We all have prior experience in the business world and have all have/had careers in diverse fields. One is a former VP from Deutsche Bank and Credit Suisse investment banks, another an AP Science teacher and school district administrator, and the other has her doctorate in Cardiovascular/Metabolics. We own private businesses and are active in our community as PTA board members, PTA volunteers, Girl Scout leaders. We continue to be heavily involved with our children’s education, sports and music programs.

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In addition to the three founders, we are thrilled to have added another Chris to our Executive Board. She grew up in Hauppauge and has been an elementary teacher in the Smithtown School District since 2001.  She also has experience running character building and community service clubs for elementary aged children.  Her family owns a party planning business so she is no stranger to fundraising!

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We originally formed in 2008 to help a local kindergartner diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma, but as we pooled our resources, we realized that we were building something to help the entire community. Even though Kaylee Ann Rivers has since passed away, her courage inspired us to help others in crisis!

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We assist families in crisis in many way. We pay medical bills, overdue household bills, and buy medical equipment that is not covered by insurance. We evaluate each application to find the best way to help. We manage college scholarships for graduating seniors from both of our high schools, many in memory of loved ones lost. We fund an annual Teacher’s Grant for a worthy classroom project that cannot be funded in any other way. We have become a resource for our community’s most needy as we work closely with our school district’s social workers, providing backpacks/school supplies, as well as Thanksgiving gift cards and holiday gifts.

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All of which are funded by our signature fundraisers held throughout the year and by the generosity of our supporters. This allows us to be an immediate resource to families in need.  We have ambassadors from within the schools who keep their specific school informed of who we are helping, how we are helping, and what businesses are supporting our efforts to accomplish these goals.

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As the word spread of our mission, we had student run clubs and honor societies, as well as the Smithtown Industry Association Board and the Smithtown Teacher Association fundraise for us. We’ve had local businesses & community groups help us; groups such as the Smithtown Youth Bureau, the Sunrise Rotary, and the Elks Lodge. We even work with other charities raising awareness of their worthy missions, such as End Drowning Now, Kings Park in the kNOw, & Reespechtlife. Most exciting of all, we now have chapters so that we can branch out to assist even more people, including Tristin’s Wish, Smi1es4S3an, Silent Night, Anthony's Hope, and we are now starting a chapter in another town!

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FOUNDERS

Christina Carnemolla

Christine Fitzgerald

Kristy Pagliari

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Christine Fitzgerald, Executive Director

Colana Sports Group, Inc.

Christina Carnemolla

New Image Gymnastics

Krissy Lonetto

Smithtown Central School District