charity

Greeley High School Athletes Chalk Up a Big Win

December 1, 2015 by Inside Press

Student Athletes Raise $16,500 for Local Pediatric Cancer Charities

The second annual Horace Greeley All-Athlete Walkathon was held at the high school’s competition field on Sunday, November 8, 2015. Students from every sport rallied around two local foundations raising more than $16,000 with their fundraising efforts.

The two organizations teamed up for the event because their missions align around helping children with cancer. Hundreds of students, supporters and parents walked in solidarity during the two hour event to support Team G-The Gardner Marks Foundation and Making Headway Foundation, both of Chappaqua.

Team G-The Gardner Marks Foundation was created in memory of Gardner Marks (Greeley Class of ’08) a school athlete who lost his life due to complications from cancer treatment. This newly formed organization is devoted to raising money toward grants for cutting edge cancer/stem cell research.

Headquartered in Chappaqua, and now in its 20th year of operation, Making Headway Foundation was founded by Edward and Maya Manley with Clint Greenbaum. Its mission is to provide care and comfort for children with brain and spinal cord tumors while funding medical research geared toward better treatments and a cure.

Both organizations have a common vision…to bring support and lifesaving treatments to kids battling cancer, and brain or spinal cord tumors.

Local merchants such as Villarina’s Deli, Elder’s Auto Spa, Chappaqua Mobil and Old Stone Trattoria sponsored the event with food and gift card donations for the participants. Donations are still being accepted at http://bitly.com/GreeleyWalk2015.

Blazing New Trails in Giving

February 2, 2014 by Sarah Ellen Rindsberg

At the WLC Pearls of Wisdom December Luncheon: Honored Guest Andrea Stewart Cousins, and Keynote Speaker, Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Becky Halstead

The Women’s Leadership Council of Westchester and Putnam

Giving is an incredibly fulfilling experience. The knowledge that the time and financial resources donated enable people to better their lives makes it even more powerful. The United Way of Westchester and Putnam Women’s Leadership Council provides an exciting new way for those looking to contribute.

Naomi Adler, President and CEO of the United Way of Westchester and Putnam, reflects on the process which led to the genesis of the WLC. She recalls a discussion during United Way’s 50th anniversary in 2012 in which it was decided to “launch some new initiatives to tell people about United Way.” Affinity groups are identified as the best vehicle to achieve this goal. Adler notes that the majority of contributors in the philanthropic arena are women; women, she notes, prefer giving in groups with other women. When the recipients of such generosity are women and children, the level of engagement grows significantly.

During the formation of the WLC, member and Chappaqua resident Alyzza Ozer, Senior Vice President of Resource Development and Community Engagement at United Way of Westchester and Putnam, recalls the “analysis to determine which niche wasn’t being addressed.”

“Teach me to Fish” and “Smartstart”

The following statistic plays a major role in the selection of the WLC’s focus: Forty-five percent of single mothers in Westchester with children under the age of five are living below the poverty level–$23,000 a year for a household of four people on a nationwide basis. Two programs are designed and implemented by WLC: Teach me to Fish, for job training and Smartstart, for literacy development among at-risk elementary school children.

Last year, over 800 people received job training through Teach me to Fish. Its effectiveness is evident in this number: 70, the percentage of those who located work in the first year after completion of the program. Adler highlights another aspect which is greatly appreciated by members: “Very often, people give to philanthropies and they don’t get to experience who they help. This is giving something very specific where they’re helping people right around the corner.”

Volunteer participation in both programs is key. In Teach me to Fish, members choose from a variety of roles. Some serve as mentors while others offer the opportunity to practice interview skills. In Smartstart, the reading buddy project pairs volunteers with at-risk elementary school students. Volunteers work with students on a weekly basis or as often as their schedule permits. In the spring a mentoring program will be held for those interested in Teach me to Fish.

Ozer points to the appeal of WLC for those looking to contribute: ”It’s not just writing out a check. Women want to be involved in what they’re nurturing. They like to donate their time and energy and be advised on the returns they’re getting.” WLC volunteer opportunities are plentiful and quarterly updates are sent to all members.

Enthusiasm reigns among the members of the WLC. This incredibly talented group includes stay-at-home moms as well as those working outside the home. Randi Brosterman, a principal with Deloitte Consulting, has expanded her involvement with the United Way of Northern Westchester to include the WLC and appreciates the dedication of the members. “It’s a very energetic group, passionate about giving and giving back,” she observes.

There are many success stories attributable to the skills imparted in Teach Me to Fish. Johanna Cotto, a mother currently caring for her child who has Type 1 diabetes, enrolls in the program to develop her expertise in order to secure a position as a home health care aide. “If I had gone to a college to try to take a training this way and I had to pay tuition, it would’ve definitely been  a problem because I would not have been able to pay for it,” says Cotto. Information on accessing the services offered by WLC is available by calling the 2-1-1 helpline.

To become a member of WLC, contact Ozer at 914-667-9700 x725, or type uwwp.org and click on “join.”

Do Good – Feel Good

December 4, 2013 by The Inside Press

By Kate Stone Lombardi

Kate Stone Lombardi (right) with Betsy Meyer at the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry Photo by Lynda Shenkman Curtis — Kate Stone Lombardi (right) with Betsy Meyer at the Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry
Photo by Lynda Shenkman Curtis

As the holidays approach, magazines are filled with tips on how to stay healthy. Stressed? Be super-organized, Martha Stewart-style: start baking and freezing months ahead of time, and you’ll be able to enjoy a relaxed holiday in your lovingly decorated home. Alternately: Stressed? Take the anti-Martha approach. Let go of perfection. Take short cuts. Your house is a home, not a movie set. Stop focusing on the externals and enjoy the real meaning of the holidays.

Inevitably, there’s advice on avoiding holiday weight gain. You know the drill: drink three glasses of water before an office party. Have a strategy for cocktail hour, and focus on the crudités. These pieces tend to be accompanied by graphs comparing the calories in a glass of spiked eggnog to those in a seltzer and diet cranberry cocktail. And of course, don’t drop your exercise routine no matter how hectic your schedule.

Look, I read all this stuff myself, and personally, I boomerang between Martha and “to hell with it” each year. But let me offer yet a different prescription for a healthy, happy holiday. Do good-feel good. Think beyond your body, your house and even your family. It’s a big world out there, and it needs your help.

Now for the full disclosure part of our program: hunger is my issue. For many years I have served on the board of The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry.* If you think hunger is not a local problem, you are mistaken. Last year, our Pantry served more than 20,000 people. This year we’re on track to serve 25,000. We are the only area food pantry that offers regular, weekly distributions. If you visited on a distribution day, you’d see your neighbors: pregnant women, women with toddlers in tow, elderly men and women living on fixed incomes, pushing metal carts to carry their groceries. Single young men who live in crowded apartments without cooking facilities. People whose medical crises have eaten up all their savings. And yes, some folks from Chappaqua, who are barely holding on to their homes, and whose cupboards are shockingly bare.

Our pantry provides each household in need enough groceries for at least three days’ worth of meals. As a “choice” pantry, we offer clients a selection of fresh eggs, frozen meats, non-perishable staples, and, at least twice a month, fresh produce. We provide other services too–home delivery, a mobile food pantry, registration for nutrition programs, and more.

My plug here is not for our Pantry alone, but for the dozens of local not-for-profits that need not only people’s money, but also their time and talent. Your thing may be volunteering at a hospital. Mentoring a troubled teenager. Working in a parenting program at a prison. Furnishing a room at a domestic violence shelter. Visiting elderly folks at a nursing home who would otherwise have no company.

But here’s the kicker. If you carve out part of your life to serve others– it’s good for you! Studies demonstrate that altruism helps you lead a happier and healthy life. Recent neurological research reveals that when we help others, it lights up the primitive part of our brain – the same area that lets us experience pleasure through eating and sex. Scientists believe that giving to others buffers stress, through a complex interaction of the brain, immune system and hormones.

In one study of thousands of volunteers across the country, 43% reported they felt stronger and more energetic from volunteering; 28% experienced a feeling of inner warmth; 22% felt calmer and less depressed; 21% experienced greater feelings of self worth, and 13% experienced fewer aches and pains.

“If you could create a pill with the same results as indicated by the survey of American volunteers, it would be a best seller overnight,” says Dr. Stephen Post, Professor of Preventive Medicine at Stony Brook University and author of The Hidden Gifts of Helping.

Benefits start young–volunteering in adolescence increases self-esteem and protects against anti-social behavior and substance abuse–and they are lifelong. Amazingly, altruism is associated with a substantial reduction in mortality rates and is linked to longevity.

So this holiday season–and all year long– take good care of yourself. And do it by helping others.

Kate Stone Lombardi is a journalist and the author of The Mama’s Boy Myth: Why Keeping Our Sons Close Makes Them Stronger (Penguin Group USA). She asks everyone to consider the gift of giving and, with regard to *The Pantry, she notes: “We accept food donations, but please check guidelines on our website, mountkiscofoodpantry.org. We especially love financial contributions, because for every $1 donated, we can buy $4 worth of groceries at The Food Bank For Westchester, where we have enhanced buying power through government lines of credit.”

A Few of My Favorite Things

December 4, 2013 by The Inside Press

By Maggie Mae…with Ronni Diamondstein

Maggie Mae with her Wee-Nut and Jive Ball. Which one to play with first?
Photo by Ronni Diamondstein

There’s nothing I like to do more than sleep, eat and cuddle with my owner except play. I am not fussy about my playthings. I love socks and tags and rags so I don’t need fancy toys but I do like them. Since it’s the time of year to think about gifts I want to tell you about some of my favorite toys. Your dog might like them too.

I am a chewer, I will confess. You may not believe a petite poodle like me could be so destructive, but when I was a puppy I tore through two Orvis Tough Chew Dog Beds. Because of this I don’t get some toys that other dogs enjoy so I decided to get some advice from Jeremy Tubbs, DVM of Millwood Animal Hospital. “Know your pet,” says Dr. Tubbs. “Toys are anything they get excited about. Every dog is different, just like their owners.”

I love to fetch. I have many bones and balls. I place one of them at my owner’s feet and if she doesn’t pick it up and throw it, I let her know! I love treats so I love Kong toys because there is always something delicious inside them. I have to work hard to get the treat out. I also love my Wee-Nut: it’s a smaller version of the Peanut by Ruff Dawg. I bring it to my owner and when she picks it ups I play tug with her too. She said that she likes this toy because it is a soft rubber and gentle on my teeth. It doesn’t tear and it is made in the United States, which she says is important to her. My favorite ball to fetch, West Paw Design’s Zogo-flex Jive ball, is eco-friendly, which also makes my owner happy.

Some dogs, like my friend Buddy, a Labradoodle, like to cuddle with a little stuffed animal. A lot of my dog friends like those comfort toys. Although I got over my big chewing problem and have managed not to destroy my new Tough Chew Dog beds, my owner doesn’t let me have any of those toys. So these days I am happy when I can snatch a washcloth or towel and snuggle with it.

But you have to be careful about plush toys. Any toy with squeakers can be a problem if the squeaker gets swallowed, and Dr. Tubbs says, “If your dog tends to chew these toys up, its best to take them away before they do.”

Dr. Tubbs says he is a big fan of rawhide chew toys. But he offers a little warning about them too, “They are great for teeth and stimulating gum tissue. But if your pet swallows large pieces, or gets some gastrointestinal issue, I would stay away from them.” He says that owners who give their dogs these rawhide toys should be very careful because they can be dangerous. My friend Jules, a rescue dog, got a piece stuck in his throat and he did not survive. “It is important to monitor your pets, see how they handle and tolerate any particular toy before walking away and leaving them unsupervised.”

Toys of all kinds can be fun for you and your dog. “It can be as simple as picking up a stick outside. You just have to find toys that match your dog’s personality and what you like to do,” says Dr. Tubbs. “Exercise and quality time with your dog is most important.” I could not agree with him more. So just have fun and be safe in this holiday season and all year round.

Contact Maggie Mae Pup Reporter^TMat maggiemae10514@gmail.com

Maggie Mae lives in Chappaqua with her adoring owner Ronni Diamondstein, who, when she isn’t walking Maggie is a freelance writer, PR consultant and award-winning photographer who has worked in the United States and abroad.

Maggie Mae’s Must Do:

Gifts can be to charities which my owner tells me are tax deductions too!  Here are some local pet charities  I hope you will consider:

SPCA of Westchester- A no-kill shelter in Briarcliff Manor, New York.
Visit their website: spca914.org/donations

East Coast Assistance Dogs, Inc. ECAD- breeds and trains Assistance Dogs for clients with a wide variety of disabilities and needs in our area.
Visit their website: ecad1.org/default.htm

Pets Alive Westchester: A no-kill animal sanctuary located in Elmsford, NY.
Visit their website: petsalivewest.org

Inside Chappaqua Magazine Supporting Food Bank of Westchester

November 8, 2012 by The Inside Press

It’s one thing to be without power following this storm. Quite another to combine that kind of stress with hunger. With that thought in mind… Inside Chappaqua is earmarking a minimum of $1000 from its advertising revenue in the upcoming Winter 2012/13 edition to the Food Bank of Westchester. “Every $1 donated to the Food Bank enables us to bring $4 worth of food to families to soup kitchens and food pantries in the county,” states Katy Coppinger, senior director of development for the Food Bank . Thank you in advance to all the sponsors who help make an Inside Chappaqua Magazine donation possible. Readers can help too with a voluntary or gift subscription of $24 to Inside Chappaqua Magazine, P.O. Box 643, Millwood, NY 10546. At this time, Inside Chappaqua will donate HALF of your subscription dollars from now to January 15, 2013 over any such subscription to that $1,000 amount to the Food Bank as well.

Continue to be safe and warm everyone.

— Grace

7 Facts about hunger in Westchester

More than 200,000 people are hungry or at risk of hunger.
33% of the hungry neighbors are children.
51% are seniors.
57% are registered voters.
68% are U.S. citizens, many are veterans.
1% of the hungry are homeless
5% receive government assistance.

About the Food Bank for Westchester

The Food Bank for Westchester’s mission is to lead, engage and educate Westchester County residents in creating a hunger free environment.

The Food Bank for Westchester was incorporated as a not-for-profit 501 (c) 3 organization under the name of “Food People Allied To Combat Hunger Inc.” in 1988 to respond to the growing needs of hungry Westchester residents. The Food Bank has become the backbone of Westchester’s emergency food distribution network, providing over 95% of all the food distributed by over 220 grass roots programs such as food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and residential programs, helping to feed some or all of the 200,000 Westchester seniors, children and their families who are hungry or at risk of hunger.

The Food Bank for Westchester distributes 7 million pounds of food per year; delivering 9 to 12 tons of food per day to front-line agencies feeding the hungry. The core program of Emergency Food Distribution is augmented by the following:

Project Green Thumb, which distributes bags of locally grown produce.
Food Recovery Program, which collects prepared and perishable foods from restaurants, corporate cafeterias and supermarkets and delivers the food directly to meal-service programs.
Food Growing Program, which grows produce on unused land using an available workforce.
Kids Café, which provides children hot, nutritious meals after school.
BackPack Program, which provides hungry, at-risk children with weekend bags of healthy food to get through the weekend.
A program entitled Services, Training, Education and Participant Support (STEPS) provides low-income women with children the tools to better manage their families and self-esteem enhancement as the first steps toward self-sufficiency.
Food Stamp Outreach is also provided by the Food Bank for Westchester