Grace Church Community Center Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Nancy Gold
The Gold Standard
(914) 232-6583
marketing@thegoldstandard.com

CORPORATE COAT DRIVE YIELDS WARMER WINTER FOR RECIPIENTS

White Plains Winter Warmth Project Provides Seasonal Clothing

Charles Cohen of Cohen Brothers Realty and Mayor Joseph Delphino present $1,000 check and coats to Paul Anderson-Winchell, Executive Director GCCC.

White Plains, NY - March 2009

In a drive spearheaded by Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation, more than 300 coats were collected from tenants in commercial office buildings here and distributed to those in need through the Grace Church Community Center and the White Plains Youth Bureau.

The coat drive, called White Plains Winter Warmth, had many owners and managers of major office buildings working together to solicit contributions of winter coats, gloves and hats. Notices were sent out to tenants who were encouraged to leave used clothing in boxes placed in lobbies and cafeterias.

A prime mover in putting the drive together was Ron Fortuna, building manager at 333 Westchester Avenue. “I went to my owner, Charles S. Cohen of Cohen Brothers Realty and he was all for it,” said Fortuna. “Through Mayor Delfino’s office, we got in touch with the people at the Youth Bureau and Grace Church, who were thrilled to be able to distribute the clothing to people who can really use them.”

Staff from 333 Westchester Avenue have picked up the donated coats and stored them at their building. The clothing was delivered to the two non-profit organizations on February 20 when Charles Cohen presented a $1,000 check to each organization. Burlington Coat Factory has agreed to provide a substantial discount when the Youth Bureau and Grace Church come in to shop for more coats as needed.

Building owners participating in the program, in addition to Cohen Brothers, included Cappelli Enterprises, Inc. at 115 Stevens Avenue, Valhalla; Calano & Calano, LLP at 14 Mamaroneck Avenue and the New York Power Authority at 123 Main Street. White Plains.

The White Plains Youth Bureau offers children and young adults the opportunity to reach for success. Through a variety of youth development programs, the Youth Bureau fosters personal development leading to the fulfillment of personal dreams.

Grace Church Community Center provides shelter and support for Westchester County’s neediest and most at-risk residents. The Center operates a soup kitchen, shelters for women and men, day-care for low-income families, home health care services and summer day camp for children.