Helpers Fund founder chosen as North Warren Chamber VIP

The Adirondack Journal

May 6, 2006
By Nancy O'Brien

CHESTERTOWN - No organization is perfect.

That was Carl Lamm's humorous reaction upon learning that the North Warren Chamber of Commerce had chosen him as this year's VIP. Lamm, who founded the Helpers Fund, was actually humbled by the news.

Carl Lamm sits with board members Edna Wells, right,
and Ron Walker, center, discussing the Dinner For Two Raffle
results last July to raise money for the Helpers Fund.

Carl Lamm was chosen because several people had sent letters to the chamber nominating him in previous years as well as this year, according to chamber member Joyce Houck. “He is relatively new to our area and yet has made a big impact on improving the lives of the people who live here,” she said. “The Helpers Fund raises funds through various events and solicitation letters to help people in our community that sometimes fall between the cracks.”

Lamm said he began the Helpers Fund on his native Long Island in 1987 to help people in extreme circumstances. A summer resident since 1962, Lamm moved to Chestertown in 1995 and knowing that a need existed here as well, he began another Helpers Fund, independent of the one he started on Long Island.

“Income is not the main factor, although if we have more requests for help than we can address, that would be the deciding factor,” he said. “Maybe someone has an emergency and no more sick days, or they can't afford the medical costs. That's where we step in.”

The Helpers Fund relies solely on donations and holds several fundraisers throughout the year. Lamm started the five and 10 kilometer races as a fundraiser for the fund during the Adirondack Marathon weekend, which has become hugely popular.

“We had someone local who had a 70th birthday party, and instead of birthday gifts, he asked that people donate to the Helpers Fund,” Lamm said. The fund raffled off a quilt this year to raise money and also relies on the generosity of local people.

The Helpers Fund began with a golf tournament at Green Mansions in 1997 and slowly caught on, he said. They helped eight people that first year, and now, including the annual holiday drive, they help about 300 per year.

“It's all word of mouth,” he said. “And with charity, it's very tricky. People have to verify their income and about a third are too embarrassed so we call them and assure them that everything we do is completely confidential.”

Last year, the fund began a new program with the help of Doris Hensler at the Chestertown General Store. They are holding free holiday dinners and send notices out to those in need, but everyone is invited.

Lamm [was] honored at a dinner at the Green Mansions Golf Club on Friday, May 12.

From The Adirondack Journal, Warrensburg, NY; May 6, 2006
Denton Publications, Inc.

The Helpers Fund is a 501(c)3 charity which has been serving the geographical area of the Tri-Lakes region since 1997.

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