Hailey's Hope Foundation

Supporting Families in the NICU

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HAILEY’S HOPE FUNDRAISER RAISES OVER $62,000 –

OFFERING NEW HOPE FOR NICU FAMILIES

 Brenda & John Fareri Receive First Hailey Zion Memorial Award for Community Spirit

(Rye, NY—May 7, 2010)  Cool April temperatures did not chill the warmth and generosity present at The Hailey’s Hope Foundation Second Annual Cocktail & Dinner Reception on April 17, 2010 at Manursing Island Club in Rye.  Brenda & John Fareri, the evening’s honorees, John Barnes and Larry Kwiat, executives from Westchester-based Reckson, a Division of SL Green Realty Corp., Billy and Melissa Albronda (a NICU family), as well as many of Rye’s own, were among over one hundred special guests in attendance.  The casual yet elegant atmosphere, great food, cocktails, exciting raffles and silent auction, and roasted marshmallows by the beach bon fire set the stage for a fun and memorable night.  The event was a huge success and raised over $62,000 for programs that benefit NICU families in need at the premier Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital (at Westchester Medical Center) in Valhalla, New York.

Among the evening’s many highlights was the presentation of the inaugural Hailey Zion Memorial Award for Community Spirit to Brenda and John Fareri for their extraordinary philanthropy with the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.  Their tireless efforts to establish this hospital in memory of their daughter and to garner support for its many important programs that help thousands of sick children and their families are truly inspirational.  This moment was extra special for us as we share not only the loss of a child and premature births, but also the deep desire and drive to help families.   We are grateful for their support.

Guests, Billy and Melissa Albronda from Oswego, New York, shared their incredible NICU story and the significant impact that support from Hailey’s Hope Foundation has made on their family.  Their son, Alex, who was born critically ill and underwent numerous surgeries, spent over 7 months in the NICU.  “It was a very difficult time for our family, and we couldn’t have gotten through it without the help from Hailey’s Hope Foundation,” said Billy Albronda.  “They are doing great things for NICU families.”

Hailey’s Hope Foundation is a grassroots 501(c)(3) charity established in memory of Hailey Zion, the baby daughter of Rye residents, Isaac and Donna Zion, who was born prematurely at 21 weeks and passed away shortly after birth.  It consists of moms, dads, and grandparents who are dedicated to helping families in need with premature and seriously ill babies hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).  Since its inception in December 2007, Hailey’s Hope Foundation has raised over $130,000 and provided financial and emotional support to over 250 families to help alleviate the burdens they face with frequent hospital visits and lengthy NICU hospitalizations.  “We have been where these NICU families are now, and we know the challenges of having babies hospitalized in their first precious days of life, struggling to survive,” said Debra Randazzo, Board member and Treasurer.  “It is an incredibly frightening, emotional and costly time, and we want these families to know that they are not alone in this difficult journey.”

“We are very grateful for the outpouring of love and support shown to us, especially from the Rye community,” said Isaac Zion, Board member. “As long time residents of Rye, my wife and I are always amazed yet not surprised by the thoughtfulness of our community and the extent that people will go to help others.  It’s wonderful to experience this.”

About Hailey’s Hope Foundation

Hailey’s Hope Foundation was established in 2007 to support the needs of families with babies hospitalized in New York-area Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). In addition to providing families with financial assistance for non-medical expenses, emotional support and education, Hailey’s Hope raises funds for much needed hospital equipment and neonatal research. Hailey’s Hope Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Goshen, New York. To learn more, visit www.haileyshopefoundation.org.

CONTACT:

Donna Zion

Vice President, Hailey’s Hope Foundation

Phone:  (914) 584-8833

Email:  info@haileyshopefoundation.org

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