Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter Raises Over $15,000 for Their Annual Friends of Monique Fundraiser

Over 80 team members will walk in the Light the Night Walk on November 7, 2015 in memory of Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter Teen, Monique Williams.

Briarcliff Manor, NY, November 06, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter (MHVC) of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., a family-based, African-American organization serving the Northern Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess County communities, have embarked on a fundraising campaign in memory of MHVC Teen, Monique Williams, who lost her battle to Leukemia in 2012. To date, the MHVC has raised $15,100 in gross revenues towards their campaign.

Every two years the MHVC hosts a fundraiser to support the community and teach children about philanthropic giving and service. This year, MHVC is raising money in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), which supports blood cancer research, and the Jack and Jill Foundation, which addresses issues affecting African-American children and families in the areas of education, health and wellness. Two thirds of the Chapter’s proceeds will be donated to LLS and one third will be donated to the Jack and Jill Foundation.

“Our MHVC Teen group started the Friends of Monique Fundraiser, and have been raising money in honor of Monique since she was diagnosed. Monique inspired all of our members by her strength and courage. Over the past three years, the Teens have raised over $23,000 for LLS,” says Karen St. Vil, President of the MHVC. “By supporting our Jack and Jill Foundation and LLS, we are supporting two great causes that work tirelessly to create great futures for families.”

To further support their cause, the MHVC will join approximately 2,000 supporters in the Light the Night Walk hosted by LLS on Saturday, November 7, 2015 at Playland Amusement Park in Rye, New York at 5:00 PM. Over 80 members of the chapter are scheduled to walk at Light the Night this year. The Teens have created a banner in honor of Monique, which they will carry the night of the walk.

“As a chapter, we were inspired by the Teens’ tenacity, and wanted our younger group members to get involved to keep the fire burning for Monique and so many others whose lives have been touched by cancer. This year, we wanted to show that there is power in numbers, and that one kind act fueled by drive and compassion can create a movement that everyone can believe in,” says Karen McFarlane, MHVC Fundraising Committee Chair. “What this event has proven is that we are building leaders, philanthropists and good citizens, which is a critical part of our mission. They now know that their good deeds matter; that in the words of our National President, Tammy King, “We have the power to make a difference.”

Each year the Teens work closely with their advisors to plan fundraising activities and drive awareness. This year, two teens, Javen Grier and Taylor Perry, volunteered to work with the Fundraising Committee to build synergies with the mothers and group leaders. “I’m so amazed by the number of Jack and Jill families and friends that have rallied around this cause which is so near and dear to our chapter. Some of the children remember Monique fondly and some never had the opportunity to meet her, but we all know that we will forever honor her memory,” says Javen Grier, MHVC Fundraising Committee Teen Representative.

The Chapter’s fundraiser efforts will continue with planned shopping days at Lord & Taylor in Stamford, CT on November 14, 2015 and Holbrook Cottage in Briarcliff Manor, NY on December 9, 2015. The Friends of Monique Fundraiser continues through December 31, 2015. The event is sponsored in part by The Pin Man®, a family-owned promotional products company that helps organizations meet their branding goals. To make a donation, please visit http://www.jackandjillmhv.org/friends-of-monique-fundraiser.html.

About Jack and Jill of America - Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter

Founded in 1938, Jack and Jill of America, Inc. is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty. Today, Jack and Jill boasts over 230 chapters nationwide, representing over 40,000 family members. Each chapter plans annual programming activities guided under a national theme. Through service projects, Jack and Jill of America creates a medium of contact for children to stimulate their growth and development.

Founded in 1992, the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter furthers the national mission by leveraging our rich community resources, the power of the regional and national Jack and Jill of America organization, and our network of families to provide meaningful and relevant learning experiences for children who reside in the Upper-Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. The Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter has partnered with the March of Dimes, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Ronald McDonald House, The City of Mount Vernon Youth Empowerment Council, the Peekskill Youth Bureau, My Sister’s Place, Family Services of Westchester, Abbott House and many local organizations to build connections and educate youth. To learn more about the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter, visit www.jackandjillmhv.org.
Contact
Jack and Jill of America - Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter
Kecia Palmer-Cousins
(914) 458-2552
www.jackandjillmhv.org
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