IN THE NEWS

Christmas Card for 2006 by TJ Hanlon

With all of the hype and commercialization of the holiday season year after year, it's nice to know that there are still gifts worth giving. This year, you can give the gift of hope with a personalized Christmas card from the McElroy Christmas Card fundraiser. All proceeds go to benefit the Ryan McElroy Children's Cancer Foundation, a local charity that helps families of children with chronic illness ease financial burdens.

The fundraiser was developed last year by the foundation's executive board Steve Reverri and his wife and fellow board member, Erin, as a way to get the foundation's name out into the community and allow benefiting families to get a little extra help during the holiday season. The cards, designed by Deputy Sheriff T.J. Hanlon and personalized at no additional charge, can be purchased with a donation of any amount. For donations of over $20, patrons will also receive a yellow and blue Ryan McElroy Foundation bracelet.

Last year, word of the fundraiser was spread solely by mouth, and they still managed to raise a large amount for the foundation. Reverri is hopeful that with more notification this Christmas, the fundraiser will be able to put a lot of smiles on people's faces.

"This gift is perfect for people who don't know what gift to give," said Reverri. "It's the best of both worlds - you can give to both your loved ones and also a charity. It shows compassion, which is really something everyone can benefit from during the holidays. It's a win-win situation."

The Ryan McElroy Children's Cancer Foundation was started six years ago, and does a number of events and fundraisers during the year to benefit families up and down the Hudson Valley. Past events include their big annual gala, which will be held this year on March 10 at the Poughkeepsie Grandview Hotel. Ideas for a community softball tournament and a wine and restaurant tasting, similar to the Taste of the Hudson Valley, are in the works for this coming year.

Reverri is proud of the foundation's accomplishments over the past six years, and hopes the organization's success will continue.

"It's an absolutely worthwhile cause," Reverri said. "No one can turn down a child with such difficult diseases as the Foundation's children face."

Interested in making a donation? E-mail Steve Reverri at ryansfoundation@optonline.net or visit the Web site at www.ryansfoundation.org. You can also call the Ryan McElroy Foundation directly at (845) 855-0211 for more information.