The 2024 Tops Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held to beautiful mid-March weather on the streets of downtown Rochester last weekend—and Hillside’s green banner was proudly displayed, as agency leaders were invited to march in this year’s annual event!
Each year, the Parade selects honorees in a number of categories befitting the organization’s commitment to the greater Rochester community. Hillside was named the parade’s Community Organization for 2024, and the agency was honored during pre-parade events and with an invitation to join in the festivities by marching.
“For all its good work serving others in our community, we are proud to name Hillside as the Community Organization of the Year for the 2024 Tops St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” said Kate McBride, of the parade organization’s Board of Directors.
Hillside’s honor was inspired by a nomination from Chris Shalvoy, whose connection with the parade dates back more than 20 years, including serving in a variety of volunteer roles. He remains involved in parade functions in his capacity as Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Rochester chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish Catholic fraternal organization.
Shalvoy also has first-hand experience with Hillside: the agency coordinated his adoption when he was an infant in 1959, and he’s recently been working with Hillside to find records related to his adoption.
“When you think about the incredibly broad amount of programs and differences in age groups that the organization serves, the numbers that Hillside have directly helped and touched over the years are staggering,” Shalvoy said. “It’s an incredibly influential organization, and its work deserves support.”
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