involvement. Beyond meetings, Julie invites participants to community events, hosts Sunday morning gatherings for women in recovery, and engages with family members of participants to help navigate difficult conversations.
16th FRED ATKINS COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARDEE:
Melody Smith Johnson of Auburn
Social justice activist Melody Smith Johnson was nominated by local businesswoman Gwen Webber-McLeod for her work in expanding access to opportunity, dignity and leadership, especially for Black and Brown girls and women.
The first African American woman to win the Atkins Community Service award, Melody is dedicated to advocating for and uplifting women and girls and people of color in our community. She devotes hundreds of hours each year volunteering for such organizations as the Auburn Public Theater, Harriet Tubman Center for Justice & Peace, Upstate Minority Economic Alliance, Women in the NAACP (WIN), Cayuga County Chamber of Commerce, Support our Girls Periodt, and My Hands Warm Your Heart.
Melody is the owner of Melody’s Co-Working and Event Space in Auburn, which provides an intimate location for emerging and established women leaders to gather. She is also the president of MSJ HR Consulting, and owner and lead designer at Divine Coverings, Inc.
$1,500 Gold Sponsors
$1,000 Dinner Sponsors
$500 Table Sponsors
