Diane Miller

Name: Diane Miller

From: Dryden, NY
Family: 4 older brothers; A wonderfull, loving husband of 11 years; and a beautiful 8-year old husky, named Buffy
Hobbies: Bowling, gardening, traveling, and just loving life
Volunteer Work: Charity Bowling Tournament and Bottle and Can Drive, with proceeds going to the Dream Factory of Central NY. Last year we gave the Dream Factory a little over $10,000.00 and took in almost 140,000 bottles and cans.
Quote to Live By: “Life is too short. Live life to your fullest today, you don’t know what will happen tomorrow.”
For several years the Dream Factory of Central NY has benefited thousands of dollars for sick children through the day to day dedication of Diane Miller. With only word of mouth advertising, Diane collects bottles and cans and returns them for cash to raise money throughout the year. She also organizes a fund raiser bowling tournament as a memorial to her father in November each year with the proceeds donated to the Dream Factory fund. Toward the end of each year she presents the Dream Factory with one lump sum which has continued to grow significantly year after year.

In 2010, she donated over $10,000 from her efforts - thats approx. 100,000 bottles and cans and a growing bowling tournament! Diane spends countless hours sorting, boxing and cashing in bottles and cans and has dedicated part of her lawn for a collecting area and 1/2 her garage for the sorting requirements.

With some help from her brother Tom, she continues to expand and raise more money each year, all while holding a full time work position and managing part time landscaping work. Her dedication, passion for the cause, daily efforts despite a heavy work schedule and positive attitude make her one outstanding person that I admire tremendously!

Nominated by Debbra Oltz

Bio:

I have lived in Dryden all my life. I am proud to have grown up on a small dairy farm. I was the 1977 Tompkins County Dairy Princess. I have worked at FingerLakes Electric Supply Co. for the last 26 years where I am the office manager/purchasing agent/ bookkeeper. I love to work in my flower gardens which led me to start a small landscaping business last year. My husband and I love to travel. We have been on several cruises and we have been several times with Chris Allinger and the Q-Country trips. We have met so many wonderful people which I am so proud to call my friends.

I have been bowling for about 34 years. I bowl twice a week in Cortland. My team goes almost yearly to the NYS Women’s Bowling Tournament, and we have been a few times to the National Tournament that was held in Reno, NV. This year Nationals will be in Syracuse, which we will also attend. In 2002, I was inducted into the Cortland Bowling Hall of Fame.