Fundraising Challenge Reaps Big Benefits for Seniors

Edythe Schwartz (seated) and Louis D'Souza are thrilled when tabulating the Silver for Seniors Challenge last week while Debbie Lauro-Conn (left) and Kristin Burke, who posed the challenge, smile with appreciation. ERIC GROSS Kristin Burke's motto in life has paid off. Burke, a resident of Garrison who is a partner in a prominent Manhattan law firm, has always believed: "When you give, you always get more in return!"

In November, the Boston native and member of the board of Putnam Family and Community Services challenged the public to participate in the "Silver for Seniors Challenge" by offering $2,000 to any gift made by the community for PFCS Senior Services programs that reach out to older adults struggling with depression, anxiety, or isolation, by helping them remain independent as they age.

The organization had faced a shortfall in funds that threatened the continuation of the senior program.

Residents of Putnam County once again came to the rescue and by accepting the challenge raised more than $6,800 during a seven-week period.

Last Thursday evening, the tally was announced at PFCS headquarters in Carmel where Burke, the organization's executive director Edythe Schwartz, Debbie Lauro-Conn, director of development, and Louis D'Souza, director of finance, gave a thumbs-up.

Burke admitted being overwhelmed: "We had a mission and while I believed we would receive some money, I never dreamed that we would more than triple the original amount."

While many private donations were received in the amount of $5, $10 and $25 contributions, a number of school and community groups also chipped in, such as the Carmel Teachers Association, students at the Garrison School, members of the National Junior Honor Society at the Henry Wells Middle School in Brewster, the Carmel Rotary Club, Magic Mirror Donation Box, and many local businesses such as the Putnam County Savings Bank.

Schwartz said what made the challenge so touching was that the "entire community became involved. People like Dimmy Lotrecchiano of Carmel stopped in one day with a large jug filled with coins. Her husband Al had been collecting loose change everyday and the $200 went a long way towards fulfilling our mission."

Lauro-Conn said children in the Garrison School were to be commended for their efforts as well. Sixth graders forwarded a letter describing the experience: "We organized 'wrap sessions' for faculty and staff throughout December. Our teachers and other staff members were encouraged to bring in gifts which students wrapped for a small donation with the money going to PFCS. Not only did the kids have a blast, but we also recognized the great number of people needing help. We helped ourselves by doing something for others and felt good about it."

Lauro-Conn said after articles appeared in the Putnam County Courier and the PCN&R several anonymous donations were also received, totaling nearly $2,000: "The outpouring has been amazing. Kristin's challenge really touched people's hearts."

Schwartz said what made the drive so much more meaningful was that it occurred during a "dire economic crisis. People in Putnam County have large hearts. Despite the recession, people found a little extra in 2009 to donate to those in need."

More than 100 senior citizens are regularly seen by PFCS professionals for mental health counseling and case management. Clients are 65 and older who are most often isolated and alone in their homes.

Schwartz said many of those who benefit from the programs offered have trouble with their vision or reflexes: "Team members visit homes and help the elderly deal with isolation and loneliness and in some cases abuse with alcohol and prescription drugs. Others need help in negotiating to get through the day—paying bills, getting driveways plowed— how to get to a doctor's office as well as developing a support system that can help them remain as independent as possible while leading a full and satisfying life."

While 16 percent of Putnam's population is 60 years of age and older and 11 percent are 65 and older, Putnam Office for the Aging Director William Huestis has forecast within the next decade Putnam's aging population will exceed 33 percent of the entire populus.

Burke thanked the newspapers for the article: "The coverage was a way of telling our community what we actually do in a real way. [I am] being heralded as the hero, but the real champions are the people who came forward to assist. Not only has Putnam Family and Community Services reaped financial benefits but the article has given us exposure that we have never received before."

Burke reflected on the past seven weeks: "I really didn't think we'd make it but my philosophy in life that I learned from my late 'mum' has again proved to be true: When you give, you always get more back in return."

Those wishing to make a contribution to Putnam Family and Community Services for any of its programs that affect the young, middle aged as well as the senior population can send a tax deductible check to PFCS, 1808 Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512 or can call 225-2700. ERIC GROSS