Our North Star is more than a symbol, it’s our story. And it’s one we write together, all year long.
Each year, the Norwich Parade of Lights marks the unofficial start of the holiday season, a time of togetherness, hope, and community spirit. This year’s NYCM theme, “Once Upon a North Star,” invited us to imagine a story where kindness lights the sky and courage guides our path forward.
Guided by our North Star values, Team NYCM spent 2025 making a meaningful difference across the communities we call home. From supporting local families and schools to championing causes close to our hearts, our employees showed what it looks like when purpose becomes action.
As we celebrate the holiday season, we’re proud to share a few of the many ways our team has carried that North Star spirit throughout the year.
Lighting the Way for Students
“Behind every notebook, pencil, and backpack is a child ready to learn.”
This year, our Culture Ambassador Program (C.A.P.) set out to collect 2,025 school-supply items, and thanks to the generosity of our employees, we surpassed that goal with 2,284 items donated.
Our C.A.P. volunteers sorted, boxed, and delivered these supplies to classrooms in Brookfield, Canajoharie, Cheektowaga, Edmeston, Morris, Mt. Markham, and Sherburne, NY.
Supporting Student-Athletes on and Off the Field
For the past four years, NYCM has proudly partnered with the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA), an organization dedicated to creating safe and equitable athletic opportunities for students across the state. Together, we’ve championed youth development through sports by supporting everything from Boys Lacrosse and Wrestling to Girls Basketball and Soccer.
This year marked an exciting milestone in our partnership: the launch of the very first NYCM–NYSPHSAA scholarships. In 2025, NYCM awarded two scholarships to graduating student-athletes, extending our impact from the field to the future. These scholarships not only celebrate athletic achievement but also help ease the path toward higher education—aligning perfectly with our shared commitment to investing in tomorrow’s leaders.“We found a great partnership with our friends at NYSPHSAA,” NYCM Event Coordinator Logan Thompson said. “Both of our mission statements align in supporting communities across New York State and making for a bigger and brighter tomorrow.”
Stepping Up for Health and Community
United Way Day of Action
Our employees came together to gather 1,664 hygiene items for the United Way of Mid-Rural New York, surpassing our goal of 1,500. On the 2025 Day of Action, these donations helped local families meet essential needs with dignity.
A Second Life for Loved Items
This summer, proceeds from our employee rummage sale were donated to The Arc Otsego ReUse Center, supporting sustainable practices and helping items find new homes. It’s a simple act, but one that demonstrates the value of caring for both our community and our environment, another small but meaningful spark in our “Once Upon a North Star” story.
Active Hearts and Minds
In March, we proudly continued our long-standing partnership with America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk in Utica, marking 33 years of supporting life-saving heart-health programs. During the Walk, NYCM Insurance Brand Management Division Manager Kelly Pylinski pledged to run one mile for every five NYCM employees who participated, ultimately completing eight miles alongside American Heart Association Executive Director – Central New York Heather Evans.
NYCM was honored to once again serve as Presenting Sponsor of the local Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern NY’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Cooperstown. During the month of October, NYCM employees were also given the opportunity to purchase purple apparel, with all proceeds donated back to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Team NYCM traded its signature orange for pink in celebration of Wear Pink Day 2025 and in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October. Our sponsorship of the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Utica, as well as donated proceeds from pink apparel sold in our NYCM store, deepened our commitment to a healthier world.
Celebrating Uniqueness, Fostering Growth
This year, NYCM Insurance was excited to provide sensory equipment to enhance the experience for participants at Achieve’s “Envisions” day habilitation facility in Norwich. NYCM has proudly supported Achieve for nearly a decade, including the sponsorship of a recreation room in the Envisions facility.
Team NYCM proudly supported Pathfinder Village’s 12th Annual Splash Path 5K & Fun Walk, raising funds for fresh produce delivery and meaningful work opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. On March 21, we “rocked our socks” and joined Pathfinder Village for a lively celebration of the 21st chromosome, raising funds and celebrating inclusion.
Why These Stories Matter
The stories mentioned above are a just a glance behind the care that team NYCM brings to life. Many of NYCM’s charitable initiatives are volunteer driven, providing Team NYCM members opportunities to support the causes closest to their hearts. Last year, at the individual level, employees logged nearly 950 service hours. Their commitment to the community was bolstered by almost $6,000 in payroll contributions.
These events, sponsorships, and everyday actions represent the courage, compassion, and joy that define both NYCM’s North Star values and the magic of the holiday season.
The Norwich Parade of Lights reminded us that every bright display begins with a single spark. Throughout 2025, our employees created thousands of those sparks through generosity, advocacy, volunteerism, and heartfelt connection.
To learn more about NYCM’s award-winning culture and career opportunities, read more below.
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