Twice a year, Cornellians gather to do acts of service through Cornell Cares. The spirit of service unites Cornellians across the United States, from San Francisco to Boston, Dallas to Chicago, and Denver to Charlotte-and even crosses international borders with the Cornell Club of Singapore hosting a coastal cleanup in winter 2023.
The event began in the early 2000s when a few Cornell regional clubs partnered with the Public Service Center (now combined with the Office of Engagement Initiatives to form the David M. Einhorn Center for Community Engagement) to set aside a day in January for volunteer service. Cornell Cares ‘Day’ grew into a week, and ultimately into a biannual opportunity in January and July for Cornellians of all ages to work together and make a difference in their hometowns.
“Cornell Cares unites Cornellians around a common purpose-to do the greatest good,” says Michelle J. Vaeth ’98, associate vice president for alumni affairs. “Doing good is what inspired Ezra Cornell to found the university, and this same spirit motivates Cornellians to jump in and lend a hand. By showing up at Cornell Cares, we connect with one another and with community members to contribute to the places where we live and work.”
The Cornell Cares summer edition launched last year to take advantage of warm weather and summer breaks to welcome more Big Red alumni, current students, and families to take part in volunteer activities.
This summer’s activities ranged from park cleanups in Pittsburgh, to painting a youth center in Denver, to helping out local food banks in Chicago. Cornell regional clubs across the country organized 21 projects in January 2023 and 17 more in July, engaging about 500 people in acts of service. Many alumni enjoy bringing their entire family-with grandparents, parents, and young kids working alongside community partners.
