Quaker Ridge Kids Donate 387 Lbs. of Candy to Operation Gratitude
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Though taking candy from children is usually frowned upon, teaching kids the value of giving back by donating their excess Halloween candy in support of U.S. Troops and First Responders is a win-win for kids and parents.
This Halloween, the Quaker Ridge School PTA collected and shipped 387lbs of candy to Operation Gratitude for inclusion in Care Packages to U.S. Service Members deployed overseas in harm's way and to First Responders serving here at home. "We were overwhelmed with the amount of donations received. A huge thank you is owed to William DeLuca, at the Heathcote USPS office for helping us safely package and ship such a large order," said Vanessa Siderow, Quaker Ridge School parent and volunteer.
Americans spend an estimated $2.5 billion dollars on a whopping 600 million pounds of Halloween Candy each year. In 2015 alone, 294 tons of that candy was sent to Operation Gratitude for distribution through its Care Package Programs.
"Operation Gratitude has shipped more than 1.6 Million Care Packages that include items such as DVDs, handmade scarves and hygiene products. Halloween candy is a wonderful addition to these packages," says Operation Gratitude's founder, Carolyn Blashek. "The candy is a great morale boost for the troops, and a means to create positive interaction with local children. Equally important is that the Halloween Candy GIVE-Back Program provides every American child the opportunity to learn about service and generosity."
About Operation Gratitude
Operation Gratitude is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, volunteer-based organization that seeks to lift spirits and meet the evolving needs of the U.S. Military and First Responder communities, and provide volunteer opportunities for Americans to express their appreciation to all who serve our nation. To date, Operation Gratitude volunteers have assembled and shipped more than 1.6 million care packages. For more information, click here.
Gilda's Club Holds Fourth Annual Stair Climb
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More than 100 Gilda's Club Westchester supporters climbed the stadium bleachers at White Plains High School on Saturday, November 5 for the non-profit's 4th Annual Gilda's Stair Climb, a fun and unique fitness event where participants climb flights of stairs in a test of endurance. The Stair Climb offered several climbing options to accommodate various fitness levels: 24 floors, 48 floors, 72 floors, or 96 floors. Participants climbed individually or formed teams with friends and family. All proceeds will help Gilda's Club Westchester provide free emotional and social support to individuals and families impacted by cancer to ensure no one will have to face cancer alone.
Gilda's Club Westchester provides emotional and social support to individuals and families impacted by cancer through support groups, short-term counseling, health and exercise workshops, and social opportunities completely free of charge. For more information, visit gildasclubwestchester.org.
Scarsadale's Dani Lever Named Press Secretary for Governor Andrew Cuomo
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Scarsdale native Dani Lever has been promoted from spokesperson to press secretary for NYS Governor Andrew Cuomo. She is the first woman to serve in that role under Cuomo.
Lever, 29, is replacing John Kelly, who left the administration Friday for the private sector.
Lever started in Cuomo's office in 2014 after serving as press secretary for former city Comptroller Bill Thompson's failed mayoral campaign.
Lever, who grew up in Quaker Ridge, graduated from Solomon Schechter and the University of Wisconsin-Madison also worked for state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, President Obama's 2012 campaign, and Clinton Foundation. She is the daughter of Joel and Debbie Lever of Bradford Road.
"Over the last three years, Dani has proven to be an invaluable member of our team and an effective messenger for the governor and his work to move New York forward," said Cuomo Chief of Staff Melissa DeRosa. "She's tough. She's smart. And — as any reporter in New York knows — she's tenacious. "
Her predecessor John Kelly left the administration after nearly two years for a position at software company CA Technologies.
BCRF's Hot Pink Luncheon Coming Up on November 30th
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BRCF's Upcoming Westchester HOT PINK Luncheon #BeTheEnd:
The Westchester community will be hosting its 10th Annual Breast Cancer Research Foundation HOT PINK Luncheon on Wednesday, November 30th at Brae Burn Country Club in Purchase. The event was originally created by lifelong friends and Scarsdale residents Shelly Kivell and Kim Meyers. "Our vision was to bring an information rich program to our Westchester friends and family. It's an incredible opportunity to hear directly from experts in breast cancer research while also raising money to fund ground breaking science" recalls Meyers.
And raising money, they have. Since inception the event has netted nearly $1.5 million, enabling the group to establish a $250,000 Westchester Women's Grant that is awarded annually as part of BCRF's overall mission: to advance the world's most promising research.
This year the group is thrilled that breast cancer survivor and Good Morning America anchor Amy Robach will open its event. The program will also highlight experts Larry Norton, BCRF Scientific Director, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Stuart Aaronson, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Attendees can participate in a unique interactive Q&A about research trends in breast cancer diagnostics, treatment and prevention.
What began as a predominantly "Scarsdale-centric" event, the Westchester Hot Pink Luncheon has grown in size, scope and leadership. Co-chairs and committee members now represent women from throughout the county but there remains a strong contingent of Scarsdalians at the helm including Marla Mehlman, Linda Plattus, Lisa Bezos, Allison Fehrenbacker, Kim Meyers, Monica Fried, Ruth Suzman, Stephanie Tessler and Elizabeth Chabner Thompson. These women emphasize that Cancer Divides, We Unite. Help be the end to breast cancer.
Click here for reservations and/or donations to BCRF.
Scarsdale PBA Holds Charity Event at Fenway Golf Club
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The Scarsdale PBA lucked out with beautiful weather for their Charity Golf Outing at Fenway Golf Club on Monday October 17th. 136 golfers participated in the event, which sold out in just three weeks. The dinner that was held following the outing was attended by 300 guests.
The PBA wishes to thank all the sponsors for their support, especially the following:
- Twin Oaks Construction, (Dinner Sponsor)
- Mercedes Benz of White Plains
- Zachy's Wine and Liquor
- Jay Canell
- Bret Fischer
- Scott Eichel
- Robert Tucker
During the event, the PBA held a raffle for a $10,000 watch that was donated by Wilson and Sons Jewelers. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund and St. Judes Children Cancer Hospital.
Thanks to Jon Thaler for the photographs. See more here: