Giving back

Our family has been blessed.

Our kids were born, one on their due date and one before without complication.

They have grown up healthy and happy.

But sometimes a child is born with a disability or develops an illness and in addition to the stress of having a sick child, there are often concerns about how to pay for transportation or hotel rooms near the hospital.

The Foundation of CVPH has a travel fund that helps support the needs of North Country families who have to travel for treatment.  I (Michelle) am on the Board of Directors to help fund this and many other health education and wellness iniatives.

But this weekend, is an event particularly near and dear to my heart.  Tomorrow is our 12th annual Halloween Festival.  This all began in 2000 when a small trick or treat day was planned at Plattsburgh Housing Outlet where kids could come run around and the parents wouldn't have to worry about traffic or tainted candy.

It has evolved into a fundraiser that with any luck will have reached $40,000 in donations for the Ronald McDonald House in VT.  They have told us that about 70-75% of the families that utilize that facility are from our three counties in NYS.

It is a place that you can stay for little or no cost and be near your child in need.  They will feed you and provide shelter and a shoulder.

And for that reason, we will continue all the hard work that goes into the months of planning.  I am forever grateful for the support of our local businesses and civic organizations who help out every year.  Without them, this day would not be possible!