Local Women Receive Accolades for Their Work in Providing Students With Tools for Success

Sept. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Over 100 local dignitaries, elected officials, business, educational and religious leaders and community supporters shared their esteem and thanks to two outstanding local women who have made a difference in the lives of thousands of children throughout Palm Beach County.  

At the Third Annual Back To School Breakfast held by the non-profit American Association of Caregiving Youth (AACY), Karen Krumholz, Executive Director of the Spirit of Giving Network, and Stephanie Saraco, President of BASH, were honored for their commitment and continuing leadership roles in the annual county-wide Community Back to School Bash, which provides disadvantaged children with essential back to school supplies.  This year’s BASH event served over 12,000 children throughout Palm Beach County and included distribution of clothing and shoes, as well as medical screenings.

Following welcoming remarks by Mark Hansen, Chairman of AACY Board of Directors, an interfaith prayer for school staff and all students as they begin the 2012-13 school year was led by Rev. Tom Tift, PhD and AACY Secretary, and Rabbi David Steinhardt of Temple B’nai Torah.  Boca Raton Mayor Susan Whelchel officially greeted the assembly and recounted her long-time affiliation with AACY and its Caregiving Youth Project, which was the beneficiary of the breakfast.

The event was highlighted by recognition of the dedication and commitment Stephanie Saraco and Karen Krumholtz have demonstrated over the year and historical background on BASH, from its initial inception over 21 years ago to today’s evolution into a community, county-wide program.  Also highlighted were retrospectives from the honorees themselves, overviews of local organizations that have benefited from the BASH program, and a summary of the important message and results such community programs as the BASH initiative provide.

In making the official presentation of personally engraved crystal hearts to the recipients, Connie Siskowski, PhD, AACY president, congratulated them for their dedication and reiterated the engraving “Now the children have tools for school.”

The Caregiving Youth Project, which benefited from the proceeds of the breakfast, is an ACCY program that offers services to children who care for ill, injured, elderly or disabled family members.  550 CYP participants were assisted this year through the BASH program.

For more information, please contact (561) 391-7401, www.accy.org or info@aacy.org.