NEW ROCHELLE, NY –Seven New Rochelle residents were recognized for extraordinary work for the benefit of their community at the annual luncheon of the New Rochelle Council of Community Services held on Thursday June 4th at Beckwith Pointe. At the event attended by 100 guests, two $1,000 scholarships were also awarded to outstanding New Rochelle High School juniors.
The 2015 honorees, representing a number of diverse organizations, are as follows:
Joanne Bartoli, a member of the Garden Club who is responsible for the profusion of daffodils seen around the city each spring, a past president of the New Rochelle Humane Society, and an active member of St. John’s Episcopal Church.
The Brown Bag Lunch Program of Trinity-St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, a volunteer operation that began in 1996 and now serves lunch to people in need each weekday. Last year the group provided over 40,000 sandwiches, as well as health screening and a welcoming setting.
Adam Raymonda and Wendy O’Sullivan volunteered their time and talent to support the New Rochelle YMCA during its recent pool emergency. The two created videos that were instrumental in garnering support and much-needed funds to fix the pool and keep the YMCA open.
Vivian Spady is a year-round volunteer who is also responsible for brightening the holidays for hundreds of children in New Rochelle’s Municipal Housing apartments and beyond. Now in its fifth year, “Big Viv’s Toy Drive” involves a corps of volunteers who donate gifts and time collecting gifts for children who might not otherwise experience holiday cheer.
NRCCS Annual Luncheon
The NRCCS awarded scholarships to help two students who have exemplified the mission of the New Rochelle Council of Community Services by selflessly dedicating their time and talents to help others. The scholarships are intended to provide funds needed to prepare forand complete college applications:
Mariella Perez has volunteered at the Hugh Doyle Senior Center for five years and also volunteered in multiple locations for children with disabilities. She is also a participant in the Center for College & Careers, a program of The Guidance Center of Westchester.Mariela told the selection committee that she see the scholarship as “a chance to shine a light on the path to my future.”
Rodolfo Gil became an active member of the New Rochelle High School community within the first year of his arrival in the United States from Spain. During this year he balanced academics and a part-time job while learning English, participating in the United Culture Club and serving as captain of the New Rochelle High School Varsity Soccer Team, which took second place in the A League Soccer Conference 2. He aspires to study mechanical engineering in college.