Stayin’ Alive, Inc. is a 501(c)3 whose mission is to raise money for the First Responders of Northern Westchester to help them purchase equipment that is not supported by their budget. The annual Stayin’ Alive 5K Fun Run is held every May and the profits go directly to grants for First Responders.

At a Grant Award Ceremony at Northern Westchester Hospital in late November, co-founder Christy Saltstein stated: “First Responders play a key role in the safe functioning in all of our communities. Stayin’ Alive was formed as a direct result of an extraordinary life-saving collaboration of First Responders after our husbands were involved in an accident during Hurricane Sandy.

Stayin’ Alive shares the same commitment in supporting First Responders as Northern Westchester Hospital and we are delighted to partner with them today to make our 2016 grant award announcement.”

A video was then shown that documents the heroic efforts of the First Responders during Hurricane Sandy and also gives the background of how Stayin’ Alive was started.

Joel Seligman, the President & CEO of Northern Westchester Hospital, spoke about the importance of First Responders in our communities and the commitment of the hospital in working with them to provide the highest level of care. Michele Berliner, co-founder of Stayin’ Alive then presented 2016 grants. This year, Stayin’ Alive granted almost $30,000 in equipment to local First Responders.

Recipients included those from the Armonk Independent Fire Company, the Banksville Independent Fire Company, the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps and the Independent Fire Co. of Mount Kisco.