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New Group Forms Connecting Businesses To Youth Development

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Improving the lives of children in Westchester County is the goal of a new group -- Westchster Companies for Kids -- made up of the Westchester Children’s Association (WCA), with The Westchester Bank and the Westchester Knicks.

Members of the newly formed Westchester Companies for Kids, work to improve the lives of children in Westchester County.

Members of the newly formed Westchester Companies for Kids, work to improve the lives of children in Westchester County.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The primary goal for the group is to engage the business sector with WCA’s mission: To improve the lives of Westchester’s young people by shaping policies and programs to meet their needs, and by keeping their well-being at the top of the public agenda. 

The group is co-chaired by John Tolomer, president and CEO of The Westchester Bank, and Kevin Bovet, vice president of Sales and Business Operations for the Westchester Knicks. 

“The Westchester Bank uses a well-known proverb as a guiding principle. That proverb says that ‘the only time one man should be standing over another is to help him up’ ”, said Tolomer. “When we look at the Westchester Children’s Association, which just celebrated its 100th year, we see the importance of their work in advocating for our children’s health and well-being. We know the fine work they do, and we’re pleased to play a small part in their success. If we can’t advocate for our children, who can we advocate for?” 

To celebrate its Centennial in 2014, WCA launched a campaign to raise $6.5 million, which it exceeded this year. All of the money raised came from private donors, foundations and corporations. 

“The success of the Centennial Campaign has not only allowed us to grow our organization and bolster our endowment, it also means more individuals, organizations and businesses are supporting our work," said Cora Greenberg, executive director of WCA. “WC4K will help businesses learn about the most pressing issues facing our children, and will be a vehicle through which they can help address those issues.” 

In addition to The Westchester Bank and the Westchester Knicks, eight other companies have joined the group as founding members including Barhite & Holzinger; Spencer-Adams, Inc.; Empress Ambulance Service; New York Hospitality Group; Walison Corp., and Stop & Shop. 

Companies interested in joining Westchester Companies for Kids, should contact Betsy Steward at bsteward@wca4kids.org or call 914-946-7676 ext. 303. 

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