Building More Than a Venue
At The Hillcrest Estate, we believe business should create meaningful impact beyond the events we host. Through educational outreach, mentorship, scholarships, and community involvement, we are committed to supporting future leaders, entrepreneurs, and our local community.
Community & Leadership
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Educational Outreach
We are passionate about sharing the realities of entrepreneurship, leadership, and small business ownership with the next generation. Through classroom presentations, career discussions, and speaking opportunities, we strive to inspire students to pursue their ideas, embrace creativity, and build meaningful careers and businesses of their own.
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Supporting Women in Business
As a women-owned business, we believe in creating opportunities, fostering connections, and championing other women in their personal and professional endeavors. Whether through mentorship, collaboration, or simply sharing our experiences, we are committed to supporting and empowering women within our community and beyond.
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Community Partnerships
We are proud to partner with local schools, nonprofits, organizations, and fellow businesses to strengthen our community. Through sponsorships, fundraising efforts, educational initiatives, and community involvement, we believe in using our business as a platform to give back and make a lasting impact.
Our Community Impact
Supporting Young Life in the Genesee Valley
The Hillcrest Estate is proud to support Young Life Genesee Valley and its mission of building meaningful relationships with middle school, high school, and college students throughout our region.
Young Life creates welcoming environments where young people are known, encouraged, and supported by caring adult leaders. Through clubs, camps, small groups, and mentorship, the organization provides opportunities for students to build confidence, develop lasting friendships, and grow into compassionate leaders.
As a locally owned family business, we believe that investing in young people is an investment in the future of Western New York as a Community Sponsor.
Kate Wilcox-Rodwell
May 2026
Celebrating Local Seniors
As part of our commitment to giving back to the community, The Hillcrest Estate is proud to offer local high school seniors complimentary access to the estate for senior portraits. During September and October, students may reserve a 30-minute session, based on property availability, and bring their own photographer to capture this special milestone among Hillcrest's historic grounds and gardens.
By sharing a place that means so much to us, we hope to give local students and families a beautiful setting to celebrate their accomplishments and create memories of an exciting chapter in their lives. We believe giving back can take many forms, and sometimes it is as simple as sharing the resources we have in a way that brings joy to others.
Kate Wilcox-Rodwell
August 2026
The Wilcox Leadership & Service Scholarship
As an entrepreneur and community advocate, I created this scholarship to invest in the next generation of leaders and encourage young people to pursue their passions, serve their communities, and create meaningful change wherever life takes them. Through my work restoring and transforming a historic estate into a thriving hospitality business, I understand the importance of pursuing big ideas, taking risks, and creating opportunities within your own community.
By recognizing students who demonstrate leadership, character, and a commitment to making a positive impact, we hope to inspire future generations to dream boldly and give back to their home community.
This year's recipients will be honored in June at the York Central School Class of 2026 Graduation Ceremony.
Kate Wilcox-Rodwell - April 2026
Educational Outreach & Feedback from Our Community
Sharing the lessons learned through entrepreneurship and building The Hillcrest Estate is an important part of our commitment to the next generation. Kate enjoys speaking with elementary, high school, and college students about entrepreneurship, hospitality, tourism, marketing, and the many different paths a career can take.
“It was lovely to meet you today and hear your story! I'm grateful the children were able to hear the message that with hard work, your dreams can come true! Your visit was a great opportunity for the children to expand their career knowledge and consider so many business avenues in hospitality and tourism.
Thank you also for your warm and relaxed manner with the children. We enjoyed your visit!
Renee Kashorek” Avon CSD
June of 2026
Supporting Youth Development
As a volunteer coach for the Genesee Valley Bronze Bears Soccer Club's K-2 program, I am passionate about creating a positive environment where young athletes build confidence, learn teamwork, and develop a love for the game. With my own son participating in the program, volunteering as a coach has also been a meaningful way to become more involved in an organization that directly impacts local children and families.
I believe youth sports provide valuable opportunities to teach leadership, perseverance, sportsmanship, and community—lessons that extend far beyond the soccer field. I hope to continue investing in youth athletics and supporting the next generation, helping children discover their strengths, build friendships, and grow into confident future leaders.
Kate Wilcox-Rodwell
July 2026