For Vincent Lobdell Jr. and his family, philanthropy is a deeply personal commitment to making a positive difference in the world.
“It’s about using our resources, time and influence to support causes that resonate with our core values and beliefs,” Lobdell said, adding that through the family’s philanthropic endeavors, he hopes to inspire others to join in “creating a world where compassion leads to action and action leads to change.”
In November 2022 Lobdell received a lot of media attention for announcing his family’s gift of a $1 million donation to be put toward The Lakeview Center for Mental Health & Wellness in Oswego.
However, he has done more than that.
In 2020, the pandemic wiped out the last three months of school — proms and graduation.
Lobdell, a Pulaski Academy and Central School graduate, presented a graduation gift of $250 to each member of the PACS 2020 senior class.
He said he just wanted to back to the seniors who haven’t had much to smile about that year.
The family is also supporters of many areas of need and other pressing issues in the community. They are committed to using their resources “to make a meaningful difference and inspire others to do the same,” Lobdell said.
Some of their current and past partners include:
• The V Foundation (Victory over Cancer)
• Syracuse University — the Jim and Julie Boeheim Foundation
• The Carrier Park “Field of Dreams,” a fully handicap accessible sports complex facility in DeWitt.
• JDRF — Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation
“I’ve always been driven by a sense of responsibility to my hometown and the wider community. That’s why I continue to invest in initiatives that uplift those around me,”Lobdell said.
In addition to his philanthropic efforts, Lobdell has been busy investing in a variety of businesses — about 30, according to him.
An example is Adam Weitsman’s Hidden Fish restaurant in Skaneateles. Weitsman partnered with Jeff Knauss, Vinny Lobdell and Vinny’s son, Noah. They opened the restaurant in March.
