“I would do it again in a heartbeat if it would help these families heal.” Those words come from Abresha Sinanaj, an Ardsley-based mother of three kids (ages 16, 14 and 9) and a busy manager/host and spouse of one owner at Benjamin Steakhouse in White Plains.
Abresha and the partners of this relative newcomer to Westchester had generously arranged for 26 gift certificates to be donated to the family members of the victims lost. It was part of a love filled winter evening in which many Westchester moms gathered at Benjamin’s to raise an additional $1,828 in donations for The Sandy Hook School Support Fund. The donations were presented to honorary guest Robert Merola, Legislative Council Member of Newtown, CT.
Since that evening, one of the families from Sandy Hook has come to dine at Benjamin’s. “The one family who did come wrote to us telling us they felt like they were treated like royalty,” she said. She recalled one of the parents telling her that their young daughter’s favorite food was steak. “That was heartbreaking for me to hear but we were also so glad we could provide a pleasant evening out.”
Abresha said that providing the gift cards was a small gesture in her view, and she is hopeful more of the families will come to dine at Benjamin’s when they feel ready. “I live in a small community too and simply can not imagine these terrible losses. Sandy Hook has become my community too. As a mother, I feel a connection to all the parents there and it was extremely painful to hear about precious young lives lost. I wish the families their continued healing and we are here to still offer a fine, complimentary meal.” For Mother’s Day, especially, Abresha stated that she hopes Benjamin Steakhouse will have the honor of serving another family from Sandy Hook.
“We are here.” –Grace Bennett
