Westchester Teens Party with a Purpose

Teens from the Ardsley, Edgemont, Scarsdale, and Masters schools came together at The Coliseum in White Plains on August 28 to raise money for The Children's Village (CV). This first-ever teen fundraiser for CV was attended by 200 teens and was organized by a committee of Westchester seniors: Julie Miner (Edgemont), Courtney Schwartz (Scarsdale), Amanda Rozencwaig (Scarsdale), Jessica Siegal (Ardsley), and Eric Passarelli (Masters School).

"The Children's Village is right in our area, and yet very few kids even know it exists. We thought that by having a dance party for the charity, it was a great way to raise money, awareness, and at the same time have a really fun start to the school year!" said Julie, who's been volunteering at CV for several years and conceived the idea.

The Children's Village (www.childrensvillage.org) serves over 11,000 children and families throughout the New York Metropolitan Area. CV runs the only runaway and homeless shelter for teens in Westchester, a residential campus in Dobbs Ferry, an Education and Employment Center in Yonkers, and many more programs the help keep children safe and families together.

The committee received generous support for the event: The Coliseum donated the space, ESP Productions contributed one of their top DJ's, and Edgemont senior Harris Freedman rocked the house as guest DJ.

The teens plan to make this an annual event, handing over the reins next year to younger friends and siblings. CV welcomes volunteers throughout their many locations in Westchester and is expanding opportunities available for teenagers who are ready to get involved.

Founded in 1851, The Children's Village works in partnership with families to help children develop the skills and positive attitude needed to succeed as healthy contributing adults. Each year, CV serves more than 11,000 of New York's most at-risk children and their families. Programs include short-term residential programs, shelters, street outreach, foster and adoptive homes, a community center in Harlem, programs for youth involved with the juvenile justice system, and a host of family support services. Visit them on the web at www.childrensvillage.org.