Harrison Shows Some Heart

With the busy lives we all lead, it is impossible not to admire those who spend hours of their time working tirelessly for others.

Local resident, Ada Angarano, goes out of her way to organize events for charities and those who are in need. 

"When hearing or reading the news I am constantly struck with how fortunate I am," said Angarano. "I put together these events out of love and caring for those who have less, and for the community as a whole."

It takes imagination and a certain entrepreneurial spirit to put together charity events and make them work. Angarano cleverly weaves her charitable work with her contacts in Harrison for the betterment of both.

"The events bring good to those in need, and I am proud to have Harrison involved," she said.

Angarano is currently busy with two special local events.

The first is called 'Harrison Opens its Heart for Haiti Disaster Relief'. It is a blood drive to benefit the Red Cross' efforts in Haiti.

Angarano explained her inspiration for the event.

"I knew people were getting bombarded with requests for money donations to Haiti. I thought that local citizens could give something that costs absolutely nothing, but would help drastically, and that would be blood," she said. "The Red Cross had stories announcing how low supplies were, and I figured Harrison could help."

Angarano is also co-chairing the United Way's 'Taste of the Sound Shore' fundraiser for the second year in a row. This food and wine sampling brings restaurants and vendors together from all around Westchester.

Angarano's efforts have resulted in Harrison being well represented.

"In our second year of being attached to it, the event has become a real Harrison community project," said Angarano. "Harrison chamber of commerce members are actively involved either through participating in the food supply and preparation, or by donating merchandise for the silent auction and raffle." 

As a result of Angarano's efforts, high bidders in the  United Way's silent auction will win "Lunch With" well known local officials, including Westchester County Legislator and Harrison resident Marty Rogowsky, NY Sen. Suzie Oppenheimer, NY Congresswoman and Harrison resident Nita Lowey, NYS Assemblyman George Latimere, among others.

While Angarano is one of our most productive  and consistent local charity fundraisers,  a similar charitable drive is also seen in some of our local businesses.

Hair Creations on Halstead Avenue is one of them. Co-owner Brenda Maeda and her partner and staff are currently working on their 'Spring into Summer Red Carpet Hair and Fashion Show'. The event will benefit the American Cancer Society and Guilda's Club.

Maeda explains that the event is in collaboration with other Harrison businesses. Like Angarano, she is well aware that the events have to be fun and interesting to encourage participation and support.

"We've made sure that the fashion show will be a great fun night," said Maeda. "Everyone who comes will have a great time, and will be doing good just by being there."

The famous Holocaust diarist Anne Frank is quoted as saying "How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world."

Thanks to people like Angarano, the owners of Hair Creations and other generous local businesses, officials and the residents who support their events, those world improvements are being generated right here in our own backyard.

Harrison Opens Its Heart for Haiti Blood Drive April 13th. For more information contact Ada Angarano 914-835-7039 or visit www.theharrisoncofc.org

United Way's 'Taste of the Sound Shore' April 20th, Bonnie Bria Country Club, Larchmont, NY 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $50.00 online or $60.00 at the door on night of event. 914-997-6700 ext 741t www.uwwp.org/soundshore.htm

'Spring into Summer Red Carpet Hair & Fashion Show' no set admission, donations kindly appreciated at the door. For more info, call Brenda at 914-630-4530.