Update: April Fundraisers to Benefit Acocella Charities

Note: A blood drive on April 4 from 1 - 6 p.m. was added on March 13. The article now reflects the additional date.

The widespread reach of Joseph Acocella's influence on the Harrison community continues months after the then-town clerk died suddenly in August 2011.

Announced in September, the Fund continues to raise money for charities like Donate Life, Autism School for Special Children and non-kill animal shelters, all of which Acocella advocated for during his lifetime. 

Five blood and organ drives and a dinner dance are planned next month to raise money for that fund, as well as build the American Red Cross' blood banks and organ donor registry. The events will be held in various locations in Westchester County.

Blood and organ drives were held in Harrison frequently before Acocella's death, and continue to be events well supported in the community. Acocella's lifelong battle with the spinal condition Lumbar Sacral Agenesis, as well as kidney and heart problems, helped raise awareness for the benefits of giving blood and becoming and organ donor.

Blood and organ drives will be held in April at the following times:

• April 4 from 1 - 6 p.m. at the West Harrison Annex Building.
• April 6 from 1 - 6 p.m. at the West Harrison Annex Building.
• April 13 from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the White Plains Red Cross.
• April 18 from 1 - 6 p.m. at the .
• April 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the St. John's Lutheran Church in Mamaroneck.

The month will end with a dinner and dance at the Mansion on Broadway in White Plains. Tickets for that event will cost $100 and all benefits will go toward the memorial foundation.

The events are part of several events being held in the name of the late town clerk, which are listed at a website and Facebook page created in his honor.